Yercaud: A Hidden Treasure in the Tamil Nadu Hills**

 **Yercaud: A Hidden Treasure in the Tamil Nadu Hills**

Set amidst the peaceful hills of the **Shevaroy Range** in Tamil Nadu, **Yercaud** is a beautiful hill resort that is ideal for a retreat from the chaos of urban living. Renowned for its cool climate, verdant foliage, and breathtaking scenery, Yercaud is popularly known as the "Jewel of the Hills." Although it may not be as thronged as its better-known rivals such as Ooty or Kodaikanal, Yercaud's serenity, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage render it a perfect place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those in search of a tranquil haven.

In this blog, let’s take a closer look at what makes Yercaud a hidden gem, from its lush landscapes and serene lakes to its charming attractions and cool weather. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Yercaud promises an unforgettable experience.

### **A Brief Overview of Yercaud**

Situated around 15 kilometers from **Salem**, Yercaud is situated at an elevation of around 5,000 feet above sea level and enjoys a comfortable climate throughout the year. "Yercaud" means "Lake Forest," and it is named after the calm **Yercaud Lake** lying at the center of the town, which is encircled by dense forests and vast plantations.

Yercaud is not as commercialized as other Tamil Nadu hill stations, so it is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to enjoy a less crowded, more relaxed environment. The colonial-style architecture of the town, its scenic spots, and friendly climate make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking relaxation in nature.

### **Places to Visit in Yercaud**

Yercaud provides a variety of attractions that are ideal for viewing at leisure. Whether you trek through the woods, boat across the lake, or bask in the panoramic views, there is something for all.

#### **Yercaud Lake: A Serene Escape**

In the heart of the town is **Yercaud Lake**, a picturesque man-made lake lined with abundant greenery and rolling hills. The lake is ideal for a serene boat ride or a tranquil walk along its shores. The boat ride provides dramatic views of the surrounding hills and thus is an ideal venue to relax or take in a picnic with friends and family.

The lake zone is also provided with neat gardens and play grounds and is thus the perfect place to relax as well as have recreation. The proximity of **Anna Park**, complete with diversity in plants and flowers and a play area for kids, makes it another lovely site to indulge in nature.

#### **Lady's Seat: A Mesmerizing Viewpoint**

For stunning panaromaic views of the valley below, **Lady's Seat** is a must see place in Yercaud. Situated on the eastern part of the hill station, this view point provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills, valleys, and far-off plains. The scenery is particularly beautiful during sunset, when the sky is set ablaze with shades of orange and pink.

The name "Lady's Seat" has been named after a tradition dating back to the colonial time, when English ladies would pay a visit to the place just to feel the cool breeze and the beauty of the surroundings. The viewpoint also has seating facility and a café for the onlookers to sit and ponder.

#### **The Shevaroy Temple: A Spiritual Retreat**

Situated atop **Shevaroy Hills**, the **Shevaroy Temple** is a significant place of worship for the people. The temple is a shrine to Lord Servarayan, the deity who rules over the Shevaroy range, and provides a serene environment with a breathtaking view of the whole town of Yercaud. A brief trek along the dense woods brings one to the temple, which is a favorite among both spiritualists and nature enthusiasts.

#### **Botanical Garden: Nature Lover's Paradise**

For visitors with a love for plants, Yercaud's **Botanical Garden** is a must-visit. Comprising a large area, the garden features exotic as well as local flora, along with an immaculately maintained orchid, rose, and other tropical plant collection. It's an ideal location to enjoy a stroll in nature or breathe in some cool, fresh air.

#### **Killiyur Falls: Nature’s Beauty at Its Best**

About 3 kilometers from Yercaud Lake, **Killiyur Falls** is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the area. Cascading from about 300 feet, the falls are enveloped by dense forests and rocky cliffs. A brisk walk through the forest takes you to an observation point where you can relish the sight and sound of the flowing water. The falls are quite spellbinding during the monsoon months when they are in full force.

### **Adventure Activities in Yercaud**

Not only is Yercaud a destination for rest and sightseeing, but also a few adventure activities for enthusiasts. Whether it's trekking, cycling, or rock climbing, Yercaud has everything to cater to your needs.

#### **Trekking and Nature Walks**

The hills surrounding Yercaud are dotted with trekking paths that lead to some breathtaking vistas and isolated spots. One such popular trek is the path to **Killiyur Falls**, which runs through dense woodlands and provides a chance to observe the flora and fauna of the region close at hand.

There are also a few other trails near **Pagoda Point** and **Telescope Hill** for those who want to discover the natural beauty of the place on foot. The pleasant climate and peaceful environment make Yercaud a great place for nature walks and short hikes.

#### **Cycling**

Cycling is also a favorite activity in Yercaud. The scenic roads, beautiful landscapes, and favorable climate make it the perfect destination for a relaxed cycling tour. You can hire cycles from local shops and ride along the scenic roads that wind around the town and surrounding hills.

### **Yercaud's Coffee and Spice Plantations**

Yercaud is famous for its **coffee plantations**, which flourish in the cool, hilly climate of the hill station. Several of the plantations also grow spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cloves. Travelers can have guided tours of the plantations to understand the process of coffee production and sample a fresh cup of coffee amidst the picturesque landscape of the surroundings.

The estates of coffee and spices in the region also provide places for photography, so it is an excellent destination for nature lovers as well as agriculture enthusiasts.

### **Culinary Delights of Yercaud**

When in Yercaud, do try out some of the local Tamil Nadu food. There are several dishes available at the hill station, which are a treat for taste buds as well as a belly-filling food. **Idli**, **dosa**, **vada**, and **sambar**, which are popular South Indian items, are staple fare, but you might even get to experience the local favorite dishes such as **Chettinad chicken curry** and **appam** with stew.

Also, most of the resorts and cafes in Yercaud provide coffee brewed fresh from the local plantations. Whether you like a tea or a cup of coffee, enjoying your favorite drink with the breathtaking views is something that you will always remember.

### **How to Reach Yercaud**

Yercaud has good road and rail connectivity with other major cities of Tamil Nadu.

- **By Air**: The closest airport is **Salem Airport**, about 35 kilometers away from Yercaud. It is well-linked to big cities like Chennai and Bangalore. From there, one can avail a taxi to go to Yercaud.

- **By Train**: The closest big railway station is in **Salem**, well linked to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore. You can travel by bus or taxi from Salem to Yercaud.

- **By Road**: Yercaud is well connected by road, and the drive from Salem is scenic, taking about 1.5 hours. You can take a taxi or bus from nearby cities.

### **Best Time to Visit Yercaud**

The ideal time to visit Yercaud is in the **winter season (October to March)** when the climate is pleasant and cool, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor excursions. The summer season (March to June) is also quite cool compared to other parts of the country, but it's best to steer clear of the monsoon season (June to September) because of heavy rain and the possibility of landslides.

### **Conclusion: Yercaud - A Serene Haven in the Hills**

Yercaud might be a lesser-known hill station in Tamil Nadu, but its charm, peace, and beauty make it a perfect haven for anyone wishing to explore the natural beauty of the Western Ghats. Its scenic outlook points, tranquil lakes, refreshing atmosphere, and cultural heritage make Yercaud the perfect place to unwind, seek adventure, or explore. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat, a trek in nature, or an opportunity to relish local cuisine, Yercaud has something to offer you for a fresh and memorable experience.