Lying in the laps of Eastern Ghats in the Shevaroys Hills, Yercaud comes under the jurisdiction of the state of Tamil Nadu. Seated at an altitude of 4970 feet above sea level, Yercaud gets in name from a local translation of ‘The Lake Forest’. With dense sandalwood, silver oak and teak forests the place offers spectacular surroundings. Being perched in the Eastern Ghats it is slowly becoming popular amongst the people as a rejuvenating retreat away from the bustling city lives. With the dense treks of the forests, Yercaud is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. A part of the forests of the place have been restricted and maintained in their original forms and the wildlife there too is left undisturbed. Yercaud is also famous for its plantations of coffee, cardamom, black pepper, guava and citrus fruits including oranges. Covered in the sumptuous greens and being a hilly and rocky terrain, Yercaud also welcomes the adventure junkies for trekking and rock-climbing. Yercaud also has a rich history as it is believed to be one of the earliest settlements of the Telugu Kings. Also being discovered later by the official of the British era, it also showcases the evidences of the modern Indian History reflecting the colonial style architecture. With temples, caves, lakes and view-points, Yercaud is a complete holiday destination.
Climatiic Condition
Yercaud being perched at a considerable altitude offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. The temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C all year long making it a tourist destination that has a suitable weather all year long. The monsoon months of June, July, August and September witness a heavy rainfall.
Best Time To Visit
Yercaud is a destination that could be visited all year long because of its pleasant and soothing climate. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon months ranging from June to September as the rainfall records of the hill-town are quite high. Yercaud draws maximum tourists in the summer months as it holds the annual summer festival.
Attraction/Things To Do
The major attraction of this hill-town is the Big Lake or The Emerald Lake or the Yercaud Lake that gives the city its name. Enclosed with gardens and trees all around the periphery and reflecting the surroundings in the placid waters makes the entire view picturesque. It also offers boating facilities making it a popular tourist attraction of the place. Arthur’s seat is another attraction that provides an eagle’s view of the Big Lake. The Lady’s seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat is another beautiful view-point overlooking the convoluted laid roads, the Ghats and the town of Salem at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats. Orchidarium-Botanical Survey of India here in the town that is one of the two Orchidarium that is under the Botanical Survey of India. Here one can witness large varieties of native orchids and some other botanical species. The Pagoda Point or the Pyramid Point is famous of the temple of Lord Rama. The temple is visited and worshipped by the locals and has also attracted tourists time and again. There are Horticulture Farms, Silk Farms and Rose Gardens that also attract the attention of the nature lovers. One can also involve in activities like trekking and rock climbing. Also walking through the narrow lanes laid through the edges of the plantations is a rejuvenating experience. Shevarayan Temple dedicated to the local deity Lord Shevarayan. The temple is extremely famous in the nearby areas. The temple is seated on a flat hill-top that offers a breath taking view of the surrounding Ghats and valleys. Also one can indulge into shopping of some natural oils, perfumes and skin care products apart from the local hand grind coffee.
How To Reach
With about 20 hair-pin bends the roads from Salem to Yercaud are well laid. Salem is the nearest rail head connected to Yercaud and is about 35 km away from the hill-town. The nearest airport to Yercaud is at Trichy at a distance of about 163 km. One can hire a private taxi from Salem to reach the place. Also frequent buses from the nearly cities ply at regular intervals.
Distance From Major Cities
1. Salem– 28 km
2. Trichy– 167 km
3. Bangalore– 222 km
4. Coimbatore– 196 km
5. Chennai– 383 km
6. Madurai– 260 km
7. Krishnagari– 129 km
8. Kanyakumari– 491 km
9. Vellore- 247 km
10. Mysore– 182 km
11. Hyderabad– 785 km
12. Kozhikode– 368 km
13. Kodaikanal– 290 km
14. Thrissur– 303 km
Accessibility And Accommodation
Yercaud experiences a pleasant weather throughout the year and hence leisurely walks in the hill-town are a salubrious option. One can get around the town in their private vehicles or the local taxis available. Accommodation is not a worry when it comes to Yercaud. Being a hot destination amongst the tourists there are both luxury resorts and budgeted hotels in the hill-town.
