Yercaud Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Yercaud with our comprehensive tour guide, from the best things to do and see to where to stay and how to get there.


Introduction to Yercaud

Nestled in the Shevaroys hill range of Central Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a cozy hill station that’s perfect for nature lovers looking to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Yercaud’s hills are home to a variety of exotic plant and animal species, and the town itself is known for its orange groves and coffee plantations. While Yercaud may not be as well-known as other popular tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu like Ooty and Kodaikanal, it has its own unique charm and character.

List of Places to Visit in Yercaud

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Shevaroyan Temple. This ancient Hindu temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shevaroyan, and is believed to date back over 2,000 years. The temple is nestled among the Shevaroyan Hills, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.
  2. The Anna Park. This well-maintained park is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic with friends and family, or explore some of Yercaud’s natural beauty. The park has a variety of plants and trees, including beautiful rose bushes.
  3. The Montfort School. This boarding school has been in operation since 1917 and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The school is open to visitors and offers tours.

Natural Attractions of Yercaud: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Kiliyur Waterfalls. Yercaud’s best-known natural attraction is this stunning waterfall, which cascades down several levels of rock formations. The falls are at their best during the monsoon season, but are beautiful year-round.
  2. Lady’s Seat. This natural rock formation provides some of the best views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The spot gets its name from an old legend that says a British lady used to come here to enjoy the view.
  3. Deer Park. This park is home to a variety of deer species and is a great place for nature lovers to get up-close and personal with these gentle creatures.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yercaud

  1. The Pagoda Point Trail. This 3.6 km trail takes hikers through a dense forest to Pagoda Point, a scenic lookout point that provides stunning views of the hills and valleys around Yercaud.
  2. The Bear’s Cave Trail. This 4.8 km trail takes hikers through a forest to Bear’s Cave, a natural cave formation. The trail is quite steep in places, but the views from the cave are worth the effort.
  3. The Killiyur Falls Trail. This 7 km trail takes hikers to the base of Kiliyur Waterfalls, and is a great way to explore Yercaud’s natural beauty while getting some exercise.

Best Things to Do in Yercaud: Activities and Tours

  1. Coffee Plantation Tour. Many of Yercaud’s hills are covered in coffee plantations, and taking a tour of one is a great way to learn about the process of growing and harvesting coffee.
  2. Boating on the Yercaud Lake. The Yercaud Lake is a man-made lake that’s perfect for boating. Visitors can rent pedal boats, rowboats, and motorboats to explore the lake and its beautiful surroundings.
  3. Zip-Lining at Kiliyur Falls Park. This adrenaline-fueled activity takes visitors on a thrilling ride over Kiliyur Falls and is not for the faint of heart.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yercaud

Day Activity
1 Arrival, check-in at hotel
2 Coffee plantation tour in the morning, boating on Yercaud Lake in the afternoon
3 Hiking the Pagoda Point Trail in the morning, exploring Lady’s Seat in the afternoon
4 Visiting Kiliyur Waterfalls in the morning, Bear’s Cave Trail in the afternoon
5 Day trip to Salem to explore the city’s markets and temples
6 Relaxing at Anna Park and Deer Park
7 Zip-lining at Kiliyur Falls Park before departing for home

Food and Drink Scene of Yercaud

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Biryani. This flavorful rice dish is a favorite throughout India, and Yercaud is no exception. Look for variations that incorporate the local produce - oranges and jackfruit.
  2. Kuli Paniyaram. This unique dish is made from a batter of rice and black lentils, then seasoned with a variety of spices and fried to perfection.
  3. Mushroom Fry. Yercaud is home to many types of wild mushrooms, and this dish features them as the main ingredient, cooked with spices and local produce from the hills.

Local Beverages

  1. Orange Juice. Yercaud is famous for its oranges, and the juice made from them is a refreshing treat. Make sure to try the fresh, locally-sourced variety.
  2. Filter Coffee. Tamil Nadu is known for its delicious coffee, and Yercaud’s plantations produce some of the best. Order a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and savor the rich flavors.
  3. Jackfruit Shake. This delicious beverage is made from jackfruit, a local fruit with a unique flavor. It’s refreshing and perfect for hot afternoons.

Where to Stay in Yercaud: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Grange Resort. This beautiful resort is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. The resort has a variety of rooms and suites to choose from, as well as a swimming pool and restaurant.
  2. Sterling Yercaud Resort. This resort is located on the shores of the Yercaud Lake and offers comfortable rooms and suites with stunning views. The resort also has a variety of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, bar, and swimming pool.
  3. Sky Rocca Hotel. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Yercaud town and offers cozy rooms with all the amenities you need. The hotel also has a restaurant and rooftop bar with stunning views of the town and surrounding hills.

What to Buy in Yercaud: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Coffee. Yercaud’s coffee plantations produce some of the best coffee in Tamil Nadu, and buying some to take home is a great way to savor the flavors of your trip.
  2. Handicrafts. Yercaud is home to a variety of artisanal handicrafts, including pottery, woven baskets, and hand-carved wooden items.
  3. Spices. Tamil Nadu is known for its spices, and Yercaud is no exception. Look for locally-grown spices like cardamom, pepper, and cloves.

Local Culture and Customs of Yercaud

Yercaud has a rich cultural history and is known for its friendly people and traditional festivals. Visitors are expected to respect local customs and dress conservatively, particularly when visiting religious sites. When entering temples, it’s customary to remove your shoes and cover your head with a scarf or hat.

Best Time to Visit Yercaud

The best time to visit Yercaud is between October and June, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The monsoon season starts in July and lasts through September, and can make hiking and outdoor activities difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yercaud

Do:

  • Bring comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for mild outdoor activities.
  • Dress conservatively, particularly when entering religious sites.
  • Try the local food and drink, particularly the coffee and oranges.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment.
  • Disrespect local customs or traditions.
  • Plan outdoor activities during the monsoon season.

Safety and Health

Safety in Yercaud

Yercaud is a relatively safe destination for tourists, but visitors should still take basic precautions to ensure their safety. Avoid exploring remote areas alone, particularly at night, and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Health in Yercaud

Yercaud is not known for any specific health risks, but visitors should still take basic precautions. Make sure to drink only bottled water, and avoid eating food from street vendors or other sources that may not have been prepared in a hygienic environment.

Getting to Yercaud: Transportation Options and Logistics

Yercaud is located approximately 25 km from Salem, Tamil Nadu’s main city. Visitors can reach Yercaud by air, road or rail.

Airports Near Yercaud

The nearest airports to Yercaud are:

  • Salem Airport: Located approximately 33 km from Yercaud, this airport offers flights from Chennai and other major cities in South India.
  • Coimbatore Airport: Located approximately 180 km from Yercaud, this airport offers flights from major cities in India as well as international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Yercaud

Yercaud is well-connected to Salem and other major cities in Tamil Nadu by bus. The nearest bus stations are in Salem and Mettur.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire taxis or rent cars to reach Yercaud from nearby cities or airports.

How to Get Around in Yercaud

The easiest way to explore Yercaud is by hiring a taxi or renting a car. Visitors can also use auto-rickshaws or local buses to get around town.

Where to Go Next from Yercaud: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Salem. Yercaud is located just 25 km from Salem, a bustling city that’s famous for its markets and ancient temples.
  2. Kodaikanal. Located approximately 170 km from Yercaud, Kodaikanal is another popular hill station in Tamil Nadu known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
  3. Coonoor. Located approximately 215 km from Yercaud, Coonoor is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu that’s known for its tea plantations and scenic views.

Conclusion

Yercaud may not be as well-known as some of Tamil Nadu’s other popular tourist destinations, but it’s a hidden gem that’s well worth exploring. From its natural beauty and outdoor adventures to its rich cultural history and delicious food, Yercaud has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip to Yercaud and discover all this charming hill station has to offer.

Church at Yercaud Church at Yercaud Post Office at Yercaud Post Office at Yercaud Anna Park Anna Park Yercaud Lake Yercaud Lake Kiliyur Falls Kiliyur Falls Montfort School Montfort School Raja Rajeswari Temple Raja Rajeswari Temple