Top Places To Visit In Yercaud
Perched at an altitude of about 1,515 metres in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is one of Tamil Nadu’s most serene hill stations. The places to visit in Yercaud include Yercaud Lake and viewpoints such as Lady’s Seat and Pagoda Point. Travellers can also explore natural attractions like Kiliyur Falls, and cultural sites such as the Shevaroy Temple.At the heart of the town lies Yercaud Lake, a central landmark surrounded by Anna Park and Deer Park, which together form a convenient starting point for most sightseeing itineraries. Elevated viewpoints including Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat, and Tipperary Viewpoint offer uninterrupted views of Salem city, ghat roads, and distant plains, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Spiritual landmarks such as the Shevaroy Temple Cave, Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple, and the high-altitude Servarayan Hills hold strong cultural significance and scenic appeal. Plantation visits at Cauvery Peak Coffee Estate, along with the Botanical Garden and Silk Farm, add depth to Yercaud sightseeing. Whether planning Yercaud places to visit in a day or curating places to visit over multiple days, the destination supports a well-paced hill station escape offering views, heritage, and nature, exploring the hill station through well-designed Yercaud tour packages helps ensure a relaxed, well-paced escape that balances panoramic views, heritage experiences, and refreshing encounters with nature.
Natural Attractions
- Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake): The only natural freshwater lake among South Indian hill stations, located in the centre of town. It features boating facilities, shaded walking paths, and easy access to Anna Park and Deer Park.
- Kiliyur Falls: A dramatic waterfall formed by the overflow of Yercaud Lake, cascading nearly 300 feet into a forested valley. The falls are most impressive after the monsoon and require a short trek to reach the base.
- Kottachedu Teak Forest: A lesser-visited forest area known for tall teak plantations, birdlife, and walking trails. It remains one of the quieter nature zones around Yercaud.
- Botanical Garden & Orchidarium: Maintained by the Horticulture Department, the garden features native and exotic plant species, including an orchidarium housing around 250 orchid varieties.
- White Elephant Lake: A peaceful waterbody on the outskirts of Yercaud, valued for birdwatching, reflective scenery, and low visitor traffic.
Panoramic Viewpoints
- Lady’s Seat: A prominent viewpoint overlooking Salem city and the ghat roads below, equipped with a telescope for long-distance viewing.
- Pagoda Point (Pyramid Point): Known for four pyramid-shaped stone structures and wide views of the plains around Attur and Ayothiapattinam, particularly striking during sunrise and sunset.
- Tipperary Viewpoint: Located at the southern edge of Yercaud, this viewpoint looks out over valleys and the distinctive white Elephant Tooth Rocks.
- Karadiyur View Point: A high cliff-side viewpoint presenting aerial views of the Mettur Dam and surrounding valleys, accessible via a short forest approach.
- Gent’s Seat & Children’s Seat: Adjacent viewpoints near Lady’s Seat, popular for open valley views and family-friendly access.
Cultural & Educational Sites
- Shevaroy Temple (Sri Servaroyan Temple Cave): Situated at the highest point of the Shevaroy Hills at about 5,326 feet, this ancient cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan and Goddess Kaveri.
- Bear’s Cave: Located within a private coffee estate near Norton’s Bungalow, the cave is associated with local legends and historical references to Tipu Sultan.
- Silk Farm & Rose Garden: Located near Lady’s Seat, the Silk Farm demonstrates traditional sericulture practices, while the adjoining Rose Garden displays multiple rose varieties suited to Yercaud’s climate.
- Cauvery Peak Coffee Estate: A well-known plantation offering guided walks, coffee processing insights, and estate-grown Arabica coffee tastings.