About Yercaud
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 290C and does not drop down below 130C 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.
Places of Interest
Yercaud Lake
Yercaud Lake is the 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
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
Killiyur Falls : This 3000 ft water falls is just 3Km away from the Yercaud Lake. Best suited to be visited after the Monsoon seasons.
Shevaroy 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.
Bear's Cave
Bear's Cave, located within the private coffee estate, is formed by two huge rocks. The place is situated in proximity to Norton Bungalow. This estate is based on the route leading to Servarayan Temple. Beside this coffee estate, there is a huge cave, which was believed to be home for the bears. Although the Bear's Cave is a private estate, it is open for general public about 7 ft below the ground level is the main area of this cave.
Trekking
Trekkers paradise of Yercaud, snake your way through a Ghat road that is a series of 20 hairpin bends. The trail that is most commonly sought after and followed is the one that circles, or rather, meanders around this lake town. The trail passes through a couple of viewpoints and many villages that are in and around the Yercaud hill range. To get to it, you will need to head in the direction of Yercaud Lake and from the junction, continue on the road going to Kaveri Peak. As you begin walking along the road, after having seen the lusty blue beauty of the spectacular Yercaud Lake, prepare yourself for the journey of a lifetime.
