15 Best Things to Do in Yercaud

Yercaud — the quiet hill station in the Shevaroy (Servarayan) hills of Salem district, Tamil Nadu — is made for slow mornings, misty viewpoints and coffee-scented forests. Here are the best things to do, from a place that calls these hills home.

1. Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake)

The heart of the town. Rent a pedal boat, walk the shaded loop, and browse the little stalls. Loveliest early morning before the crowds.

2. Pagoda Point (Pyramid Point)

A sweeping viewpoint over the plains and the winding ghat road — the classic Yercaud sunrise and sunset spot.

3. Rose Garden & Anna Park

A manicured garden beside the lake, bright with seasonal blooms — an easy, pretty stop for families.

4. Killiyur Falls

A 300-foot waterfall tucked in the forest, at its powerful best just after the monsoon (October–December). A short trek gets you close.

5. Botanical Garden & Orchidarium

Home to rare orchids and hill flora — worth it for plant lovers and a peaceful wander.

6. Servaroyan Temple & Shevaroyan Hills

The highest point in the range, with a cave temple and panoramic views. The drive up is half the pleasure.

7. Bear's Cave & Deer Park

Family-friendly stops on the way to the higher viewpoints.

8. Coffee & spice estate walks

Yercaud is coffee country. Walk the silver-oak-shaded estates, learn how the beans grow, and buy fresh estate coffee to take home — the silver oaks around Chans Retreat are part of this landscape.

9. Montfort School & Lady's Seat

Lady's Seat, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat are a trio of viewpoints with telescope views across Salem — stunning after dark when the city lights come on.

10. 32 Kms Loop drive

The scenic ring road circling the plateau links most viewpoints — perfect for a half-day self-drive.

11–15. Slow down

Silk farm and rose valley, Karadiyur viewpoint, local Sunday shandy (market), a campfire under the stars, and simply doing nothing on a valley-view veranda with a hot filter coffee — arguably the best thing to do in Yercaud.