Yercaud, located in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, is a serene hill station. Surrounded by emerald lakes, dense forests, and coffee plantations, this place is much more than its postcard-perfect viewpoints and waterfalls. Yercaud offers a laid-back yet rich itinerary, including boating on the lake, trekking to Kiliyur Falls, exploring botanical gardens, visiting old temples, and soaking in the peaceful rhythm of hill life. Whether you are chasing a misty sunrise or leisurely nature walks, Yercaud is the type of retreat for any and every kind of traveller.

Perched at around 1,500 metres in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is famously called the “Jewel of the South.” The name Yeri (lake) + Kaadu (forest) in Tamil captures the very soul of this hill station.

Over the years, Yercaud has quietly built a reputation as a nature escape rather than a bustling tourist hub. Here, the landscape is a tranquil mix of coffee and spice plantations, orange groves, dense woodlands, and gentle viewpoints. The best months to visit Yercaud are between October and June, when the weather is cool and the hills are pretty welcoming. Here is a curated list of things to do in Yercaud to help you plan like a pro.

Must-Visit Places in Yercaud

• Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake) and Anna Park
• Kiliyur Falls
• Viewpoints: Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point, and Loop Road
• Botanical Garden and Orchidarium
• Shevaroy (Servarayan) Temple
• Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple
• Peeku Park (Bird and Animal Park)
• SkyPark (Adventure/Science Park)
• Grange TreeTop Adventure
• Holy Trinity Church and Montfort School (Heritage Walk)
• Nature Walks and Plantation Tours
• Photography and Sunrise/Sunset Spots

 

Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake) and Anna Park

This naturally formed lake is the very heart of Yercaud. Surrounded by gardens, woodlands, and gently rolling hills, the lake offers a peaceful escape for boating (rowboats, pedal boats, motorboats) and quiet reflection. The nearby Anna Park adds to the charm, with perfectly manicured lawns and colourful flowers.

• Boathouse timing: 08:30 AM to 17:30 (local listings).
• Typical boating charges: Vary from operator to operator. Approximate examples include motorboat (2-seater) 70 INR, 4-seater 95 INR, and row/pedal boats are in a similar range.
• Anna Park hours: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM/06:00 PM.
• Anna Park entry fee: 15 INR per adult (camera or video camera charges apply in certain cases).
• Pro tip: Visit early in the morning to enjoy calm water, fewer visitors, and serene views.

Kiliyur Falls

Amongst places near Yercaud is a highlight for nature lovers, Kiliyur Falls. It plunges nearly 300 feet into the valley right below. The base is reached via a steep descent (about 200 to 250 steps). For many, the Yercaud trekking spot is the actual charm, with the thundering sound of water crashing down amid rich greenery that is mesmerising, especially after the monsoon.

• Visiting hours: Daylight hours/sunrise to sunset.
• Entry fee: Usually free, including some nominal camera or parking charges (confirm locally).
• Access notes: The hike down is steep. So, for those who cannot manage the stairs, local services (jeep/motor transport) can be arranged.

Viewpoints: Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point, and Loop Road

In the list of the must-visit places in Yercaud, the top stars are:

Lady’s Seat: It offers sweeping views of the hills, winding roads, and even glimpses of Salem city in clear weather. The telescopic viewing point adds to the experience.

• Hours: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM (depending on the season).
• Entry/Viewing: Free access; telescope usage may cost a small fee (5 to 10 INR).

Pagoda Point (Pyramid Point): Named for its distinctive rock-stacking formation, Pagoda Point is believed to have been built by local tribes and is especially magical during sunrise or sunset.

• Hours: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM (season-dependent).
• Entry: Free

Loop Road: This scenic drive curves around the hill, connecting key viewpoints such as Mailapatti, Manjakuttai, and Semmanatham. Since it is a public road, there is no formal entry fee, though some parking spots near viewpoints may have a small charge.

Botanical Garden and Orchidarium

Yercaud’s botanical garden (run by state horticulture agencies) is a lush green space home to a variety of orchids and hill-region flora. If you are fortunate, you might glimpse the rare Kurinji flower (which blooms infrequently).

• Hours/Access: Public Garden hours typically align with daylight; precise opening times vary, so it is best to check locally.
• Entry fee: Government-run horticultural garden/farm entries are often nominal (30 to 50 INR for adults).

Shevaroy (Servarayan) Temple

Perched atop the Shevaroy Hills, this cave temple is devoted to Lord Shevaroyan and Goddess Kaveri. Its calm, spiritually uplifting ambience and hilltop views make it a meaningful stop.

• Hours: Approximately 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
• Entry: Free (standard temple practices apply; donations are welcome). 

Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple

Located about 4 km from the Yercaud bus stand in a tranquil valley, this temple is both a spiritual retreat and a serene nature spot.

• Darshan/Visiting Hours: Reported as 07:00 AM to 12:00 PM, then 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: No formal entry charge. 

Peeku Park (Bird and Animal Park)

The things to do in Yercaud with family include many interactive experiences. Here, a fun and delightful space, Peeku Park, is home to animals like mountain goats, rabbits, pigeons, and parrots.

• Opening Hours:
  Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 05:30 PM.
  Weekends: 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM.

• Entry Fee: 250 to 300 INR for adults; 200 INR for children.
• Extras: Additional charges may apply for fish-pond visits or bird-feeding areas.

SkyPark (Adventure/Science Park)

For adventure activities in Yercaud, SkyPark is a modern, adventure-packed park for thrill-seekers and families, with activities from zip lines and rope challenges to fun night sessions and science-experience zones.

Hours: Seasonal and day-dependent.

Pricing: Varies significantly by the activity package. The full-park or multi-ride options are often in the 700 to 1,000+ INR range. 

Grange TreeTop Adventure

For nature-lovers and thrill-seekers, the treetop adventure is the must-visit place in Yercaud with zip-lines, canopy walks, and more, all set in the forested hills.

Operating Hours: 09:00/09:30 AM to 06:00 PM

Charges: Activity-based pricing, depending on what you pick (zip-lining, archery, ATV, etc.). Confirm costs when booking locally.

Holy Trinity Church and Montfort School (Heritage Walk)

The Holy Trinity Church, originally built in the 19th century, offers calm reflection, colonial-era architecture, and memorials in its yard.

Montfort School, established in 1917, stands nearby as a heritage landmark: walking around its campus gives a peaceful, old-world glimpse into Yercaud’s past.

• Visiting time/Entry: There is no formal museum or entry fee. Visit during daylight hours; as Montfort is a functioning school, access to some areas may be restricted.

Nature Walks and Plantation Tours

Wandering through places near Yercaud’s coffee estates, spice gardens, and citrus orchards is one of its most soothing experiences.

• Best Time to Walk: Early mornings (sunrise) or late afternoons are ideal for guided or self-guided walks.
• Cost: If arranged via a guide or hotel, costs vary moderately. Self-walking is more economical, though guides can enhance the experience with local stories and hidden viewpoints.

Photography and Sunrise/Sunset Spots

With its hills, viewpoints, and lush landscapes, Yercaud is a photographer’s paradise. Plan to:

• Catch sunrise from Lady’s Seat, Pagoda Point, or Loop Road.
• Stay for golden hour at Loop Road or viewpoint ridges in the evening.
• Bring a decent camera or smartphone because the changing light on hills, valleys, and plantations is magical.

 Tips for Exploring Yercaud

• Places to visit in Yercaud are vast, so plan around attraction hours. Morning for Kiliyur Falls, viewpoints, nature walks; early afternoon for the lake; evening visits for sunset spots.
• For dining, know that café & restaurant hours vary: some are early-morning open (teashops), others close after dinner.
• Confirm local entry fees once you arrive. Things like boat charges and telescope fees change with demand and season.
• For the top things to do in Yercaud, use guides. They often know the best trails, hidden viewpoints, and historical tidbits.
• Travel by car or taxi: public transport inside the hills is limited and not always reliable.

Yercaud is not about big-ticket attractions. It is a place to absorb, to wander slowly, to let nature and heritage seep in. So, get one of the Tamil Nadu tour packages, bring your walking shoes, set your alarm for sunrise, choose a viewpoint, and let Yercaud’s hills whisper their stories.

 

FAQs

Q1. Is Yercaud really cooler than nearby hill stations despite being at a lower altitude?

Yes, Yercaud’s dense coffee plantations and thick forests create a natural cooling effect. Even though it’s lower than Ooty or Kodaikanal, its microclimate keeps temperatures surprisingly pleasant most of the year.

Q2. Are there viewpoints in Yercaud that locals prefer over the popular Lady’s Seat?

Absolutely. Locals often head to Karadiyoor View Point at sunrise and the Servarayan Temple cliffs during late evenings for quieter, more dramatic valley views without the tourist clusters.

Q3. Is Yercaud good for slow travellers who like walking trails?

Very much so. Yercaud has several easy-to-moderate plantation trails, like the 32 km Loop Road stretches and paths around the Kiliyur area where you can walk through coffee estates, silver oak forests, and spice gardens with minimal traffic.

Q4. Does Yercaud offer unique food experiences beyond standard Tamil Nadu fare?

Yes, there are many small estate cafés that serve coffee made from local beans, homemade orange marmalade, pepper-infused dishes, and seasonal jackfruit snacks, reflecting produce grown right in the hills.

Q5. Is monsoon a good time to explore Yercaud, or does rain restrict sightseeing?

Monsoon is actually rewarding if you enjoy mist, waterfalls, and lush plantations. The rain enhances viewpoints and trekking routes, though short bursts of fog may temporarily hide the scenery, adding a mysterious, quiet charm to the hills.