One Day Itinerary for Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Yercaud is a mesmerizing hill station located in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats. Known for its breathtaking scenic beauty, lush greenery, and pleasant weather, Yercaud offers a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Below is a suggested one-day itinerary to explore the best of this enchanting destination.
6:00 am – 7:00 am: Sunrise at Pagoda Point
Description: Begin your day by witnessing the beautiful sunrise at Pagoda Point, also known as Pyramid Point. Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, this vantage point offers a panoramic view of the valley and the distant hills.
Distance from Yercaud town center: Approximately 4 km
Checklist: Camera, picnic blanket, light snacks, and water bottle
7:00 am – 9:00 am: Explore Yercaud Lake
Description: Head to Yercaud Lake, a picturesque man-made lake surrounded by gardens and woods. You can hire a pedalo or rowboat to leisurely explore the lake while enjoying the tranquility and serene surroundings.
Distance from Pagoda Point: Approximately 2 km
Checklist: Sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Visit Shevaroy Temple
Description: Proceed towards Shevaroy Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan. Situated atop Shevaroy Hills, this temple offers a breathtaking view of the Yercaud town and its surroundings. The temple is known for its annual festival, held during May, which attracts devotees from all over the region.
Distance from Yercaud Lake: Approximately 3 km
Checklist: Traditional attire (if participating in temple rituals)
11:00 am – 1:30 pm: Explore Lady’s Seat and Gent’s Seat
Description: Visit Lady’s Seat and Gent’s Seat, two adjacent viewpoints that offer a spectacular panorama of the Mettur Dam and the valleys below. Lady’s Seat is a rock formation resembling a seat, whereas Gent’s Seat is slightly below and offers a broader view.
Distance from Shevaroy Temple: Approximately 5 km
Checklist: Binoculars, camera, snacks, and water bottle
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Lunch at a local restaurant
Description: Relish a delicious South Indian meal at one of the local restaurants in Yercaud, trying the traditional Tamil Nadu cuisine known for its spices and flavors.
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Visit the Anna Park and Rose Garden
Description: Stroll leisurely through the Anna Park and Rose Garden to bask in the beauty of various colorful flowers and rare rose varieties. This well-maintained park also has a children’s play area, making it a perfect spot for families to unwind.
Distance from the restaurant: Approximately 1 km
Checklist: Comfortable walking shoes, camera
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Explore the Bear’s Cave and Kiliyur Falls
Description: Discover the mysterious Bear’s Cave, a natural cavern near the Norton Bridge. Marvel at the stunning rock formations and imagine the legends and stories associated with this fascinating place. Afterward, head to the magnificent Kiliyur Falls, a 300-feet waterfall cascading down amidst lush greenery, creating a magical ambiance.
Distance from Anna Park and Rose Garden: Approximately 4 km
Checklist: Trekking shoes, insect repellent, snacks, and water bottle
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Dinner and Shopping at Yercaud Town
Description: Indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants in Yercaud town. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the bustling streets, exploring the local shops and purchasing souvenirs, homemade chocolates, and spices to take back as mementos of your Yercaud trip.
Historical Importance:
Yercaud has a rich historical significance as it was inhabited by the ancient tribes of Mullu Kurumas. It later came under the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty, followed by the Vijayanagara Empire. The Britishers developed Yercaud as a hill station during their colonial period, and its tea and coffee plantations were established during their rule.
Note: It is advised to rent a private vehicle or hire a local guide for convenient transportation throughout the day.