My aim in this review is to provide a comprehensive detail on Yercaud to help everybody. Being a native person of Salem, I feel myself comfortable with Yercaud with all routes and places.
Note:- MouthShut need to correct the Spell. Its not Yeracaud. Its Yercaud.
Introduction
To Start with the introduction of this place, Yercaud is a very small town on the Shevoroys Hills (’Servarayan’ in Thamizh) which is part of the Eastern Ghats. Yercaud is very close to Salem in Tamilnadu. It is just 32 Kms away from Salem, which make it a perfect excursion spot for Salem people. Unlike Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamilnadu, Yercaud does’nt have many places to visit. But, still it is a good place to visit.
Attractions
The main attraction is the Yercaud Lake. It is situated in the Town itself. Boating service is provided here by the TTDC (Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation). Both Pedal Boat and Row Boat are available. They have laid a Fountain at the centre of the lake and looks very attractive. There a small Zoo/park situated on the sides of the lake. Can be visited for time pass.
The next attraction is Lady’s Seat. Don’t get guided by the name. There is no seat there. Its a hill point, which gives you a very good view of Salem city from here. I suggest to visit here in the evenings. It will give the city view (Salem) with full of lights. Very attractive. Yercaud Ghat road is very well seen from this point. It gives the view of vehicles moving around on the Ghat road. There is another point higher to the Lady’s Seat, named as Gents Seat (???!!!). Even from here you get the same view. Its quite fine to settle with one place.
There is a Government Horticultural Dept. Park situated on the way to Lady’s seat from the Yercaud bus stand. Its very near to Lady’s seat. Rose plantations and many more can be found here. There is a nursery sales too. This is a good visit.
Other places which are not very important are,
Servarayan Temple:- Not walkable. Route is not so good but very scenic. Temple is under the ground. you have to lean and enter slowly for darshan. Very peaceful indeed. Outside the Temple premises, a big open place is there. Good for those who have come for excursion and play some outdoor games.
Pagoda Point:- Another hill point. Again its not walkable. Route is not so good but again its scenic. Its not a must visit.
Killiyur Falls:- Very scenic water falls. Not walkable again. Route is pathetic. Water does not fall all over the year. So, don’t get disappointed after visiting. Generally, water flows during the rainy season. Need to take a trekking for 0.5 kms to reach the water falls. So, plan accordingly.
Anna Park:- Its in the Town and very near to Yercaud lake. The park is less than simple. If time permits then visit here. I personally feel the park is not well maintained. Instead, I would recommend the Horticultural Dept. Park.
How to get there ? Where to stay ? How to move around ?
Frequent buses are available from Salem to Yercaud. I think there is a bus for every 20/30 minutes from Salem bus stand. These buses run from early in the morning till late night. Salem is very well connected by Road and Rail network. Nearest Airport is Trichy airport but I suggest Coimbatore Airport rather. Salem is quickly reachable from Coimbatore than Trichy. Salem railway junction is 5 kms away from the bus stand. Every minute, City buses are there to reach the bus stand from the Junction. Do remember that there are two bus stands in Salem. You have to go to the New Bus Stand which is only for intercity buses.
Many hotels are there in Yercaud. Prominent hotels are Shevoroys Hotel, Hotel Tamilnadu(Run by the tamilnadu Govt.), Sterling Resorts and many more budget hotels and cottages in and around the Yercaud bus stand. These Budget hotel will cost just 300-400 per day. Even Hotel Tamilnadu is cheap I believe.
There is no local public transport services available. You have to hire a local taxi or auto rikshaw to move around the places in Yercaud.
Annual Festivals and Miscellaneous things
Every year in the month of May, Government sponsored summer festival is conducted here with the Flower show. Yercaud is over crowded in these times. So, plan it accordingly.
Those who have their own transport, be aware that there is only one Fuel station in Yercaud which is near to the Yercaud lake. I have a suggestion for those who have own transport. To go to Yercaud you can also use another Ghat road from Salem to Yercaud. This will take more time but it is very scenic and you can see the Coffee plantations on either sides. The route is Salem - Yercaud via Sukkampatti.
Finally
So, its very clear that we don’t have much places to see in Yercaud. But, don’t forget that its not for those who wanted to see lots of places. This places is purely for those who wanted to relax for a while from the city conjestion. It is very peaceful here. No Crowds. Very less vehicles moving around. NO NOISE. Pleasant weather all over the year. Still, I would recommend to visit Yercaud during September-November. Its very misty and too good. But not very cold. It is a worth visit.
Thanks for taking your time to read this.