1. Take a boat ride on Yercaud Lake: An emerald lake nestled in the heart of Yercaud, the ravishing beauty of the Yercaud Lake bewitches all who come here. Offering panoramic views of the rolling green mountains on all sides, the Yercaud Lake is best explored by boating here.
Paddled, rowed and motor driven boats can be rented from the Yercaud Boathouse. With the wide variety of boat sizes and capacities available, boating here can be enjoyed by families as well as couples.
Price: Starting from Rs. 100, depending on the type of boat rented.
Timings: 09.00AM-05.30PM on all days of the week.
2. Take a drive through the 32-kilometer Loop Road: Originating from the Yercaud Lake, the 32-kilometer Loop Road makes its way through the coffee plantations of Yercaud. To get a taste of the local life here, a drive through the Loop Road is one of the best things to do in Yercaud.
As you make your way through the long stretch, you will come across plantation workers at their craft, interact with locals, and witness the majestic beauty of the never-ending stretches of the coffee garden.
3. Explore the historic Bears Cave: Hidden at the centre of a private coffee estate near Norton Bungalow in Yercaud. Believed to once have housed bears, the historic legends associated with the place makes a visit to the Bear Caves one of the most interesting things to do in Yercaud.
The cave also happened to be a hideout and an escape route for the emperor Tipu Sultan. The cave is located about 7 feet below ground level, and can be explored without meeting any considerable obstacle.
4. Enjoy the surrounding beauty from Lady’s Seat: Lady’s Seat is a rock formation that owes its naming to the colonial history of the city. It is said that the Lady’s Seat was once a much favored recreational spot for the British ladies, who frequently met up here.
Jutting out from the edge of the mountain, Lady’s Seat offers some of the most incredible views of the surrounding ranges. With its unobstructed horizon, the most spectacular sunset views can be enjoyed here.
Timings: 07.00AM-07.00PM on all days of the week.
5. Explore the Orchids at the Orchidarium: Located close by the Lady’s Rock, the Orchidarium is home to some of the rarest species of exotic orchids. Including species that are declared endangered, there are about 250 different types of orchids showcased here.
The pride of the garden, however, is the Insect Eating pitcher and the Neelakurinji plant, which are said to bloom only once in 12 years. The Orchidarium also houses some varieties of rose and bamboo plants.
Entry Fee: Rs. 6 per person.
Timings: 08.00AM-06.00PM on all days of the week.
6. Enjoy zipline and Aerial Adventure activities: One of the most fun things to do in Yercaud is to visit the Grange TreeTop Adventures. With its variety of outdoor rope-based attractions, this adventure park attracts visitors from around the country. Rides here include ziplining, mountain biking, archery, target practice and obstacle courses. Fun water-based sports such as water bicycling or water zorbing can also be attempted here.
Entry Fee: Rs. 300 per person.
Timings: 09.30AM-06.30PM on all days of the week.
7. Trek along the Windy Slopes: Trekking is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Yercaud. With its abundant slopes and rugged terrains, the city offers some of the best trekking opportunities in the country.
The Shevaroy Hills, Killiyur Waterfalls and Kaveri Peak are some of the most visited destinations for trekking here. The pleasant weather of Yercaud and its scenic setting makes it an ideal place for trekking throughout the year.
8. Go Camping in the Heart of the Hills: With its natural splendor, Yercaud offers the perfect setting for a camping experience. From cottage-based camps to tenting under the stars, the city offers it all. There are a number of different campsites located across Yercaud, the most popular of them being Tipperary Camping, Heaven’s Ledge Campsite, Grange Resorts, and Lakeview Village Homestay among others.
9. Enjoy views of Fallen Meteorite remains from the Tipperary View Point: Situated at the very southern tip of Yercaud, Tipperary View Point is one of the most oft-visited destinations here. Commanding an excellent panoramic view of the surrounding ranges, the View Point is a much loved hiking destination, and trekking here is one of the most popular things to do in Yercaud.
The Elephant Rocks, which are said to be remains of fallen meteorites, can be viewed from the Tipperary Point. Contrasting to the black granite of the surrounding hills, the Elephant Rocks area is a startling white. Viewed during the sunset, the rocks provide a fantastic sight with its contrast in colours.
10. Explore the tribal history of Yercaud at Kottachedu: The Kottachedu Teak forest in Yercaud was once home to the hill tribes of the Southern Hills. Although now devoid of the tribal population, the Kottachedu area is still fairly unharnessed and boasting of a rustic charm. Wildlife can be spotted roaming free in through the teak growth, while the trees provide shelter to a number of different birds. With its rustic beauty and rural charm, a trip to Kottachedu is one of the most interesting things to do in Yercaud.
Offbeat things to do in Yercaud:
1. Have a meal at the Sweet Rascal Café: Nestled cozily within a redecorated bungalow of the colonial era, having a meal at the Sweet Rascal Café is one of the most fun and exciting things to do in Yercaud. The café seeks to surprise its guests with a meal. The menu here is never fixed, but whipped up as a surprise. From Chinese to continental, to Italian- there is nothing that Sweet Rascal cannot bring to your table! Booking a table here, however, must be done in advance to get a seat.
2. Take a walk on the Burma Bucket: An adventure installation by the Oak Trails resort, the Burma Bucket is a fun attraction where one must walk across a bridge suspended in the air. A thrill-packed ride best suited for the adventure lover in you, the Burma Bucket is fashioned after the makeshift bridges used in World War 2.
3. Enjoy the Pipe Dream adventure ride: The Pipe Dream adventure is another popular adventure sport in Yercaud. The ride involves hopping across a series of pipes that are attached to cables above and below.
Testing one’s ability to put one’s fear of heights at bay, this ride is a perfect thrill for anyone above the age of 12. If you’re a thrill seeker, this adventure game would be among the most fun Yercaud things to do. The Pipe Dream adventure sport can be tried out at the Grange Resort.
4. Engage in a game of Paintball: Poppy Hills Adventure Park in Yercaud offers people of all ages the fun opportunity of participating in a game of paintball. Paintball is a group activity, where two teams aim to maim each other with guns loaded with paint.
The game is conducted in a natural forest setting, adding a certain thrill to it. Instructors and guides overlook the entire process and advise the players regarding the rules and formats of the games.
