Yercaud Sightseeing

Yercaud Lake

The very first thing that catches your attention as you enter Yercaud is ‘The Big Lake’. Situated at the top of the Shevaroys Hills at the elevation of 4970 ft, the Yercaud Lake is a marvel of nature. It is the one and only natural lake out of all the lakes at the hill stations in south India.
The centre of the Yercaud Lake has been decorated by a floating fountain. This floating fountain embellished with florid lights was constructed by MALCO. Surrounding the lake are different attractions like Anna Park, Deer Park and Leisure Park. The sparkling water of the lake, the clouds flying at very low level and the beautiful trees of some rare species bordering the lake together create a magnificent contour.
The tourists can enjoy refreshing boat ride in the lake at the cost of very nominal charges. The boats provided here are peddle boats and rowing boats and the control of your boat is in your hands for half an hour or more if you wish. It is compulsory to wear a life jacket and the rules must be followed regarding safety issues.
The famous summer festival is organized in the circular area that encompasses the lake.

Anna Park

Situated on the banks of the Big Lake, Anna Park is popular for the flower show it hosts during summer. Apart from the common species of plants and flowers, the park houses some rare floral verities found in the woods of Shevaroys Hills. Major attraction of Anna Park is the Japanese garden cultivated inside. In this portion of the garden, the plants are reared in Japanese style. This flower garden is maintained by the horticulture department of Tamil Nadu government. The slides and the swings built in the garden attract the kids and they like to play here for hours. The entry fees charged here are only 2 Rs and if you are carrying a camera, 10 Rs for that

Lady's Seat, Gents Seat and Children’s Seat

Situated approximately 2 km south west from Yercaud town, Lady’s seat is a naturally formed rock array that provides a spectacular view of the entire valley down. It is believed that certain White Lady during the British Raj used to come here everyday and sit on the rocky seat to enjoy the breathtaking vista of the ghat, the curving roads, dazzling landscape and the entire Salem city. Salem city looks even more beautiful at night when thousands of glimmering lights add to its mesmerizing effect.
From Lady’s seat there is a straight drop of 200 ft. A viewing tower is constructed here which houses 2 powerful telescopes. At just 10 Rs of charges you can get the clear aspect of the entire terrain. Even the famous Mettur Dam and Dalmia Magnesite deposits of Salem are viewed from these telescopes. But this tower is not open during night.
A walk of few minutes uphill from the Lady’s Seat will reach you to Gents Seat. The winding, curving roads, the vehicles making way through the hill woods and also the Salem city can be perceived from here. Children’s Seat is situated next to Gents Seat and the mini park constructed here makes it a favorite picnic spot.

Arthur Seat

1 km hike on a steep road from the Yercaud town will take you to another wonderful spot Arthur Seat. This seat offers you a striking view of the enchanting Big Lake, the entire Yercaud town and the highest peak of Shevaroys Hills: the Servaroyan Peak.

The Servaroyan Temple

Shevaroys Hills are christened in the honor of the God Servaroyan of the Servaroyan temple. Servaroyan peak is the highest peak of Shevaroys Hills. The temple is situated at the altitude of 5326 feet. The temple is actually a dark and narrow cave in which the God Servaroyan and the Goddess Kaveri are seated.
Local tribal people believe that Lord Servaroyan is the guardian God and takes care of and provides for 67 villages around Shevaroys Hills. God Servaroyan represents the Shevaroys Hills and Goddess Kaveri represents the Cauvery River. It is said that the cave inside the temple is very deep and Cauvery River is directly touched by it. Servaroyan temple is a very holy place for the natives here.
Every year in the month of May people celebrate the Annual Festival of God Servaroyan on the plateau here. Thousands of tribal people from the villages around come here to take part in the festival and pay homage to their deities.
From the summit of the hill, the magnanimous and sublime view of the valley below, the mountains, hills, Yercaud town and Salem can be contemplated. At the times of the festival, a ride in a giant wheel is a majestic experience.
Servaroyan temple is 7 km from Yercaud and the uphill road passes through the spice gardens. The aroma of the spices will win your heart for sure.

Silk Farm and Rose Garden

A must visit place on the way to Lady’s seat is Silk Farm and Rose Garden. Situated just 2 km from the Yercaud Lake, this is one of the major tourist’s attractions of the town.
In the silk farm the visitors can observe how silkworms are bread and nurtured. In the premises of the farm mulberries are cultivated and silkworms are fed on mulberry leaves. Even the method and process of silk spinning can be seen here. Monsoon is the best time to visit this farm as it is the breeding season of silkworms.
The rose garden is also situated at the same location. Blossoming rose flowers of different colors and sizes create an extremely charming spectacle. They have rightly put up the ‘do no pluck flowers’ sign there. A wide range of the variety of roses and other beautiful flowers are the special features of this garden. You will never want to go back home from there.
A nursery is housed in the garden from where you can buy a plant of your choice and take home a memento of the artistry and grace of Yercaud.

Pagoda Point

Positioned at the Eastern Yercaud Hills, this view point is also called ‘Pyramid Point’. As the name suggests, a pagoda king of structure is found here. In olden days the native tribes of Yercaud are said to have made random four piles of stones to mark some important event. These piles of stones unintentionally created a pagoda or pyramid kind of formation. Tribes of Yercaud believe this to be a historic monument.
At present a temple is situated inside this Pagoda. An idol of Lord Rama is seated in the temple.
Pagoda point or Pyramid point is about 5 km away from the Yercaud town. It has become well known as a favorite picnic spot. We get a breathtaking view of the valley down and cliffs around and a spectacular vista of Salem town and other small villages like Kakambadi, Ayothiapattinam and Attur from here. The best time to visit the Pagoda Point is either early morning or late evening.

Killiyur Falls

The entity that makes the Shevaroys Hills even more alluring and appealing is the Killiyur Falls. Noteworthy for its 300 feet drop, this waterfall is just 3 km away from the Yercaud Lake. Enticing woods of Yercaud abundant with coffee plantations and spices gardens attract trekkers and hikers. Though the unpaved road to Killiyur falls is quite rough, narrow and even steeps at times, the satisfaction involved is worth the efforts.
The Yercaud Lake and the Killiyur Falls are connected through a stream and the access water of the lake finds its way to the Killiyur Valleys via these waterfalls. If you want to reach the bottom of the Killiyur Falls, the road is very difficult and woods are dense. This trekking requires a lot of stamina and strong will. A proper path to the bottom of the falls is under construction and hopefully is gets complete soon.
The spectacle seen both from the top and the bottom of the falls is perfectly stunning and sensational. The best season to visit the Killiyur Waterfalls is after monsoon when the waterfalls are full with ample flickering water.

Bear’s Cave

A must visit place on the way to Servaroyan Temple is the Bear’s Cave situated near the Norton Bungalow. Norton was a well known criminal lawyer from Chennai. The Bear’s cave is now a private property so if you want to pay a visit to it, you must acquire prior permission.
It is believed that wild bears used to dwell in this cave in olden days and so the cave is named after bears. The central area of this huge cave goes 7 feet deep down the ground and there is an even deeper abyss which is a path to the Servaroyan Temple up hills according to the tribal belief. It is also said that Tipu Sultan used this cave as his hideout during the war times.
Exploring the cave is not that easy because the interiors of the cave are not high and you will have to crawl on all fours after some initial walking.
A temple situated near the cave is dedicated to Lord Murugan and natives believe that this temple is one of the six domiciles of that God. The central surface of the temple is artistically carved out of one single rock.

The Grange

David CockBurn, ‘the father of Yercaud’ constructed ‘The Grange’ which is counted amongst the oldest buildings of Yercaud. The structure of this architecture is like a castle and it is said that ‘The Grange’ was used by Robert Clive as his summer rest house.
When Sepoy Mutiny was going on, this castle was strengthened, canons were towered and gun stations were built. A large basement was built that can accommodate the provisions for at least 6 months. Though everything went alright and there was no need to use all this.
Presently the Grange is a private property and tourists are not allowed to visit it. But a very well maintained and luxurious resort is situated nearby.