If you’re looking for a serene escape from the summer heat, Yercaud in Tamil Nadu is the perfect destination! Yercaud is situated in the Shevaroy Hills at an elevation of 1,515 meters. Yercaud, which is a small hill station, is famously known as the “Jewel of the South.” Yercaud has also been known as Kurinji Flowers Land, where the extraordinary and miraculous Kurinji flowers are seen once in 12 years and blanket the hills with a purple color. Yercaud offers a great mix of natural landscape, calm climate, and cultural festivities. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Yercaud has something for everyone. Let’s explore why Yercaud is a must-visit destination and uncover the best Yercaud attractions to make your trip unforgettable!
Why Visit Yercaud?
Yercaud stands out as a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat. With summers ranging from 20-25°C, Yercaud has a pleasant climate in its greenery and misty hills. The hill station is renowned for its coffee plantations, orange groves, and Kurinji flowers that bloom there, and because of this, it receives the name “Kurinji Flowers Land.” The serenity of the hill station, its landscapes, and its colonial charm make it an ideal summer destination. This Yercaud travel guide will give you the most enduring moments to do in Yercaud and why it’s your ideal holiday spot this summer.
Top Yercaud Places to Visit
Yercaud is blessed with Yercaud places that depict its natural scenery, cultural heritage, and serene environment. A few of the top places to visit in Yercaud are discussed below:
Yercaud Lake – The Heart of Yercaud
Emerald Lake, also known as Yercaud Lake, is among the best Yercaud sightseeing places, located in the center of the town. Surrounded by hills and gardens, this man-made lake is equipped with boating facilities and offers serene views. A boat trip across Yercaud Lake is an absolute must-try, suited for couples and families looking to experience some tranquility in the midst of nature in Yercaud. The nearby Deer Park is another point of attraction, where deers are spotted and a peaceful walk is possible.
Kiliyur Falls – A Scenic Waterfall
Kiliyur Falls is a scenic 3 km downhill trek from Yercaud Lake, one of the most frequented spots by nature enthusiasts in Yercaud. The 91 m high cascade plunges into a tank below amidst dense forests. Trek to Kiliyur Falls is one of the top picks in Yercaud, offering a cool retreat and a chance to spot the Shevaroy Hills. The peace of the atmosphere and the bubbling water make it a perfect picnic spot.
Lady’s Seat – A Panoramic Viewpoint
Lady’s Seat is one of the most popular viewpoints of Yercaud, offering a broader view of the surrounding plains and hills below. A British woman whose favorite was to halt here gave her name to this place. Lady’s Seat is ideal to watch sunsets and clear night skies. Lady’s Seat is one of the sites in Yercaud that has to be visited, especially by couples and photographers who want to share romantic moments amidst the beauty of Yercaud.
Kurinji Andavar Temple – A Spiritual Haven
The Kurinji Andavar Temple, a temple of Lord Murugan, is one of the principal cultural sites of Yercaud. The temple gets its name from the flower-burst of the Kurinji flowers here, which also takes place only every 12 years. The temple offers scenic vistas of the hills and is a peaceful place for spiritual rejuvenation. A trip to Kurinji Andavar Temple is a must for all those who go to Yercaud, which makes you connected with the religious heritage of the place as well as the glory of the Kurinji Flowers Land.
Things to Do in Yercaud
Apart from sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities one can indulge in Yercaud to get the best out of one’s vacation. A few of the best things to do in Yercaud during summer are:
- Trek to Shevaroy Hill: Trek through the scenic treks of the Shevaroy Hills for the panoramic view and the chance to see wildlife living in their natural surroundings.
- Coffee Plantation Visit: Take a visit to the coffee plantations of Yercaud, learn about processing coffee, and enjoy the aroma of fresh coffee beans.
- Yercaud Lake Boating: Take a boat ride in Yercaud Lake to relax and enjoy the serene environment.
- Shopping Local Products: Shop at Yercaud markets to buy homemade chocolates, honey, and herbal oils as mementos while sightseeing in Yercaud.
Cultural Significance of Yercaud
Yercaud is well-rooted in Tamil heritage and has a history associated with the local tribes and the British colonial era. The Kurinji flowers that bloom every 12 years are culturally significant to the tribal community, symbolizing renewal and beauty. The colonial churches and bungalows in the buildings of Yercaud reveal its historical past. Going to a local fair or doing shopping in the streets of Yercaud will give us an idea about the local traditions here and the importance of the Kurinji Flowers Land.
Best Time to Visit Yercaud
Though Yercaud is accessible all year around, summer season (March to June) would be the ideal time to travel because the weather will be comfortable enough for an outdoor trip. During summer, Yercaud is a relief from the hot weather with misty and foggy mornings, which is perfect for excursions. Monsoon (July to September) greets Yercaud with greenery in the form of forest, even though trekking is slushy. Winter (October to February) ensures Yercaud is a sunny haven, which is ideal for a vacation with the occasional display of the Kurinji flowers if they appear during this cycle.
How to Reach Yercaud
Yercaud is readily accessible and well networked. Salem Junction, 38 km away, is the nearest railway station with regular trains from big cities like Chennai and Bangalore. You can drive from Salem to Yercaud by bus or taxi on the scenic 20 hairpin ghat road. The closest airport is Salem Airport, 38 km, but larger ones like Coimbatore (190 km) and Trichy (165 km) are more connected. It is a comfortable drive by car if you come from Chennai (355 km) or Bangalore (230 km) on good roads.
Yercaud Trip Tips
To enjoy a nice outing to Yercaud, keep in mind:
- Night light woolens since it’s cold at Yercaud.
- Comfortable walking shoes to trek and explore Yercaud tourist spots.
- Be sensitive to local culture, especially when visiting temples like the Kurinji Andavar Temple in Yercaud.
- Book your stay in advance as summer season is a peak season for Yercaud.
Plan Your Yercaud Getaway
Yercaud with its serene climate and scenery is a destination that cannot be missed. From serene Yercaud Lake to exclusive Kurinji flowers, Yercaud has something for everyone. Whichever one chooses to hike up to Kiliyur Falls or see the sunset at Lady’s Seat, Yercaud has something for everyone to make one’s summer holiday worthwhile. Plan your tour to Yercaud and know why Yercaud has been referred to as the Kurinji Flowers Land. Take this travelogue to Yercaud, book your tickets, and get set for a lifetime experience in Tamil Nadu’s Shevaroy Hills!
