Yercaud is a lesser-known hill station when compared to Ooty and Kodaikanal. Yercaud is situated at an altitude of 1,500 metres (4,920 feet), on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats. The lofty hills are of extraordinary scenic beauty endowed with a salubrious climate. Although close (33-km) to the bustling industrial town of Salem, Yercaud has a spirited charm of its own.

Yercaud is also called "Ooty of the Poor " and is known for Coffee Plantations and Orange Groves. Yercaud is still comparatively more peaceful and cheaper than the major southern resorts of Ooty and Kodaikanal, but every year the influx from the plains is growing larger. The highest point in Yercaud is Shevaroy temple, which is situated at a height of 5,326.

History Of Yercaud
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.

Prime Attractions of Yercaud
§ Yercaud Lake : The Yercaud Lake with a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well-wooded trees are the first things that attract a visitor. The garden surrounding the lake is well groomed and best seen during the month of May when the Summer Festival is organised.

One can avail the boating facilities available here. Boats come in two options. Paddling ones for a couple or four and the other type where there is a guy rowing it for you as you relax. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enhancing as well as refreshing.

Places to stay in Yercaud
Accommodation is available at the luxurious and economy class hotels, resorts, lodges and rest houses in Yercaud or Salem

Climate of Yercaud
The hill station is most favoured by visitors from southern states during the summer and again during autumn. The coffee bushes blossom in April and offer a spectacular view. The climate is also particularly pleasant; residents say with pride that they never need to use a fan.

The climate of Yercaud is a moderate one. Winters are fairly mild, which starts in the month of September and ends in December. During winter, the hills are covered by mist and it looks beautiful.

Best Time To Visit
The most popular seasons are February - June and September-November, while late November and December tend to be cold and misty. Around April there are the pleasant showers, which bring the coffee bushes into blossom. The monsoon season (June-August) is not the best time to visit as it rains heavily, hampering movement.

Shopping in Yercaud
The Salem Co-operative Super Market Branch and the Main Bazaar are the main places to shop in Yercaud.

How to Get There
Air : The nearest airport is Trichy, 163-km from Yercaud. Other options are Coimbatore or Bangalore for convenient air connections. Coimbatore is 190-km away. They are all connected to Chennai, which has an international airport.

Rail : : Ideal would be to take the Yercaud Express from Chennai. Salem Junction is 36-km away from Yercaud and Salem town is located at a distance of 33-km. Since Salem station is a junction, all southbound trains passing via Salem stop at Salem. Trains link Salem to Cochin, Erode, Trivandrum and Mangalore.

Road : Yercaud 30-km away and an hour's drive from Salem can also be reached by bus or taxi. Regular bus services ply from Chennai, Salem and other important points. There are buses every half-hour from Salem. Yercaud is well connected by road to Trichy, Madurai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore. Buses, both private and government-owned, ply throughout the day to Salem. Private taxis are also available.

Tourist Office in Yercaud
Tourist Office at Hotel Tamil Nadu, Yercaud

Tourist Information about Yercaud
» Population 3,6863 (1991 Census)
» Altitude 1,500 metres
» Clothing Cottons in summer and light woollen in winter
» Languages Spoken Tamil and English
» STD Code 04281
» Temperature Range (deg C):
- Summer- Max 30ºC, Min 16ºC
- Winter- Max 25ºC, Min 13ºC
» Rainfall:
- 1,500 mm. Minimum
- 2,000mm. Maximum