Yercaud, Hill station in Salem district, India
Yercaud is a hill town in the Shevaroy Hills of Salem district, built around a lake at roughly 1515 meters elevation. Narrow roads wind through wooded slopes and connect small plantations, temples, and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding plains.
British colonial officers set up a retreat here in the 1800s and planted coffee on the slopes. Later decades brought tea and spice cultivation, along with expanded paths and settlements for locals and travelers.
The name comes from the Tamil word for lake forest, describing the natural setting around the central water body. On some weekends, families from lowland towns come here to picnic under shady trees and enjoy the cooler temperatures.
The mountain road from Salem climbs through many bends and offers pullouts for breaks and views along the way. The cooler months between October and June suit walking and exploring the area more comfortably.
Some paths lead to old coffee plantations that date back to colonial times and are still tended by local families. Oranges and spices also grow here among thick stands of trees, so walks often carry a spicy fragrance.
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