HILL STATIONS

Yercaud

This quiet little hill station on the Shevaroy hills of the Eastern ghats is the only one of its kind in northern Tamil Nadu. While the rest of this region is generally dry, including the predominantly short and rocky hills of the Eastern ghats, Yercaud presents a welcome contrast with its cool climate.

where temperature never rises above 30ºC and dip below 13ºC . It is also a less expensive place than either Udhagamandalam or Kodaikkanal.

Coffee and citrus fruits, most notably oranges, are grown in abundance apart from bananas, pears and jack. Scenically, Yercaud is as enchanting and picturesque as the hill stations on the Western ghats and trekking here can be one of the most pleasurable ways to pass time.

Places for sight-seeing include the Lake, Lady's Seat, Killiyur Falls, Pagoda Point, Arthur's Seat, Kaveri Peak and the Shevaroyan temple.

Places of Interest

Yercaud Lake The first thing that attracts a visitor is the lake. It is a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well wooded trees. Boating in the cold water of the lake is enchanting as well as refreshing.

The Anna Park : Near the Lake. It is a lovely garden.

Lady's Seat : It overlooks the winding ghat road and provides a breath - taking view. This view is spectacular at night with the twinking lights of Salem town in sight. The Tourists can have a panoramic view of the plains below through the telescope mounted at the Lady's seat.

Pagoda Point Another vantage view point.

Killiyur Falls : This 3000 feet high water falls is situated amidst picturesque surroundings.

The Servaroyan Temple : It is situated atop Servaroyan hill. The tribals here celebrate their annual festival in May every year.

The Montfort School : The Montfort School and the Sacred Heart Convent are the two famous educational institutions at Yercaud imparting education to boys and girls respectively.

The Retreat : Started in 1945 by the brothers of Don Bosco. This institution serves as a Novitiate House where students of the religious order stay and study.

Nearby attractions

Namakkal (81 kms)	There are rock-cut caves and a beautiful Hanuman temple here, which has one of the largest statues of the monkey-god in the country.
Tiruchengodu (74 kms)	This is another pilgrim centre which has an ancient temple dedicated to Ardhanareeswar - a unique concept of Saivism where the deity is half male and half female.
Sankagiri (68 kms)	The famous fort of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore who fought with the British until Tipu was defeated at Srirangapatnam in 1792.
Salem (33 kms)	This is the largest city in the region and has some old temples but is basically known for its industries, mainly steel, sago and hand weaving.
Mettur (94 kms)	This multi - purpose dam built on the River Cauvery is a nice picnic spot, situated as it is, amidst well - maintained gardens. Water from the Stanley reservoir is used for irrigating a major portion of the plains of central Tamil Nadu.