Yercaud, in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, is a popular hill station that is located in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 4970 ft above sea level, in the Shevarayan range of hills (anglicized as Shevaroys).The word Yercaud is derived from the Tamil words yeri and kaadu, which mean lake and forest, respectively. A large part of town is situated around Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake). One can explore this quaint hill station’s unspoiled beauty, taste some native coffee and eat fresh fruits from its trees such as jackfruit, bananas, and pears. There is a diverse collection of flowering plants blooming all year long in the Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, and Orchidarium. Epitomized as the Jewel of South India, the untouched charm of this lake hill-station and its quaintness, undoubtedly, make it one of the most popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu. Yercaud is a compact destination, easily explorable in a day or two. Fruit orchards, spice and coffee plantations embellish the hill, which also attracts all kinds of vacationers because of its abundant flora and fauna. For nature lovers, trekkers, and adventurers, Yercaud is a paradise due to its pristine and unspoiled nature. There are a number of trekking trails and it is an extremely rewarding experience. There are a few bird parks where you can feed the birds and the birds will even come and perch on our shoulders. Yercaud is also home to the famous Montfort School, a co-ed secondary school run by the Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel. Its notable alumni include Anbumani Ramadoss- Former Union Cabinet Minister for Health and Family Welfare; Shashi Tharoor- former er UN Under-Secretary General; John Victor Kennedy (Chiyaan Vikram) – Actor; Roger Binny – all-rounder in the World Cup winning Indian cricket team of 1983 and Nagesh Kukunoor, film-maker..History Sir Thomas Munroe, former governor of Madras, discovered this place in 1842, and the Scottish collector David Cockburn contributed to its development. This makes him known as the Father of Yercaud, and he introduced various plantations here like coffee, pears, and apples. The arrival of more Europeans in the city over the years led to further expansion of the city’s plantations, including tea, and cinnamon. It was MSP Rajes, the first Indian coffee planter to settle in the town, who established coffee plantations. Yercaud is dotted with estates with coffee as the most significant crop. On the “Grange Estate” in the year 1820, coffee was first cultivated. It was at that time that M.D. Cockburn brought the coffee plants from Africa to Yercaud. In addition to coffee, the estate raises jackfruit, star apple, fig, water apple, oranges, guava, and spices such as black pepper and cardamom. Additionally, sandalwood, teak, and silver oak can be found in abundance..Kiliyur Falls After trekking for about three kilometres through rugged and rustic terrain, one can reach this beautiful waterfall located in the Servaroy hills of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, which plunges from a height of 300 feet. There is nothing better than escaping to a serene location like the waterfall when you are feeling depleted and stressed. Monsoons are the best time to visit this waterfall since the water level at the base rises, providing a mesmerizing and interesting view of the waterfall..Anna Park The Park is located adjacent to the Emerald Lake, which offers incredible insight into the natural species of plants and animals around Shevaroys Hills of Tamil Nadu. The Flower Exhibition, a major event in the Yercaud region, is held in this park every year during the month of May. A must-see within Anna Park’s colourful grounds is the Japanese Garden, which demonstrates the ancient Japanese art of growing and training miniature trees (Bonsai). The park is a popular spot for botanists and horticulture aspirants..Rose Garden Yercaud has a fantastic rose garden that will enchant your visit. You will be fascinated by the flamboyant roses in the garden and learn more about the different species. There are different species of the queen of flowers. The stunning view of the garden are a perfect delight for visitors..Quaint church Away from the tourist radar is a quaint little Holy Trinity Church, built in 1834 and rebuilt in 1853 after a damaging accident. It has a stunning stained-glass window in the backdrop of the altar. The tomb of Robert Bruce Foote, (1834–1912), the British archaeologist and geologist who is considered the "Father of Indian Prehistory"..View points Yercaud is dotted with various scenic view points. The Pagoda Point offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and is known for its pagoda-like structure. Lady’s Seat provides a vantage point to view the winding Ghat roads and the plains below. Gent's Seat and Children's Seat, offering similar vantage points
