Yercaud – The Smart Man’s Ooty

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Yercaud is often referred to as the "Poor Man’s Ooty," possibly because it's a more affordable hill station. However, I believe a better name would be the "Smart Man’s Ooty"—it’s serene, less crowded, and rich in natural beauty.

Located in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats, Yercaud is about an hour’s drive from Salem, with a scenic route featuring around 20 hairpin bends. Unlike other hill stations with extensive sightseeing options, Yercaud is ideal for those who prefer a peaceful retreat in nature without too much travel.


What to see in Yercaud?

Rose Garden:

If you visit during the blooming season, the Rose Garden offers a delightful display of roses in various colors. Though not as vast as Ooty’s Rose Garden, it has its own charm, featuring well-maintained nurseries, ornamental plants, and diverse flora. At the end of the garden, you’ll find Children’s Seat, a small viewpoint offering scenic views of Yercaud.


View Points:

Like most hill stations, Yercaud has several viewpoints to admire the surrounding landscapes:

  • Lady’s Seat – The most popular viewpoint, equipped with a telescope (though not well-maintained) to get a closer view of the distant hills.
  • Gent’s Seat & Children’s Seat – Located near Lady’s Seat, offering similar views.
  • Annamalaiyar Temple Viewpoint – A higher-altitude viewpoint near a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Annamalai). The temple is usually closed, but the view is worth the visit.
  • Mancha Kuttai Viewpoint – A lesser-known spot providing a different perspective of the Shevaroy Hills.
  • Pagoda Point – Perhaps the best viewpoint in Yercaud, offering spectacular scenery. A small temple dedicated to Rama and Sita, along with a rare depiction of Hanuman, adds a spiritual touch. The name "Pagoda Point" comes from the pyramid-like rock formations found here.



Montfor School:

One of Tamil Nadu’s most reputed educational institutions, Montfort School is also a tourist attraction. The well-maintained campus features beautiful gardens, statues, and even a small collection of birds and animals.




Shevaroyan Temple:

Located at the highest point in Yercaud, this cave temple is dedicated to Shevaroy (Servarayan), a deity worshiped by local tribes. Inside the cave, there’s also an icon of Goddess Kaveri. The temple’s location offers one of the best panoramic views of the Shevaroy Hills.

Another notable temple is Raja Rajeswari Temple, which houses a rare icon of Rajeswari seated on Sada Shiva, surrounded by deities like Vishnu, Brahma, Saraswati, and Lakshmi.


Lakes and Parks:

Yercaud has two lakes:

  • Big Lake – The main attraction, where visitors can enjoy boating.
  • Small Lake – A picturesque spot meant for viewing rather than activities.

Nearby parks include:

  • Anna Park – A vibrant garden with colorful flowers and ornamental plants.
  • Deer Park – A small, well-kept park, though it has only a few deer.
Summary:

If you're looking for a peaceful and budget-friendly hill station to unwind, Yercaud is one of the best choices in Tamil Nadu.

 Happy travelling.





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