Looking for a destination for your next relaxing getaway? Imagine being surrounded by coffee estates, fruit farms and spice plantations. Sounds heavenly, right? Yercaud has it all, from an abundance of natural beauty and adventure to cultural events and tourist attractions. Famous for its annual Summer Festival and boat races, it is a popular hill station in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Situated in the Shevaroy Hills, the following places to visit in Yercaud leave the visitor mesmerised with their breathtaking beauty. Yercaud Lake, being on the top of the list, is surrounded by other tourist attractions like Anna Park, Japanese Garden and Lady’s Seat.
We will explore these places to visit in Yercuad in this post, but before we dive into the serene beauty of the hill station, let’s learn more about the best time to visit and how to reach Yercuad for a hassle-free and memorable trip.
Best Time to Visit Yercaud
Being a part of the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud experiences moderate and sub-tropical weather, making it a popular choice for visitors throughout the year. October to June is usually considered the best time to visit Yercaud, as the weather is cool and pleasant in the winter. Moreover, a major attraction, the Summer Festival, is also conducted in May. This seven-day annual festival is a must-attend to get a deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of the city. From flower shows, dog shows and boat races to village fairs, cultural events, the festival is a perfect example of grandeur, elegance and adventure.
If you are planning to visit the place in monsoon (July to September), you can expect heavy rains and high humidity, which may hinder your outdoor activities. But the monsoon showers turn the place into a misty heaven, offering you a peaceful and calm atmosphere for a relaxing getaway. Also, this is the best time to explore the coffee plantations around the area.
How to Reach Yercaud
Yercaud is well-connected to the nearby cities and towns through the road network. Salem, at 22 kms away, is the major transit point from where you can either drive, book a taxi or take public transport on an uphill journey to reach Yercaud. If you are travelling via train, Salem Railway Station is a major railhead that is connected to the neighbouring cities and states.
While travelling by flight, Tiruchirappalli International Airport, Trichy (172 kms), Coimbatore International Airport, Coimbatore (186 kms), and Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (255 kms) are the nearest airports to reach Yercaud. From the airport, you can easily find a taxi or a bus to reach your destination. If you are coming through Coimbatore, you can relax & explore the city in the first day & start your Yercaud journey from the second day. You can check out budget-friendly hotels in Coimbatore offering comfortable and relaxing stays.
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5 Best Places to Visit in Yercaud:
Places to visit in Yercaud are filled with natural beauty, adventure and some of the best coffee plantations in India. From serene lakes to breathtaking viewpoints, every tourist attraction has its unique charm. Here are the five best places to visit in Yercaud for an incredible experience.
1. Yercaud Lake
Located just 1 kms from Yercaud Bus Stand, Yercaud Lake is one of the famous places to visit in Yercaud. Also known as the Big Lake or Emerald Lake, it is the only natural lake among all the hill stations in South India. Surrounded by lush green hills and a beautiful garden, the lake also has a floating fountain as a key attraction.
You can enjoy various boat rides, including a motorboat and a rowboat, as an adventurous activity in the Yercaud Lake. Also, don’t forget to visit the nearby Deer Park and Leisure Park, to enjoy a relaxing time and witness deer, swans, peacocks and hamsters.
Boating Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
2. Lady’s Seat
If you are looking for a place to get a bird’s eye view of the valley, Lady’s Seat is one of the best places to visit in Yercaud to get a magnificent view of Mettur Dam and Salem town. Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat and Children’s Seat are the groups of rocks located to the south-west of Shervarory Hills in Yercaud. It is believed that an English Lady used to spend her evenings at the place watching the mesmerising view of this rock.
For keen observers, there is also a mounted telescope to get a closer look at the Mettur Dam on the Cauvery River, especially during the late afternoon, when the sun’s rays fall on its waters and create a sparkling landscape.
3. Anna Park
If you’re looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy a memorable time with your loved ones, Anna Park is one of the best places to visit in Yercaud. Named after the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Annadurai, it is a botanical garden which is filled with a variety of indigenous plants, flowers and trees. You can enjoy leisurely walks, boat rides, horse rides, picnics, photography and bird watching here.
Designed with Japanese architectural techniques, the park hosts an annual Flower Show, which attracts a large number of visitors. During the flower shows, the park is decorated with beautifully arranged flowers and various competitions are held.
4. Pagoda Point
Also known as Pyramid Point, Pagoda Point is located in the eastern part of Yercaud hills, offering a panoramic view of the Salem town, neighbouring Kakambadi village and the 21 hairpin bends of Yercaud. It received its name, Pyramid, from the four piles of stones arranged in a pyramid structure, which also resembles a temple tower. Perfect place for nature lovers, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset and sunrise here.
The best time to visit the Pagoda Point is during the morning and evening, when the weather is pleasant and peaceful. Also, do visit the temple near the point, dedicated to Lord Ram. It is considered an important pilgrimage site for locals and tribes.
5. Kiliyur Falls
While looking for the best adventurous places in Yercaud, Kiliyur Falls is a must-visit destination. A 91-meter waterfall that flows from the Yercaud Lake into the Kiliyur Valley, Kiliyur Fall is a popular place for swimming and boating.
You can reach the fall by walking down 200-250 steep steps from the nearest road or by starting a trek from the lake. The peaceful surroundings and forests make it an ideal place for birdwatching, photography and relaxation.
Thus, Yercaud is easily one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu and is a perfect destination for your next adventurous trip in South India. Many of these places to visit in Yercaud offer captivating panoramic views, pleasant weather and a glimpse of rich cultural heritage, making it one of the best hill stations in the state. If you want to witness the hill station come alive with the festive vibe, you can plan your trip during the annual Summer Festival and Flower Show in May.
So, whether you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life or want to embark on a journey of adventure and thrill, do plan a visit to Yercaud. Additionally, you can book your stay at nearby hotels from Treebo Club’s website or app.
