Yercaud Hills - Get the Panoramic Views of Salem

Located in the Eastern Ghats hill range, Yercaud is a tranquil destination which is predominantly chosen for the locals due to its subtleness. It is famous for its serenity, verdant greenery, pleasant climate all over the year and coffee plantations. The prime plantation crop for commercial purpose here is coffee though some species like cardamom and black pepper are also grown. David Cockburn, a Scottish mayor of the then Salem district between 1820 and 1829, was fondly called the 'Father of Yercaud'. His contribution towards the development of the resources of Shevaroy took him to this glory. Tea plantation was introduced in the 1840s by Dr.Wallach on the property of G.F.Fischer. Trees of cinnamon had been introduced by Mr.Richardson during the same period. The hill station holds all the basic attractions like temples, caves, waterfalls etc. Flanked by lofty hills and natural shoals, the Emerald Lake (Yercaud Lake) is a wonderful site and looks stunning with a beautiful garden along its banks. Tourists can also enjoy boating facilities at the lake in rowing and self-pedaling boats.

Tamil Nadu Tourism Department manages the boat house. Pagoda Point is a place that offers the most sprawling outlook of Yercaud. One can get the panoramic views of Salem and its surroundings at this point. The Shevaroyan cave temple is believed to be 2000 years old as per the locals. The cave extends beyond the temple and the locals believe it extends all the way to the Kaveri river in Karnataka, a distance of 480 km. Tipu Sultan was supposed to have hidden in this cave during a war. There is a wishing well too near the temple, wherein the locals believe that if they are able to throw at least one stone into it, from three picked up from the temple, they will succeed in their wish. The condition is that we need to throw it standing opposite to the well. Lady's Seat is a cluster of rocks in the form of a seat on the southwest of the town. The name came after an English lady used to spend the evenings to get the glimpse of the rocks and the sunset. There is a watch tower also, equipped with a telescope kept open for the public in the daytime. Yercaud is home to the famous National Orchidarium and botanical garden which covers an area of 18 hectares and has over 3000 trees of different species etc. With a handful of comfortable hotel facilities, it is not a bad idea to make a one night stay here.