1. Jewel of the South & Shevaroy Coffee History
Perched at an elevation of 1,515 metres in the Shevaroy Hills of Salem district, Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is affectionately known as the **"Jewel of the South"**. Located in India, The Master Yercaud Guide Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region's notable destination destinations. It draws visitors seeking natural scenery, wildlife, heritage, or adventure in one of India's most geographically diverse states. The surrounding landscape reflects the ecological and cultural character of this part of India, shaped by its altitude, rainfall, and human history.
The name Yercaud is derived from the Tamil words *Yeri* (Lake) and *Kadu* (Forest). Developed in the 1840s by Sir Thomas Munro and David Cockburn, Collector of Salem, Yercaud introduced coffee cultivation to the Eastern Ghats.
Surrounded by Arabica coffee plantations, orange groves, and jackfruit trees, Yercaud is famous for **Yercaud Emerald Lake**, **Pagoda Point**, **Shevaroy Cave Temple (1,623 m)**, **Lady's Seat**, **Anna Park**, and **Kiliyur Falls**.
☕ Eastern Ghats Coffee Capital
Yercaud is renowned for producing premium shade-grown Arabica coffee. Coffee estates blanket the slopes alongside silver oak and eucalyptus trees, offering fragrant plantation walks year-round.
2. Iconic Yercaud Landmarks Directory
Yercaud Emerald Lake
Picturesque natural lake in the center of town, offering rowboats, pedal boats, floating gardens, and adjoining Anna Park.
Pagoda Point
A scenic viewpoint named after four stone pyramid piles (*pagodas*) built by local tribal clans. Commands views of Attur and Kakambadi villages.
Shevaroy Temple (Servarayan)
Ancient cave temple located at the highest peak of the Shevaroy Hills (1,623 m), dedicated to Lord Servarayan and Goddess Kaveri.
Lady's Seat & Telescope House
A natural rock formation shaped like a seat, offering views of the 20 hairpin bend ghat road and twinkling night lights of Salem city.
Kiliyur Waterfalls
A 300-foot waterfall cascading into the Kiliyur valley from Yercaud Lake overflow. Reached via a 500-step trek through coffee woods.
Anna Park & Rose Garden
Manicured public park next to Emerald Lake featuring a Japanese garden, glasshouse, deer park, and thousands of hybrid rose varieties.
3. Master 3-Day Hill Station & Lake Itinerary
Salem Station Arrival → 20 Hairpin Bend Ghat Drive → Emerald Lake Boating & Lady's Seat
Arrival & Sunset CliffArrive Salem Junction Railway Station (SA, 30 km) or drive from Bangalore / Chennai. Ascend the scenic 20 hairpin bend mountain road to Yercaud (1,515 m). Check into a coffee estate resort. 15:00 PM: Pedal boating at Yercaud Emerald Lake. 17:30 PM: Sunset and Salem city night lights at Lady's Seat.
Shevaroy Cave Temple (1,623 M) → Pagoda Point → Kiliyur Falls Trek (300 FT)
Highest Cave Temple & Waterfall Trek08:00 AM: Morning visit to Shevaroy Cave Temple at the highest peak (1,623 m). 10:30 AM: Visit stone pyramid structures at Pagoda Point. 14:30 PM: Trek down 500 steps to Kiliyur Waterfalls in coffee forest.
Coffee Estate Walk & Spice Shopping → Anna Park & Rose Garden → Salem Departure
Coffee Tour & Departure09:00 AM: Guided walk through private coffee plantations — sample freshly roasted Arabica coffee. 11:30 AM: Visit Anna Park & Rose Garden. Buy freshly ground coffee powder, black pepper, and eucalyptus oil. Afternoon drive down to Salem Station for departure.
4. Yercaud Emerald Lake Boating & Anna Park
Situated right in the center of Yercaud, **Emerald Lake** is a serene natural lake framed by green hills and bamboo thickets. The forests and wetlands of The Master Yercaud Guide Wildlife Sanctuary support a range of wildlife adapted to the local habitat type: whether tropical moist deciduous, dry deciduous, shola grassland, or riverine forest. Documented fauna may include large mammals, reptiles, and an extensive bird list that draws birdwatchers particularly during winter migration (October–February). The Forest Department regulates safari timing and entry; checking current permit and booking procedures before visiting is essential for protected areas.
Travelers can rent 2-seater and 4-seater pedal boats or rowboats. Adjoining the lake is **Anna Park**, featuring a Japanese garden section, children's play area, and glasshouse.
5. Pagoda Point & Stone Pyramid Structures
Located on the eastern ridge of the Shevaroy Hills, **Pagoda Point** (Pyramid Point) gets its name from four mysterious stone pyramid structures erected by local Tamil tribes.
A viewpoint tower offers panoramic views of the Kakambadi valley and the surrounding Eastern Ghats mountain range.
6. Shevaroy Cave Temple (1,623 M Highest Peak)
Standing at **1,623 metres (5,326 feet)** above sea level, **Shevaroy Temple (Servarayan Temple)** is the highest point on the Shevaroy Hills.
The temple deity Lord Servarayan and Goddess Kaveri are worshipped inside a narrow, deep natural rock cave. An annual tribal festival is celebrated here in May.
7. Lady's Seat, Gentleman's Seat & Salem Valley View
Scenic cliff viewpoints:
- Lady's Seat: A natural rock formation overlooking the winding 20 hairpin bend ghat road. Features a Telescope House for daytime and evening valley viewing.
- Gentleman's Seat & Children's Seat: Adjacent rock ledges offering complementary panoramic views of the Salem plains.
8. Kiliyur Falls (300 FT) & Coffee Estate Treks
Situated 2.5 km from Yercaud Lake, **Kiliyur Waterfalls** plunges 300 feet into the Kiliyur valley gorge.
Reaching the base of the waterfall requires a scenic 500-step trek down through dense coffee plantations and teak woods.
9. Salem Station & 20 Hairpin Bends Roster
| Route Segment | Distance | Transit Time | Transport Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salem Junction Railway Station (SA) → Yercaud | 30 KM | 1 hour | Mountain road bus / Pre-paid taxi via 20 Hairpin Bends |
| Trichy Airport (TRZ) → Yercaud | 165 KM | 3.5 hours | Four-lane highway drive via Salem |
| Bangalore Airport / City → Yercaud | 220 KM | 4.5 hours | NH44 National Highway drive via Hosur & Dharmapuri |
| Yercaud Lake → Shevaroy Temple Peak | 7 KM | 15 minutes | Local auto-rickshaw / taxi |
10. Boating Tariffs, Park Entry Fees & Rules
Travel logistics: Entry to The Master Yercaud Guide Wildlife Sanctuary may require advance booking, forest department permits, or prior registration depending on protected area status. Vehicle restrictions, guide requirements, and daily entry quotas are common at tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries; verify the current rules at the official forest department website or at the entry gate. Basic facilities including parking, restrooms, and interpretation centres may be available; infrastructure quality varies significantly by site.
- Emerald Lake Boating Fares: 2-seater pedal boat ₹120 for 30 mins; 4-seater pedal boat ₹220; Rowboat ₹280 per trip.
- Anna Park & Rose Garden Entry: Adult ₹15 / Child ₹10. Camera fee ₹30. Open 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
11. 30-Coffee Estate Bungalow & Resort Directory
| Property | Location | Category | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels | Pagoda Point Road | Luxury Hill Resort | Valley view infinity pool & luxury rooms overlooking Salem valley |
| The Grange Resort Yercaud | Five Roads Junction | Heritage Coffee Estate | 1820s plantation resort set inside 150-acre coffee estate |
| Grand Palace Hotel & Spa | Killiyur Falls Road | Luxury Spa Resort | Infinity pool & valley view balconies near Emerald Lake |
| Sterling Yercaud | Lady's Seat Road | Hill View Resort | Cliffside resort near Lady's Seat with panoramic valley views |
| Sliver Oak Resort Yercaud | Pagoda Point Road | Nature Resort | Cozy garden cottages surrounded by silver oak & coffee plants |
12. Winter Coffee Blossom vs Summer Lake Breeze
| Season | Months | Temperature | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Winter / Crisp Air | Oct – Feb | 12°C – 22°C | Pleasant sunny days; cool mountain nights; coffee harvesting season |
| Monsoon Season | Jul – Sep | 18°C – 24°C | Kiliyur waterfall in peak flow; green coffee plantations |
| Summer Climate / Summer Festival | Mar – Jun | 16°C – 28°C | Cool hill retreat; annual Yercaud Summer Festival & Flower Show in May |
13. Arabica Coffee, Spices, Bajji & South Indian Meals
Savor local Yercaud gastronomy: Freshly Roasted Arabica Shade-Grown Coffee, Hot Banana & Potato Bajjis at Lake Promenade, South Indian Veg Thali with Ghee, Pepper Chicken, and fresh Oranges & Jackfruit. Located in India, The Master Yercaud Guide Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the region's notable destination destinations. It draws visitors seeking natural scenery, wildlife, heritage, or adventure in one of India's most geographically diverse states. The surrounding landscape reflects the ecological and cultural character of this part of India, shaped by its altitude, rainfall, and human history.