Best Places to Visit in Yercaud

Nestled in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is often called the “Jewel of the South”. Unlike the crowded hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal, Yercaud has retained its charm with lush coffee estates, emerald-green lakes, and panoramic viewpoints. If you’re looking for a peaceful yet refreshing getaway, Yercaud is the perfect choice.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Yercaud

Below are the 10 best places to visit in Yercaud:

1. Yercaud Lake & Boat House (Emerald Lake)

No trip to Yercaud is complete without visiting the Emerald Lake, popularly known as Yercaud Lake. Surrounded by gardens and woods, this is the only natural lake in South Indian hill stations.

• Things to do: Boating (row, pedal, or motor boats), lakeside photography, evening strolls.
• Why visit? The calm waters reflect the surrounding greenery, making it a photographer’s paradise.

2. Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat & Children’s Seat

These three viewpoints are perched on a rock and offer breathtaking panoramic views of Salem town and Mettur Dam.

• Best time: Sunset is magical from here.
• Interesting fact: The Lady’s Seat was a favorite relaxation spot for British women during colonial times.
• Things to do: Enjoy the telescope mounted for a closer look at Salem city.

3. Pagoda Point

Named after the four piles of stones arranged in a pyramid-like shape, Pagoda Point offers mesmerizing views of Yercaud’s landscapes.

• Best time: Early morning or evening.
• Tip: Carry a hot cup of tea from a nearby stall and soak in the misty breeze.

4. Botanical Garden & Orchidarium

Yercaud’s Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of flora, including rare orchids.

• Highlight: The Orchidarium maintained by the Botanical Survey of India has more than 250 species of orchids, including some that are exclusive to India.
• Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, and students of botany.

5. Killiyur Falls

A hidden gem in Yercaud, Killiyur Falls cascades from 300 feet into a valley surrounded by forests.

• Best time: Post-monsoon (October to December) when the waterfall is at its best.
• Adventure factor: A short trek down the rugged path is required to reach the falls.

6. Servarayan Temple

Located atop the Servarayan Hills (1623 meters), this temple is dedicated to Lord Servarayan and Goddess Kaveri.

• Unique aspect: The temple is built inside a narrow cave.
• Bonus: From here, you get panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

7. Montfort School

One of the oldest international schools in India, Montfort is an architectural gem established in 1917.

• Why visit? The colonial-style buildings, well-maintained grounds, and old-world charm make it worth a visit.

8. Shevaroy Hills Coffee Plantations

Yercaud is synonymous with coffee. A guided tour through the coffee plantations offers insights into cultivation and processing.

• Tip: Don’t forget to buy freshly ground coffee beans from local shops.

• Extra: Pepper, cardamom, and oranges are also grown here.

9. Deer Park & Anna Park

Perfect for families with kids, these parks near Yercaud Lake feature gardens, play areas, and a small deer park.

• Best for: Picnics and evening strolls.

10. Trekking Trails

If you love adventure, Yercaud offers multiple trekking routes.

• Popular trails: Killiyur Falls trek, Pagoda Point trek, and Elephant Tooth Rocks trek.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable even for beginners.

Why Visit Yercaud?

Here’s why Yercaud deserves a spot on your travel list:

• Unspoiled beauty: Dense forests, coffee plantations, and cool weather.

• Less commercialized: Unlike Ooty, Yercaud is quieter and budget-friendly.

• Perfect weekend getaway: Just 230 km from Chennai and 190 km from Bangalore.

• Adventure & relaxation: Trekking, boating, sightseeing, and chilling at scenic spots.

Places to Visit in Yercaud in 1 Day

If you’re short on time, you can still experience the essence of Yercaud in just one day. Here’s the perfect itinerary covering the must-see attractions:

1. Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake)

• Start your day with a peaceful boating experience.
• Surrounded by gardens and woods, this is Yercaud’s most famous landmark.

2. Lady’s Seat

• Head to this viewpoint for panoramic views of Salem city.
• A great spot for photography in the morning light.

3. Pagoda Point

• Famous for its pyramid-like stone structures.
• Offers wide views of Yercaud’s hills and valleys.

4. Botanical Garden & Orchidarium

• Ideal for a mid-day visit.
• Explore exotic orchids and unique plant species.

5. Killiyur Falls

• Trek down to witness this 300-feet tall waterfall.
• Best visited post-monsoon for full flow.

6. Servarayan Temple

• Located at Yercaud’s highest point (1,623 m).
• The cave temple also gives sweeping valley views.

7. Anna Park

• Relax amidst landscaped gardens and native plants.
• Perfect for a short break before heading to your next spot.

8. Coffee Plantations

• A unique Yercaud experience you shouldn’t miss.
• Walk through lush estates and taste freshly brewed coffee.

Things to Do in Yercaud

1. Boating at Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake)

• Rent a rowboat, pedal boat, or motorboat.
• Enjoy the serene atmosphere and scenic surroundings.
• Perfect for couples and families.

2. Watch the Sunset from Lady’s Seat

• Capture breathtaking views of Salem city.
• Evening skies make this one of the most romantic spots in Yercaud.

3. Trek to Killiyur Falls

• A short but adventurous trek through forested trails.
• Reward yourself with the sight of a 300-feet tall waterfall.
• Best visited after the monsoon season.

4. Explore Coffee Plantations

• Take a guided walk through sprawling estates.
• Learn about coffee cultivation and taste freshly brewed coffee.
• Don’t forget to shop for local beans and spices.

5. Visit Pagoda Point

• A peaceful spot with pyramid-shaped stone structures.
• Offers panoramic valley views, perfect for photographers.

6. Discover the Botanical Garden & Orchidarium

• See rare orchids and exotic plants.
• Ideal for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.

7. Pay a Visit to Servarayan Temple

• A cave temple at Yercaud’s highest point.
• Offers spiritual vibes along with stunning valley views.

8. Relax at Anna Park & Deer Park

• Family-friendly parks near Yercaud Lake.
• Spot deer, peacocks, and rabbits at Deer Park.
• Great picnic and leisure spots.

9. Enjoy Local Food & Street Shopping

• Try fresh filter coffee, hot bondas, and local Tamil snacks.
• Buy spices, coffee powder, and handmade chocolates as souvenirs.

10. Adventure & Trekking Trails

• Popular treks include Elephant Tooth Rocks and Shevaroy Hills trails.
• Easy to moderate difficulty, suitable even for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions