Tucked away in the verdant folds of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is a serene hill station in Tamil Nadu that offers a perfect blend of natural charm and cultural richness. This idyllic retreat enchants visitors with its mist-draped hills, dense forests, and sprawling coffee plantations that fill the air with a heady aroma.
Whether you're meandering along the scenic 32 km Loop Road, exploring the ecosystem of Deer Park, or simply soaking in the crisp mountain air, Yercaud’s peaceful ambience gently invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the hills and the lush green lawns of this hill station, Yercaud or Emerald Lake stands out as a must-visit destination in Yercaud. Located in the heart of Yercaud, this is the only naturally formed lake across all the hill stations of Tamil Nadu. The beautiful garden along its banks adds to its popularity and charm among tourists.
One of the top activities here is to take a boat ride in the motor or self-paddled boats available for a fee. The lake's charming water bodies and the scenic splendour of the surroundings offer the best boating experience in Yercaud. Be mesmerised by the Floating Fountain at Yercaud Lake or visit one of the stores and restaurants that offer the real taste of Tamil Nadu. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Yercaud Lake is the perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm
Located on Lady's Seat Road, Deer Park, situated on the shores of Yercaud Lake, is ideal for a memorable trip with loved ones. Peacocks, ducks, and deer make up the majority of the area's biodiversity at Deer Park. The lush surroundings of the park and the lively antics of its furry residents provide the perfect conclusion to your Yercaud sojourn.
Make the most of the moment in the afternoon as the sun shines mildly on the verdant valley, making this the best time for a visit. Surrounded by panoramic views of the valleys and filled with swings of every variety, Deer Park is the ideal location for a family picnic.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
The National Orchidarium in Yercaud, established in 1963, is a renowned botanical treasure spread over an area of 18.4 hectares. It boasts a diverse collection of around 3000 trees and 1800 shrubs, making it one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. Dotted with rare and exotic orchid species, the Orchidarium is a haven for lovers of the outdoors in Yercaud.
The Orchidarium is particularly famous for its extensive and varied collection of orchids, including several rare and exotic species. Some of the highlights of the Orchidarium are the Kurinji flower, known for its unique 12-year blooming cycle and the Lady’s Slipper, which eats insects. Thousands of visitors come here each year to capture the botanical marvels.
The Orchidarium features several distinct sections, such as a bonsai garden, foliage garden, topiary garden, rock garden, water garden, herbal garden, and a sensory garden. This stunning tourist destination in Yercaud has drawn notable figures from the South Indian film industry.
Timings: Everyday from 8 am to 6:30 pm
The Pagoda Point offers a spectacular blend of historical significance, spiritual significance, and visual grandeur. It is an intriguing assembly of stones arranged into a pyramid-like structure that resembles a pagoda. According to local legend, these pagodas were built by native tribes as a memorial to their ancestors. Between the Pagodas, here lies a temple devoted to Lord Rama.
This viewpoint, also known as Pyramid Point, offers expansive views of the charming town of Salem and the glistening valleys that spread into the distance. From here, you can also see the intricate twists and turns of the 21 hairpin bends that wind around the hills of Yercaud.
Timings: Everyday from 5:30 am to 6:30 pm
Situated at a distance of 4 km from the Yercaud Bus Stand, the Kiliyur Waterfalls are located in the Eastern Ghats' Servarayan Hill range. The falls are fed by the waters of Yercaud Lake, and to reach the falls, visitors need to undertake a 2 km trek, which includes about 200 steep steps. This trek might be challenging for kids and the elderly. The journey, however, rewards you with the breathtaking sight of the falls and the lush surroundings. It's advisable to carry snacks and water, as there are no shops near the falls.
The waterfalls in the Salem area of Yercaud, one of the most popular tourist destinations, are a great place to seek inner peace amid the wilderness. The water from the 300-foot-tall Kiliyur Falls creates a stunning spectacle in the Kiliyur Valley.
Timings: Everyday between 8 am to 6 pm
With the temperature ranging between 15°C and 30°C, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities during October and June.
The Salem Airport is the closest airport at a distance of 38 kilometres. However, the closest major airport is the Trichy Airport, 168 kilometres away. You can hire a cab outside any airport to get to Yercaud. Alternatively, you can also board a bus that frequently travels these routes.