Yercaud

Yercad is in the Salem District. It is a hill station. It is a quite lovely and pleasing hill station which is situated at an altitude of 1,515 metres on the “Servaroyan Hills” of Salem District of Tamil Nadu, South India. One and a half hour journey uphill from Salem on the plains takes you to Yercaud. Yercaud derives its name from the famous lake Erikadu which is fed by a mountain Stream. It is also called as “Yelayin Ooti” in Tamil language which literally means the Ooty meant for Poor. This is very similar to Ooty Hill Station with an area of 383 sq. kms and a population of around 30,800. It has a pleasant climate. One can visit Yercaud throughout the year as it is a tourist attraction for the whole of the year and has no particular season.


In the early 19th century the British took keen interest in the Shevaroy Hills. Officials and nature lovers began to visit the hills. In course of time Europeans came down from England to settle here and take up coffee plantations, Cardamom, pears, jack and orange fruits are also grown in the hills. Honey specially obtained from coffee bloom is popular with the tourists. Flowers of all varieties grow well here.

Many places in and around Yercaud attract tourists all the year round. Yercaud Lake is a beautiful spot. Boating in the cold water of the lake for an hour gives one the most relaxing experience.

Anna Park named after Anna who was the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is a fine and enjoyable garden.

Lady’s Seat, which is a natural seat in rock that overlooks the winding ghat road, provides a wonderful view of Salem town. One can have the best view of plains below through the telescope fitted at the extreme top most point of the Lady’s Seat.

Pagoda Point is another spot in Yercaud from where one can have an amazing view of the Shevaroy Hills.

The Killiyur falls with a drop of about 75 feet is situated in the midst of colourful surroundings. The Grange is a castle like building built by Mr. M. D. Cockburn, a former Collector of Salem during the British rule. Bear’s Cave on the way to Servaroyan temple is another prominent spot.

Servaroyan Temple on the topmost point of Shevaroy Hills is a temple for the tribals. The tribals in the hills celebrate their annual festival for the deity here in May every year.

In early days Christian missionaries came to Yercaud to build churches and schools. Montfort School and Sacred Heart Convent are well know educational institutions here.

Other places of interest are Rose Garden with the most beautiful species of rose and other plants, Silk Farm, Horticulture Research Station, Green Hourse with ornamental plants and Cauvery Peak from where one can have a breathtaking view of Cauvery river flowing through the plains below.

Every Sunday is a big market held near the Yercaud Lake in the Sacred Shola or Grove. This is popularly called as “Sanday” which means market where vegetables and other goods are sold in wholesale prices