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Yercaud in Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist destination and hill station and there are several things to be done here and quite a few places to be visited. The entire region is like a paradise, with its picaresque locals, dreamy walkways, blue hills, and great weather.
Those who come to Yercaud only return with happy memories and there are a number of places that deserve special mention.
Sightseeing in Yercaud has to start with this amazing waterfall. This is perfect for a group excursion or a family picnic. The pristine view of the falls and the wonderful climate make it a perfect holiday destination. There are also boating options in the surrounding lake. The waterfalls are a part of the Shervaroyan hill range in the Eastern Ghats and the waters of the falls drop to about 300 feet to the Kiliyur Valley. The 250 steps that one has to walk to reach the falls make it a great trip with the surrounding beauty revealing itself. There is ample parking space at the base of the waterfall. It will take about 3 hours to visit Kiliyur falls and the best time to visit is right after the monsoons after the waterfall has just been fed by rainwater.
This natural lake in Yercaud is a high point of Yercaud and you have to visit this dreamy lake. The lake is surrounded by hills on all sides which are reflected in the waters. There are gardens on the bank of the lake to sit and relax in. It is the perfect spot for someone to just sit and relax. One can also go boating in the lake and the rates are quite inexpensive. There are self-driven rowing boats as well.
Although it is a private property at present, the owner of the land has opened this cave for tourists. It is so named because it is said that bears really lived in those caves long back. While there are no bears now, the caves make for a great sight of exploration. The caves are a part of a private coffee estate near the Norton Bungalow and one can find it on their way to the Servaroyan temple. The cave itself is located about 7 feet below the ground and goes quite deep.
The point is located in the eastern part of the Yercaud Hills and is one of the best places to see the natural beauty of Yercaud. One can see the whole town of Salem spread below from this point. There are about 21 hairpin bends in the region and a dreamy mist always envelopes this place. The place gets its name because there is a mysterious pile of stones that are lain one atop the other that gives it the shape of a pagoda which are believed to be kept there by the earlier local tribes. A temple dedicated to Lord Ram is also to be seen here. The cliffs around the point are also a great spot for hiking and trekking and the sunrise and sunset from here are striking.
The Lady’s Seat is another striking viewpoint in Yercaud and is open from 6 am to 6 pm. One can see the winding ghat roads below and it is quite a sight. One can also get views of the Mettur Dam, the Cauvery River, and the Salem town from up here, and the viewing tower also has a telescope that helps with the sightseeing. There are other viewpoints as well in the vicinity named like Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat. The point is so named because it is believed that an English lady used to sit here and enjoy the sunset. The points are also great spots to indulge in photography.
The botanical garden in Yercaud deserves special mention because of the plethora of orchids that are to be found here. There is a wide range of flora to be seen here and it will prove to be a very educational trip if children are traveling with the group. Yercaud is also known for Kurinji flowers and they bloom here a lot. The flower is very rare because it blooms once in twelve years and the garden is one of the best places to see them in full bloom. The National Orchidarium has located only 2 km from Emerald Lake and there are over 30 orchid species to be seen here. It is the third-largest orchidarium in India and houses many rare species.
Another hugely popular viewpoint in Yercaud, and located right at its southernmost tip, one can reach the viewpoint by taking the Tippery Road. There are several other points that one can reach from here like the Elephant Tooth Rocks. It is said that some meteorites fell to the surface of the earth over here. The surrounding hills have a blackish color because they are made of granite and make for a very interesting topography. There is also an adjoining estate that once housed a very elite and classy British hotel from 1930 to 1940. One can also view the beautiful town of Salem at night from here when it is all lit up. Trekking to this point is also a popular activity.
A very significant place in Yercaud, the Annamalaiyar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it has a single tower that is filled with numerous idols. The temple stands about 1400 meters above sea level and naturally provides splendid views of the land around. There are distant coffee plantations, orange groves, and spice gardens to be seen from here. The temple itself has very simple and beautiful architecture, which is perhaps why it blends it so beautifully with nature around. The viewpoint close by is visited by several tourists and most of them come in to pay their respects. The distant views of the Shervarayan Hills are quite a sight.
While we all know how silk is made and that South India is very well known for silk sarees, but it is quite something to see the process. This can be witnessed in the silk farm of Yercaud and which is located very close to the above-mentioned Lady’s Seat. The farm is open to visitors and here one can see how the silkworms are reared and fed on mulberry leaves and then how they spun the cocoons from which silk threads are derived. One can understand the life of silkworms and the methods of spinning silk at this place.
Karadiyur View Point is a vertical cliff that offers breathtaking views of the Mettur Dam. The valley is also a major picnic spot in Yercaud. It is said that the region has several sloth bears from which it derives its name. The sunrise and sunset from here are breathtaking and the small 1 km trekking range is a great way to get some light exercise. It is just the right place for trekkers and hikers who want to get away from the city for a while. Although walking up the cliff is the best way to enjoy the place, in case there are elderly with you, you may also take your vehicle up to a certain point. There are enchanting peaks all around and one can enjoy great views from the observatories around.
Yercaud is a popular tourist destination and the summers are always filled with tourists which makes booking rooms at the last moment quite difficult. The books can be booked quite easily through the Oyo app and there are both high-end and budget options that one can choose from. The hill-facing rooms are especially in demand but you can also book rooms near the bus stop of the railway terminal if you want because of ease of transportation. In case you have elderly members or children traveling with you, then you may also book hotels that suit your specific needs.
Since Yercaud is a tourist spot, there are many eateries here to cater to the varied tastes of the people visiting. There are juice bars, cafes, and both vegetarian and non- beg restaurant options. Do not forget to try out the exquisite coffee here and also be sure to replenish your stock of coffee beans. Almost all the south Indian delicacies are to be found in the eateries, along with certain popular north Indian delicacies as well like chicken tandoori. The Green Park Restaurant, Attitude restaurant and bar and the Orange Restaurant deserve special mention.
If you are in Yercaud you simply have to go for a shopping trip and you cannot miss buying the exquisite coffee from here. The coffee is completely homegrown in the region and the flavor is unmatched. Yercaud is also famous for natural cosmetics and perfumes which are made from the colors of flowers and orchids that are found in the mountains here. Creams, face masks, moisturizers and makeup all come in travel-friendly sizes. It is also one of the best places to pick up fresh spices like cardamom and cinnamon. The Tex Valley Erode is a must-visit because you will find natural textiles and dress materials waiting for you here.
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April 15, 2024 
