Yercaud

Yercaud is easily India’s cheapest hill station destination. Make that lest 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. It’s sometimes referred to as the poor man’s Ooty would be nearer the mark.
Yercaud is how the Brits got around the tongue – twister Yercaud Tamil for lake-forest. This little hill station lies in the Shevaroy hills, part of the eastern Ghats. Unlike the more lush western Ghats are generally dry and feature short and rocky hills and Yercaud is thus a wonderful aberration. Spread over just 383 sq km Yercaud is small enough not to tire you. And yet spread out in mysterious little ways to give you a sense of serenity. Less crowded than Ooty or Kodaikanal. Yercaud is where you go to when you simply to recollect along with the poet emotions in tranquility amidst sunflowers, dahlias and roses.

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place.

Big Lake, Small Boat

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place. But if you or your kids fancy flower shows. Dog fairs that’s a good time to go. Also cheek out the Small Lake, fed by seven wells, situated close to town. Shevaroy Temple And Bear’s Cave

Situated atop Servaroyan hill, the Shevaroy Temple is the highest point in Yercaud 5326 ft above sea level. The temple is dedicated to the local deity Servaran and his consort Kaveriamma. Local tribals celebrate their annual festival here each may. On the way to the temple near the Norton Bungalow ( one of the oldest in Yercaud ) is Bear’s Cave, believed to have been the entrance to an escape tunnel of a long gone raja. Today the cave is covered over with vegetation and rocks. Though it is on private property, the public can still visi it,

Killiyur Falls

This 300 ft high waterfall is situated amidst picturesque surrounding. The water comes via a stream all the way from the big lake.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is home to hundreds of plants including rarities like the pitcher plant. You will also find specimens of the famous Kurinji flower which blooms ones in kolkata and shillong. It house over a hundred species of orchids of which about 30 are exclusive. In fact it has an orchid or threefound nowhere else in the world. Plant-lovers Mustn’t give this a miss.

Fun For The Kids

Hotel Shevaroys has the Magic Mountain amusement park with games and joyrides for the kids. It’s open to all for a fee.

Where To Stay

Hotel Shevaroys

Phone No – 04281 – 222383 / 6.

Tariff – Rs 425 – 1225.

Sterling Days Inn Resort

Phone No – 04281 – 222700 / 706 / 708.

Tariff – Rs 1400 – 2150.

Green Fort Inn

Phone No – 04281 – 222767.

Tariff – Rs 600.

Hotel Shoba

Phone No – 04281 – 222409.

Tariff – Rs 250 – 600.