With the summer holidays setting in and a marked improvement is made in the COVID-19 situation, people are packing their bags and hitting the road for a much-needed vacay. Yercaud in Tamil Nadu is a great choice if you are on the lookout for a place with fewer crowds and a destination with unblemished natural beauty. This endearing hill station will provide a novel experience for those who had been to Ooty and Kodaikanal for umpteen times.
You can include Yercaud in your travel itinerary anytime of the year except the months of July, August and September.
Yercaud, which is 1,500m above sea level, is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district. The alluring coffee plantations and inviting orange orchards give a different feel to this breathtaking spot. An orchid garden coming under the Botanical Survey of India is another attraction of Yercaud, which has a huge repository of amazing flora and fauna. You can spot deer, bison, squirrel, fox, mongoose, rabbit, bulbul birds, sparrows, and different species of snakes, among others, at the lush green hills of Yercaud.
The drive to Yercaud from Salem is exhilarating as one has to manoeuvrer hair pin curves and could also see how the climate and vistas change as you go up the winding mountain road.
Emerald Lake
This amazing natural lake is the highlight of Yercaud. The clouds hugging the hills and the garden on the shores of the lake are a treat for the eyes.
Pagoda Point
The Pagoda point is a view point located on the east side of the Yercaud hills. As the point is made of four stones, it is also known as Pyramid point. It is believed that the structure was built by the local tribals. A Ram temple could also be seen in the vicinity.
Lady’s Seat Viewpoint
The Lady’s Seat viewpoint faces the winding ghat road and one can get a stunning view of the Mettur dam and Salem town from this strategic point. The viewing tower, which will be open only during daytime, helps the visitors to have a bird’s eye view of the surrounding regions. This viewpoint is near the Pagoda point.
Kiliyur Falls
The wondrous Kiliyur waterfall is 3km away from Yercaud town. It is better to visit this waterfall, which is in the Shervaroyan hill range, just after the monsoon season.
Bears Cave
It is believed that bears used to inhabit this cave, which is close to 300m long. The local residents document that the cave was a hideout of Tipu Sultan. Though this cave is presently part of a private tea estate, one can step into this natural grotto after obtaining prior permission.
Botanical Garden and Bell Rock
Neelakurinji, the flower that blossoms once in 12 years, can be seen at the botanical garden, and one can reach an incredible viewpoint after climbing a flight of stairs. The bell rock is another attraction – a rock in the Botanical Garden campus that make sa sound much akin to a bell's chime when you strike it with stone.
