Yercaud, A must visit destination this summer!

Yercaud, A must visit destination this Summer!

Come the month of May, with the arrival of the blazing heat and city summers where temperature scales rise to unbelievably scorching levels, there is only one thing on everyone’s minds. An escape to the hills, where the clean, cool and pleasant winds greet them with arms wide open; mountainous terrains with sweeping lush green fields and pastures extending till the eyes can see; and, above all else, a chance to unwind from the maddening routine of everyday life.

While hill stations like Shimla, Manali and Ooty are favourites among tourists, a smaller, offbeat and less conventional option that has attracted vacationers is Yercaud. Nestled in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats, it is appropriately known as the Shevaroy Hills – and also as Jewel of the South.

Yercaud is a popular hill station in the state of Tami Nadu, and its name can be literally translated to mean “Lake Forest” – with a wide expanse of thick forests in the periphery and the widely known “Big Lake” towards the center. Travel.India.com says the location is a beautiful spot for boating. Watching the sun glide and inch towards the horizon and finally setting – as the sky changes texture, filling the air with romance – is a magical experience. This man-made lake, also called as the “Emerald Lake” that features a fountain in the middle, is situated in the center of a well maintained garden.

Places to visit

Other than the Big Lake, Yercaud boasts of myriad tourist attractions that will make your trip worthwhile. The Pagoda Point offers a breathtaking view of the adjoining Salem town and a landscape that is dotted with neighboring villages. Also called as Pyramid Point, it is believed to be over four piles of stones that create the shape of a pyramid.

Another beautiful place to visit when in Yercaud is the Shevaroy Temple atop the Shevaroy Hill, which sits at a jaw dropping altitude of 5,326 feet. The house of worship is dedicated to God Servaran and Goddess Kaveri, according to HappyTrips. The drive leading to the temple offers a breathtaking view of the valleys and terrains. The hill is punctuated with several vantage points from where one can see the entire town unfolded in front of their eyes.

What’s a hill station without a waterfall? Situated a mere distance of 3 kilometers from the Big Lake, the Kiliyur Falls, with its intimidating yet scintillating impression, is a 300 feet drop where the water falls into the Kiliyur valley below. For those who like to travel on foot, a trek around the waterfalls is an amazing course that leads to the bottom of the falls.

Those who prefer to indulge in taking leisurely walks while admiring the picturesque beauty of nature all around or have a comfortable sit-out with their families, Anna Park is an ideal place to visit. It is a favorite for those who want to rejoice nature in all its glory. It is located next to the Big Lake, and houses a mammoth collection of flora. An annual flower show hosted in the park in May attracts several tourists.

Where to stay

When the destination for your vacation boasts such exquisiteness, why should your stay in the resorts in Yercaud be any different? Sterling Holidays Rock Perch, Yercaud, is built atop the imposing Sevarayan Hills, and is only a short walking distance from some of the several popular tourist attractions – including, but certainly not limited to, Lady’s Seat, Gent’s Seat, Children’s Seat and Rose Gardens. Breathe in the freshness as you gaze into the blooming coffee gardens laid out in all its vastness in front of you.

Members can choose from a range of rooms – 2 Bedroom Apartment, 1 Bedroom Apartment and Studio. Moreover, a plethora of amenities is available for kids and adults alike; the resort houses a play area, club where members and guests can indulge in indoor games or outdoor sports, massage center, and the facility of private bonfires as per request.

Yercaud weather

The principal concern of travelers looking to vacation in their summer break is weather. They want to visit a hill station that provides an opportunity to relax, detach and unwind from the monotonous city summers. Yercaud’s temperature ranges from 13 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. Winters, which cover the months of December till February, experience slightly mild weather, with the temperature not exceeding 24 degrees Celsius. During this time, the mountains are surrounded by an inescapably misty envelope. Come April, the blooming coffee bushes spread out for miles are a spectacular treat for the eyes. During summers, travelers can relish in the pleasantness of the place, with the temperature not exceeding 29 degrees Celsius.