Yercaud

Introduction

Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 4970 feet , on the Shevaroys Hills of the Eastern Ghats, located in Salem District of Northern Tamil Nadu. Because of the abundance of Trees and that happened to be near the Lake made the locals to call this area as Yeri – Kaadu meaning Lake Forest. Later on the name turned out to be YERCAUD and it is also called as Jewel of the South. Yercaud Taluk spreads in an about 382.67 Sq.km area which includes the Reserve Forest also. While rest of this region, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern Ghats welcomes all with its cool climate. The temperature never rises above 290 and does not drop down below 130 degrees. Yercaud is less expensive than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikanal. Yercaud population is 36,863 (2011 census).

Botanical Survey of India maintains an Orchidarium in Yercaud. Apart from this, Coffee plantations are a plenty here. Abundance of Orange Groves too are found in this region. Bananas, Pears, Jack Fruit and spices like Pepper are the other major production of this region . Scenically, Yercaud is an enchanting Hill Station on the Western Ghats and Trekking is the most enjoyable way to spend time.

Bison, Deer, Rabbits, Hares, Foxes, Mongoose, Squirrels, Partridges, Snakes, Bulbuls, Kites, Sparrows, Swallows and the Bird of Paradise form the Wild Life habitats of Yercaud region.

Places for sight-seeing include the Lake, Lay’s Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Arthu’s Seat, Kaveri Peak and the Servarayan temple at 5,326 ft.

Place of worship

Temple : Servarayan Temple, Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple
Churches : Sacred Heart Church, The Retreat Church, St.Joseph's Church, Holy Trinity Church, C.S.I. Church and Lutheran Church.
Mosque : Yercaud Mosque.

Shopping

There isn’t much shopping to be done at Yercaud. The tourists can shop at Salem markets on their way to Yercaud. Salem is famous for textiles and bright handloom fabrics. Most tourists pick up fresh spices from the shops here.

Summer Festival

During Month Of May.

How to reach Yercaud

By Road: Frequent Bus Services are available from Salem Junction and Salem Bus Terminus to Yercaud. Few Bus Services from Salem pass through and halt at Cauvery Peak, Valavanthi, Nagalur, Vellakkadai, Swinton Bridge to supplement the non availability of Town Bus Services within Yercaud.
By Rail: Salem Junction [36 km] is the nearest Rail Head . All south, North bound trains pass through Salem and Halts here. Salem Rail Junction is well connected to Trivandrum, Cochin and Mangalore too.
By Air: Salem [38Km], Tiruchirapalli [165Km] and Coimbatore [195Km] are the nearest Airports.

Tourist Information
Tourist Office
Yercaud.
Mobile : 94477-84477
Email : info@yercaud.net

Places of Interest

Yercaud Lake

Yercaud Lake is first attraction for a Tourist. It is a picturesque water body surrounded by gardens and well wooded area. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enchanting as well as refreshing.

The Anna Park

Maintained by the Horticultural Department, is located near the Lake. It houses a variety collection of many species of plants found around Shevaroys Hills. Annual Flower show is the summer attraction during the month of May every year. Exclusive Japanese Park enclosure that finds the Bonsai collections, the Japanese style of Horticulture, is an added attraction to this Park.

Lady's Seat

It overlooks the serpentine ghat road and provides a breath taking view. The tourists are gifted to have a panoramic view of the plains below and Mettur Dam on the Cauvery river, through the Telescope mounted at the Lady’s seat watch tower.

Pagoda Point

Located on Eastern part of Yercaud, on the 5th Km from the Yercaud Lake. The local tribes had built an arrangement of rocks in four Piles that looked like a pyramid. This made the place to be also called as Pyramid Point.

Killiyur Falls

This 3000 ft water falls is just 3Km away from the Yercaud Lake. Best suited to be visited after the Monsoon seasons.

The Servaroyan Temple

It is situated on the flat top of the Servaroyan Hill. It is a narrow cave temple dedicated to Lord Shervaroyan and Goddess Kaveri. As it is believed that the temple cave bottom touches river Kavery. Goddess Kaveri is worshipped as the presiding deity by all the villagers in and around this region. The Tribals gather here in thousands to celebrate their Annual Festival in the month of May every Year.

The Montfort School

The Montfort School for boys & girls and Sacred Heart convent for Girls are the two famous Educational Institutions in Yercaud imparting education. The Alumini of these schools include many notable personalities.

The Retreat

It was started in 1945 by the Brothers of Don Bosco. This institution serves as a Novitiate House where students of the Religious Order stay and study.