Perched at the elevation of 4970 feet, Yercaud is a scenic and salubrious hill station located in the Shevaroys range of the Eastern Ghats. One of the offbeat hill stations located in South India, Yercaud’s magic grips you even as you ride into this rustic town tackling the 20 hairpin bends, some of which offer a thrilling view of the hills.
The places to visit in Yercaud include parks, caves, waterfalls, and several viewpoints. However, one of the major attractions of Yercaud is the Yercaud or the Emerald Lake. Yercaud Lake is located in the heart of the city, canopied with Silver Oak and greens. It is the emerald lake that gave the name to this city.
One of the must-do things in Yercaud is boating in the lake, which will offer you a mesmerizing view of the lush surroundings. The boating will cost you approx. 110 includes a boating permit and boat rental for half an hour. In addition, there are several eateries nearby the lake where you should try out the savory South Indian cuisine before you proceed with your trip.
Pagoda Point is yet another of the places to visit in Yercaud that should be on your list, especially if you are a photography enthusiast. You can capture incredible panoramas of the rolling and lush Shevroy Range of the Eastern Ghats. Photo ops are excellent for nature, sunset, and landscape photography. You may even capture the floating clouds hovering miles below from where you’re standing.
Yet another couple of viewpoints for nature walks and to feel the cool breeze caressing you as you soak in the ethereal charm of nature are the King’s Seat and the Queen’s Seat. The story goes that the Lady of the Town during the Raj spent her evening here soaking in the beauty of nature every evening.
One of the facts that make Yercaud one of the best summer destinations in India, especially down South, is that it is relatively less crowded than Ooty and Coorg. Even during May and June, which happens to be time for summer vacations across India as schools close for over a month.
Things to Do in Yercaud
Things to do in Yercaud also include visits to a silk farm, both experiential and with a dash of history. Here one could trace the journey of silk manufacturing and the history of silk production in India. The trip to this farm itself is an experience in itself.
For adventure enthusiasts, Bear Caves is one of the must-visit places in Yercaud. The cave is located on your way to Lord Murugan Temple. Although caves might get blocked sometimes due to fallen rock, it doesn’t deter explorers from making their own way deeper into the caves. Folklore has it that these caves were used by Tipu Sultan as an escape tunnel in case the need arose.
One of the reasons to choose Yercaud as a summer holiday destination for a family vacation then the deer park visit is one of the things to do in Yercaud that you are going to enjoy. We assure you your kids will love this place. Deer Park is an ideal place for a day’s picnic. Your kids will enjoy the deer prowling in this park adorned with natural beauty. In addition, there are several playing grounds where you could have fun family time in the park.
Yet another reason to choose Yercaud as your family summer holiday destination is Anna Park. It is located adjacent to Yercaud Lake. There are a lot of activities in there to keep your kids busy and excited. If you are visiting in May, there’s a flower show too. If you are interested in horticulture, there’s a Japanese park exhibiting the Japanese way of growing and nurturing plants, not Bonsai. The park remains open from 9:30 to 6:30 in the evening.
Your trip to Yercaud is never complete if you don’t visit GRT’s Nature trails, a nature resort located on the outskirts of the town. The cherry on the cake is the skywalk. Stunning vistas of the undulating and lush Eastern Ghats greet you as you climb the walk and behold the amazing 360° views. You can play with the clouds as they float above and below you.
Photo ops are breathtaking and leave you with a magical memory of Yercaud, reason enough to include it in our list of 38 excellent summer holiday destinations in India. There is a shop here where you could also shop for souvenirs, coffees, and boutique items to carry back the souvenirs of your trip to Yercaud.
Best time to visit Yercaud
Yercaud features a pleasant climate throughout the year. Temperature does not ever go beyond 29 degrees Celsius. Therefore, neither the summer season nor the winter season is too harsh here. However, the best time to visit Yercaud is from October to June.
How to Reach Yercaud?
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By Air:
The nearest international airport is Coimbatore Airport, which is 185.7 km from Yercaud. Getting down at the airport, you can hire a taxi from there to reach this fascinating destination.
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By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Yercaud is Salem Junction which is 32 km. You can also take a taxi or bus to arrive at Yercaud. Another closest railhead to the hill station is Jolarpettai which is just 20 km away.
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By Road:
A good road network connects Yercaud to the major cities in India. In addition, one can board state-owned transport buses or private buses from nearby cities such as Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore, etc.
