Yeracud

About Yeracud

The highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, which is situated at a height of 5326 feet. Hence the Yercaud hill area is called Shevaroy Hills.Some of the original forests continue to exist in the Yercaud hills and contain several endemic species of plants and fauna. The Yercaud hills have many faunal and floral similarities to the Western Ghats .

Wild life includes bison, deer, rabbits, hares, foxes, mongoose, squirrels, partridges, snakes, bulbuls, kites, sparrows, swallows and the bird of paradise. d “Kaadu” means “forest”. Yercaud is known for coffee plantations and orange groves. It also has an orchidarium run by the Botanical Survey of India.

Climate/Weather

Rainfall: 1,500 mm. Minimum ; 2,000mm. Maximum.Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC
Summer Max 30ºC, Min 16ºC.

History

Yercaud got its name from the Tamil words, yeri and kaadu, meaning lake and forest respectively. The British discovered it in the early 19th century. There are accounts of coffee plantations being introduced by a British officer in the area in the second decade of the 19th century. Though first house was built in 1840, the first metalled roads were laid only in the early 20th century. The cool climate attracted Christian missionaries and they established the Sacred Heart Convent for girls and Montfort School for boys. Schools like the Holy Cross Novitiate House, started by the Brothers of Don Bosco, followed these.

Interesting places to Visit

Velvan Temple is other major attraction for tourists. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan perched atop a hillock, with a massive statue of Gadothgajan in front.During the months July-August local festivals are prepared here that offers a colorful glimpse of the rich culture of the region. Cultural events, adventure sports, boat races, flower shows and fruit shows add to the grandeur of the festivals. Swamimalai Hill at 4,338 ft is another lustrous tourist spot in Yelagiri. It commands a breathtaking view of the valley from the top. This hill boasts some of the beautiful trekking routes through dense forests.

Nearest Visiting places

Salem:Salem is the headquarters of Salem district. The city lies at the base of Yercuda hills, a famous tourist destination. Salem is a major textile centre and also a part of the Kongu Naduregion. The name Salem appears to have been derived from `Sela` or `Shalya`, which are found inscriptions referring to the country around the hills. Local folklore believes Salem as the birth place of the Tamil poetess Avvaiyar. Inscriptions from the Ganga dynasty have been recovered from parts of the district.Salem along with Coimbatore remained under the Madurai Nayaks. Later, in the early 18th Century, it came under Hyder Ali after a long feud known as Mysore-Madurai war. Salem was then taken from Hyder Ali by Colonel Wood in the beginning of 1768. It was recaptured by Hyder towards the end of the year 1772. Under Lord Clive in 1799, it was again occupied by a detachment of the residents stationed at Sankari drug and remained a military station until 1861 when the troops were altogether withdrawn.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Yeracud offers heritage hotels, colonial bungalows, budget lodges, and homestays. Book in advance during peak season (April-June, December-January).

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Yeracud ,Salem,Tamil Nadu

Nearest Hospital:

Yeracud, Salem ,Tamil Nadu

Location info

• **Address:**Yeracud,Salem,. District Tamil Nadu,,India

• **District:**Salem District

• **Nearest City:**Salem

• **Best time to visit:**November to February

How to reach Yeracud

• Nearest Railway Station: Salem Junction 33kms

• **Nearest Airport:**Tiruchirapalli.

• **Road Transport:**Yercaud is well connected by surface network with the towns of Salem, Cheney, Tricky, Madera, Bangalore and Coimbatore.

Nearest petrol pump

• Petrol Pump **:**Yercaud, salem, Tamil Nadu 635853

Best time to visit Yeracud

October to June is the ideal period. Summer (March–June) offers pleasant escapes from the plains heat (15°C–25°C). Winter (November–February) brings cool temperatures (5°C–20°C) with misty mornings — carry woollens. Monsoon (July–September) brings rain but lush greenery.

Timings & opening hours

The hill station is open to visitors year-round. Specific attractions within the area (botanical gardens, viewpoints, parks) have their own timings, typically 8:00 AM–5:30 PM. The town area is accessible 24/7.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the hill station town is free. Botanical gardens and parks charge INR 10–30 per person. Boating on lakes costs INR 50–200 per person depending on boat type. Some viewpoints may have a nominal entry fee of INR 5–10.

Duration needed

2–3 days recommended for a full experience. Day-trippers can cover main attractions in 6–8 hours. A weekend stay allows for a relaxed exploration of the hill station and nearby areas.

Safety tips

Drive carefully on winding hill roads — hairpin bends require caution. Carry warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly in the evening and winter. Avoid venturing into forest areas alone after dark. Watch your step at viewpoints with unfenced edges. Stay on marked trekking trails.

Things to carry

1. Warm Clothing: Carry a jacket or sweater year-round.
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes: For hills, gardens, and viewpoints.
3. Raincoat or Umbrella: Weather changes rapidly.
4. Water and Snacks: Carry energy bars for long walks.
5. Camera: Spectacular landscapes await.
6. First-Aid Kit: Include motion sickness medicine for ghat roads.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

By Air: Salem Airport (SXV) is the nearest major airport, well-connected to domestic destinations including Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Taxis and app-based cabs are available from the airport.

By Train: Salem Junction (SA) is the nearest major railway station, served by express and passenger trains connecting to cities across India. From the station, local transport including auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are available.

By Road: Yeracud is well-connected by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses and private operators. Regular bus services from Salem and nearby towns connect to the destination. National and state highways provide good road connectivity for self-drive visitors.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Yeracud has small restaurants and local eateries serving South Indian meals, snacks, and tea. Local bakeries offer freshly prepared breads and snacks. Visitors can enjoy hot idli, dosa, and vada with steaming filter coffee at local establishments.

Things to do at Yeracud

Explore the scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Take a leisurely walk through botanical gardens and parks with exotic flora. Visit nearby tea plantations and factories to learn about tea processing. Enjoy boating on the lake if one is present in the area.

Things to visit & highlights

The viewpoints offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the valleys. Botanical gardens showcasing exotic and indigenous plant species. The colonial-era churches and buildings with their distinctive architecture. The lake area with boating facilities and walking paths.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Yeracud? October to June is ideal. March–June offers pleasant escape from plains heat. November–February brings cool misty weather perfect for long walks.

How many days are needed for Yeracud? 2–3 days is recommended for a relaxed visit covering the main attractions and nearby areas.

Is the drive to Yeracud safe? The hill road has well-maintained roads with hairpin bends. Drive at moderate speed, use low gear on descents, and avoid night driving in foggy conditions.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: Hill Stations

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.