There are so many beautiful destinations in South India that you will lose count. From the chilly tops of the Nilgiris to off-beat routes, you can’t have enough of the region no matter how many times you visit. Here in this blog, we have shared a couple of the best places you can visit in Yercaud.
Yercaud often comes under the list of off-beat destinations in South India. So you may not even know a lot about this incredible location. Starting from the beautiful Lake to the Rose garden, Yercaud has a lot of things to offer if you know where to look for them. So here, we have enlisted the 12 best places to visit in Yercaud when you are in Tamil Nadu.
The 12 Top Places to Visit in Yercaud
Without further delay, let us dive into the popular destinations of the Jewel of the South.
1. The Yercaud Lake
One thing that we are aware of in Tamil Nadu is the beautiful Yercaud Lake. Also popularly known as the Emerald Lake, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Yercaud. The Big Lake is located in the middle of cloud-peaked hills, which creates a beautifully tranquil experience.
The floating fountain is one of the most prominent things about Emerald Lake. However, you can also go boating in self-driven or rowing boats available at affordable rates from the banks of the Lake.
2. Bears Cave
Have you ever dreamt how it would feel to visit a cave home to bears? Yes, we are not joking Yercaud gives you an opportunity to visit caves that were made by Bears long ago. While you make your way to the Murugan temple, the Bear’s den falls on the path. It is one of the most thrilling things to see in Yercaud and is located about 7 feet below the ground.
The famous bear cave also served as a hideout of the famous ruler Tipu Sultan when his empire was under attack. Although a few rocks and boulders block the exploration process, you can always make your way through if interested in getting into its interiors.
3. Kiliyur Waterfalls
A few things on this planet will make you spellbound by its beauty no matter where they are located. One of them is waterfalls. The falling of the water along the rocks and coming down to form a pool is a sight which enchants everyone. One of the very famous waterfalls of Yercaud is the Kiliyur waterfall which is located 2.5 km from Yercaud lake.
At a height of 300 feet, the waterfall gives you a sight to behold. Located in the Eastern ghats of Tamil Nadu on the Servaroyan Hills, it is among the unexplored places in Yercaud.
4. Tipperary View Point
You need to add this to your itinerary when you are visiting Yercaud. You don’t have to search for budget homestays in Yercaud if you are visiting this place. The Tipperary View Point is just 2km away from the Yercaud bus stand and is more like a place to spend an hour or two during sunrise or sunset.
However, we can assure you that the view of Yercaud that you will witness from here is like no other place. It is not just majestic. The serene and peaceful environment of the place, surrounded by lush greenery, creates a dreamy sequence. It is one of the best locations to visit for couples and honeymoon goers.
5. 32-km Loop Road
If you and your better half love going for road trips and often try to venture into new places, then the 32-km loop road will be your dream destination. The hairpin bends, the Topsy turns, and the steep hills on the other side contribute to this place’s thrill and excitement.
If you stay nearby and want to take a driving skill test with your gang, there is no better place than this 32-km stretch which commences from Yercaud lake. Because the road runs along the coffee plantations, the light aroma of the coffee makes this driving experience even better. This is unarguably one of the best places to visit in Yercaud with your gang or loved ones if you love long drives.
6. Lady’s Seat Yercaud
Hey, do not get confused reading the name; it is not any “ladies’ special” destination in Yercaud. Instead, the rock formation made it look like a comfortable seat, hence the name.
This place played a prominent role during British Rule in India. Many noble women held kitty parties in this beautiful place surrounded by mists, clouds and lush greenery. A watchtower located near this place is also something you should not miss because of the incredible views it provides.
Unfortunately, the lady’s seat is not one of those places to visit in Yercaud in night because it closes at 7 PM every day.
7. Shevaroy Hills
If you are in Yercaud for a limited time and want to learn about places to visit in Yercaud for 2 days, then you should definitely keep Shevaroy Hills in your itinerary. The vibe of this place is excellent, with a dense forest cover, plateau and several nature zones. This is a fantastic place if you want to go somewhere away from the hubbub of metro cities.
On the top of the Shevaroy Hills lies a beautiful cave temple called the Shevaroy temple. There is no entry fee for Shevaroy temple. However, you might need to pay a small sum to perform any ritual.
8. Kurumbapatti Zoological Park
If you are looking for places you can visit with your little ones, then the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park is a great option. When you are on a short trip to Yercaud and want to cover as many places as possible, this park is one of the most accessible options. Just on the foothills of Shevaroy lies this mini Zoo where you can spend some time with your kids.
At this Zoo, you will get an opportunity to learn and educate your kids about the flora and fauna of the place. The best part about this zoological park is that it has some areas filled with bamboo plantations and perennial streams that add to the beauty of those places.
9. Orchidarium
If you love orchids or want a feast for your eyes, the Orchidarium is one of the best places for you. The place has over 250 species of orchids, some of which are extremely rare.
The Orchidarium also hosts the beautiful Neelakurinji plant that blooms every 12 years. Multiple films are shot in this orchard due to the majestic beauty of the place.
The place is open to the public on all seven days of the week. However, as per the official rules, you must visit between 9 AM and 5 PM.
10. Rose Garden and Silk Farm
Rose is one of the most favourites and loved flowers among the masses. And why not? The majestic look, the beauty you smell and the aura it brings together contribute to its popularity. So if you get a chance to pay a visit to a garden full of roses, you shouldn’t miss it. Often listed among the places to visit near Yercaudare the Silk Farm and Rose Garden.
Not just roses. Here you get to learn about the various types of silk and the techniques involved in its making. This place also depicts how silk farming began in India by obtaining skills from the lands of China. On the other hand, the horticulture of roses gives you an enchanting experience which is loved and appreciated by people of all ages.
11. Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple
If you are in Yercaud, you must visit the Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple at least once. Whether you’re a religious person or not, the temple offers a vibe you won’t get anywhere else.
Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple is adorned by the beautiful deity of Sri Raja Rajeshwari himself. Described as the “Shakti peeth,” this temple is one of the most prominent tourist places in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu. However, the temple is not open throughout the day. There are two schedules within which you have to visit if you wish to enter the temple.
12. Norton’s Bungalow
Are you a film buff? Have you seen all those scenes where the hero visits his native home in the mountains surrounded by pine trees on the top of a hill? Well, the way to Norton’s Bungalow in Yercaud is the same. This Bungalow is also located on the Shevaroy Hills, one of the oldest standing properties built during the British era.
However, it is not a public property anymore due to the transfer of ownership. Therefore, if you wish to visit the Bungalow, you must seek permission beforehand from the place’s owners.
The Bottom Line
The best time to visit Yercaud is unquestionably the winter season. The chilly winds, the cloud-covered hilltops, and the fresh coffee aroma combine to give you an out-of-the-world experience. It is not necessary to plan a ten-day tour to Yercaud. If you plan your trip correctly, even a four-day time is enough to cover all the prominent places.
We believe this list of the best places to visit in Yercaud can give you all the information you need to plan your next tour to Tamil Nadu.