Yercaud is one of Indias cheapest hill station destinations. Make that least expensive, for so rich is Yercaud in its natural charm and its potential for bountiful discovery that to label it cheap would be truly insulting. Yercaud is how the Brits got around the tongue-twister Yericaud, Tamil for lake-forest. This little hill station lies in the Shevaroy Hills, part of the Eastern Ghats. Unlike the more lush Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats are generally dry, and feature short and rocky hills, and Yercaud is thus a wonderful aberration. Spread over just 383sq km, Yercaud is small enough not to tire you, and yet spread out in mysterious little ways to give you a sense of serenity.
Things To See & Do
Big Lake, Small Boat
The main attraction is the Big Lake, where much of the action takes place. You can hire two or four-seater pedal boats and four-seater rowboats. Near the lake is Anna Park, with a well-groomed garden. Also check out the Small Lake, fed by seven wells, situated close to town.
Ladies and Gents
Ladys Seat overlooks the winding ghat road and offers a spectacular view of Salem. Swing it to your right to see the Mettur Dam on the Cauvery River. Great shots of the river can be had from this spot in the late afternoon, when the suns rays are reflected in its waters. Close to Ladys Seat is a silk farm and Pagoda Point, a viewing point thats sometimes called Gents Seat. Shevaroy temple and Bears Cave Situated atop Servaroyan Hill, the Shevaroy Temple is the highest point in Yercaud at 5,326ft. The temple is dedicated to a local deity Servaran and his consort Kaveriamma. On the way to the temple, near the Norton Bungalow (one of the oldest in Yercaud), is Bears Cave, believed to have been the entrance to an escape tunnel of a long gone raja.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is home to hundreds of plants, including rarities like the pitcher plant. You will also find the famous kurinji flower, which blooms once in 12 years. The garden has an orchida rium, reputed to be Indias third largest.
Where To Stay & Eat
Grange Resorts (Tel 04281-222180-81 Tariff 2,7003,600) has cottages amongst serene surroundings. Grand Palace Hotel and Spa (Cell 09865256255 Tariff 4,0007,800) is atop a hill on Killiyur Falls Road. Hotel Shevaroys (Tel 222383-86 Tariff 1,5506,700) is on the main road above the lake. Sterling Holidays Rock Perch (Tel 222700 Tariff 3,500 7,000) is near Ladys Seat. GRT Nature Trails (Tel 225100 Tariff 5,750 10,000) is on Yercaud Main Road. TTDCs Hotel Tamil Nadu (Tel 223334/ 35 Tariff 900 1,600), near the lake, offers boating. Hotel Shoba (Tel 222409 Tariff 8001,200) is a budget option near the bus stand. All the hotels have restaurants serving southie food. Sterling has a multi-cuisine restaurant. Non-vegetarians should definitely try Hotel Shevaroys Malabar chicken curry and tandoori fish tikka.