Yercaud – the “Land of Seven Hills” nestled amidst the emerald embrace of the Shevaroys in Tamil Nadu, India. This hill station, perched at a cool 1,515 meters, beckons with its breathtaking landscapes, colonial charm, and delightful year-round weather.
The enchanting landscape include Emerald Embrace of Lush green hills carpeted with tea plantations and coffee estates paint a picture of vibrant tranquility. Yercaud Lake, a shimmering gem surrounded by gardens and woods, offers boating, picnicking, and mesmerizing views. Waterfalls wonders, adventure awaits include trekking trails, boating bliss, cycling escapade and it doesn’t fail to have its colonial charm of historical homes, botanical garden, spiritual sojourn and culinary delights.
Reason why Yercaud is called the Land of Seven Hills
The name “Land of Seven Hills” comes from the seven prominent hills that surround Yercaud:
- Servarayan Hills
- Manjolai Hills
- Shevaroy Hills
- Gress Hill
- Pagoda Hill
- Shervarayan Valley View
- Karmandurai
How to reach
By Train:
- Direct Route: For a hassle-free journey, hop on a direct train from Chennai or Coimbatore to Salem Junction. From there, connect to a charming narrow-gauge train that chugs through picturesque hills and quaint villages before reaching Yercaud. Take a train from major cities like Bangalore or Mysore to Salem Junction, and then switch to a bus or taxi to Yercaud.
By Bus:
- Comfortable Ride: Enjoy a comfortable bus journey from Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, or Bangalore. Numerous public and private buses ply these routes, making it a budget-friendly option. While direct buses are available, you might need to change buses at Salem Junction depending on your starting point.
By Taxi:
- Door-to-Door Convenience: Opt for a taxi for a personalized and convenient journey. Taxis are readily available from major cities and can drop you off right at your doorstep in Yercaud. This option is particularly suitable for families or larger groups traveling together.
Flying to Yercaud:
- Nearest Airport: While Yercaud doesn’t have its own airport, the closest one is Salem Airport, located about 35 kilometers away. From Salem, you can easily hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit yercaud would be October to June. This period offers crisp air, clear skies, and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. It’s perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and soaking in the panoramic views.
The 10 Majestic Charming places of Yercaud
1.Kiliyur Falls
Location: Killiyur Road, Pattipadi, Tamil Nadu 636601
Timings: 8AM to 6PM (All days of the week)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
The best time to visit Kiliyur Waterfalls would be just after monsoon June to September to take in the breathtaking view that they offer.
How to reach
The closest airport to is the Tirichirapalli Airport located at a distance of 160 kilometers from Yercaud. The nearest railway station is the Salem junction at just 120 kilometers from where taxis can be taken to Yercaud. A lot of buses are available to Yercaud from places like Chennai, Salem, Namakkal, Vellore etc. as it is a major tourist attraction. Within the region, autos can be hired to travel all around the premises.
2.Pagoda Point
Location: Yercaud hills, Yercaud, India
Timings : 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Time Required : 1-2 hrs
Entry Fee : No entry fee
Best time to visit Pagoda Point(preferred time): 06:00 am – 12:00 pm
How to Reach
By hiring an Auto-rickshaw.
By hiring a Car.
3.Lady Seat
Location: Lady’s Seat Road, Yercaud
Timing: 6 am to 6:30 pm (All days of the week)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
How to reach lady’s seat
It is close to Pagoda Point and is well-connected via all means of local transportation. Yercaud is situated in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. The nearest city or town is Salem, 32 km away. The nearest airports are Salem Airport at a distance of 38 km. The nearest railway station is Salem at 38 km.
4.Emerald Lake
Location:Salem-Yercaud Ghat Road, Yercaud 636602
Boating Timings: 8. 30 AM to 5. 30 PM
Motor Boat: Rs. 70 for 2 seating & Rs. 95 for 4 seating
Row Boat: Rs. 75 for 3 seating & Rs. 100 for 5 seating
Best time to visit
The best time to visit emerald lake would be in Summer from March to June.
How to reach
By road: Taxis and rickshaws readily ply the roads between Yercaud town and the lake. This convenient option takes about 15-20 minutes and drops you close to the lakeside activities and attractions.
By bicycle: Rent a cycle for an eco-friendly and refreshing way to reach the lake. The cycling path offers scenic views and allows you to stop at your own pace. Remember to follow traffic rules and wear a helmet for safety.
5.Tipperary Viewpoint
Location: Tipperary Road, Tipperary Estate, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 63660
Timings: 6AM to 7PM (Monday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
The perfect time to visit the Tippery Viewpoint is from October to June avoiding the monsoon season. It offers a breathtaking view when visited just after the monsoon season.
How to reach
It is situated at a distance of 2 km from the Yercaud Bus Stand and can be reached by driving along the Tippery Road or hiring a cab.
6.Shevaroy Temple
The Shevaroy Temple, also known as Servaroyan Temple, is a captivating hilltop temple nestled amidst the picturesque Shevaroy Hills in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu. It’s not just a place of worship, but a treasure trove of history, stunning views, and unique experiences.
Believed to be around 2,000 years old, the temple is shrouded in an aura of mystery and legend. Locals claim it extends all the way to the Kaveri River in Karnataka through a hidden cave passage!
Location:
Timings: 08:30 am to 5 pm
Suggested duration – 2 to 3 hours
Entry fee: There is no entry fee for the temple.
Best time to visit: The best time would be between the months of April and December. The weather is quite cool throughout the year However during May, you will be able to witness the Annual Festival.
How to reach: It is 7 kms from the Yercaud Bus Station. The best option is to reach Salem first and then you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the temple.The nearest airport would be at Kamalapuram, Bangalore and Chennai. There are more trains passing through Salem railway station. You will always find taxis and rickshaws to take you around to visit the temple.
7.Smaller White Elephant Tooth Rock
The smaller White Elephant Tooth Rock, also known as the Eastern White Elephant Tooth Rock, is a captivating natural landmark in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu. While not as grand as its larger counterpart, it still offers stunning views and a unique experience for visitors.
Location: This rock is situated on the eastern side of Yercaud, overlooking the scenic Ghat road, above the 60 feet bridge.
Timings : Sunrise to sunset – This is the ideal time to visit for optimal lighting and views.
Best time to visit – From October to February it would be better to have the breathtaking views and comfortable weather.
How to reach – it is located at a distance of 26 km from Yercaud Bus Stand.
8.Bear’s cave
This cave is located within the private property of the Norton Bungalow, a historical estate on the way to the Servarayan Temple.The cave might hold historical value due to its connection to the Norton Bungalow and its past inhabitants.
Location: Private coffee estate, near the Norton Bungalow, Yercaud
Timing: It is open all day
Entry Fee: No entry fee
The best time to visit the Bear’s Cave and Yercaud is between October and May, as during these months tourist activity is high in Yercaud.
How to reach
Bear’s Cave is located on the way to Shevaroy Temple and can be accessed in a taxi, jeep, auto or private vehicle.
9.Rose Garden
Over 20,000 roses, blooming in a kaleidoscope of colors like red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. Aromatic varieties like hybrid tea roses, damask roses, and miniature roses, each with its unique scent. Beautifully landscaped gardens with rose beds, hedges, and pathways, creating a picturesque scene.
The garden also houses other beautiful flowers like lilies, carnations, orchids, and marigolds, adding to the vibrant tapestry.
Location: Lady’s Seat Road, Yercaud, 636601
Timing: 8AM to 6PM (All days of the week)
Entry Fee: For Adult: INR 30
For Child: INR 15
Camera fee: INR 50
Video camera: INR 100
Best time to visit the Rose garden is from March to June.
How to reach
By using a auto rickshaw or bus or cab you can reach the destination. Through walk from the Yercaud city centre it is only 20 mintues.
Pro Tip: The Rose Garden is located near the Lady’s Seat viewpoint and Gent’s Seat viewpoint. Combining your visit with these scenic spots can make for a more fulfilling trip.
10.Kurumbapatti Zoological Park
Nestled amidst the foothills of the Shervaroyan Hills, the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in Salem, Tamil Nadu, offers a thrilling encounter with diverse wildlife and mesmerizing natural beauty.Immerse yourself in the diverse world of wildlife, encountering mammals like leopards, monkeys, sloth bears, and spotted deer, along with a vibrant array of birds and reptiles.
Location: Kunumbalpatti R.F, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636008
Timings: 9AM to 5PM (All days of the week)
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children
Best time to visit – The summer months can get unbearable owing to the extremely high temperatures. Hence, it is advisable to not plan a visit during the summer.
How to Reach
Kurumbapatti Zoological Park is located at a distance of 6 km from the city’s centre. You can reach the place easily thorugh auto rickshaw or private transportation. Once you are inside, the zoological park has stone pathways.
Yercaud is like a recipe for sunshine, with each ingredient contributing to your personal dose of happiness:
Nature’s Symphony: Lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, vibrant gardens, and a cool mountain breeze can all blend into a harmonious melody of happiness for nature lovers.
Adventure Thrills: Trekking through hidden trails, conquering challenging climbs, or boating on serene lakes can ignite the adventurer’s spirit and add a dash of exhilaration to your happiness.
Tranquil Escape: The peaceful vibe of Yercaud, away from the city’s bustle, can wash away stress and worries, leaving you feeling calm and rejuvenated, a key ingredient in the happiness pie.