🎟
Fee / boating cost
Fare varies by boat type and seating. The district public info lists 2-person ₹80, 4-person ₹110, 8-person ₹320. This can change; confirm at the counter on the day.
Salem District · Shevaroy Hills
Yercaud Lake
& Boat House
Practical information to quietly enjoy the lake’s main waterbody, also called Emerald Lake or the Big Lake.
★ 4.1 · 23,794 reviewsQ6M5+C7 · Yercaud
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General hours
09:00–17:30
District admin public info
⛵
Key experience
Lake boat ride
Confirm weather / operation
⌖
Address
Lake Road, Yercaud
Tamil Nadu 636602
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Suggested time
1.5–2.5 hr
Lake + boat + rest
Heart of Yercaud
Get to know the Big Lake
The Salem District Administration lists the Big Lake of Yercaud as a key tourist spot. Among South Indian hill-station lakes it is distinctive as a natural lake, and its lakeside recreation area is noted in the public info.
The boat house is the landmark experience of the lakeside. Before you travel, it is good to confirm the time, weather and boat-operation status via the local counter or an official source.
Trip planning
Know before you go
☀
Best time
A clear sky in the morning or evening is comfortable for the lakeside walk and boat ride. Boating may be affected by heavy rain or fog.
🅿
Parking
Parking near Lake Road / boat house varies by time. Crowds rise on weekends and holidays; arriving earlier is practical.
⏱
Time to spend
Lakeside + boat + a short nearby rest can be planned for 1.5–2.5 hours. Add nearby park / viewpoints for a half day.
Live weather
Yercaud — now & 7-day forecast
This live weather helper is useful before planning a boat ride, a morning walk or a waterfall trip. You don’t have to work out “what will the weather be like, should I carry an umbrella” yourself — practical suggestions appear for you below.
23°
மேகமூட்டம்
- உணர்வு
- 24°
- ஈரப்பதம்
- 55%
- காற்று
- 14 km/h (3 நிலை)
- மழை வாய்ப்பு
- 2%
புதன்
23 செப்
மேகமூட்டம்
24° / 17°
☔ 2%
☀️ UV 8.7
வியாழன்
24 செப்
மேகமூட்டம்
25° / 16°
☔ 4%
☀️ UV 7.75
வெள்ளி
25 செப்
லேசான தூறல்
24° / 16°
☔ 55%
☀️ UV 6.5
சனி
26 செப்
மேகமூட்டம்
26° / 16°
☔ 47%
☀️ UV 8.4
ஞாயிறு
27 செப்
ஓரளவு மேகம்
26° / 16°
☔ 30%
☀️ UV 8.5
திங்கள்
28 செப்
தூறல்
26° / 17°
☔ 77%
☀️ UV 9.05
செவ்வாய்
29 செப்
அடர்ந்த தூறல்
25° / 17°
☔ 90%
☀️ UV 9.1
உடைப் பரிந்துரை
- ✓வானிலை சாதாரணம்; வழக்கமான செல்லும் ஆடைகள் போதுமானது.
விளையாட்டுத் திட்டம்
- ✓வெளிச்சம் மென்மையானது; புகைப்படம் எடுப்பதற்கும் நீண்ட நேர வெளிச்சுற்றுலாவுக்கும் ஏற்றது.
உடன் எடுத்துச் செல்வது
- ✓🧴 சூரியப் பாதுகாப்பு (SPF), 🕶️ கண்னாடி, 🧢 தொப்பி
இது வானிலை முன்னறிவிப்பிலிருந்து பெறப்பட்ட பரிந்துரை; அதிகாரப்பூர்வ வானிலை எச்சரிக்கைகளுக்கு உத்தியோகபூர்வ அறிவிப்புகளைப் பார்க்கவும்.
Weather data refreshes automatically · boat operations depend on the official notice.
Getting here
Reaching Yercaud — flight, train, bus, taxi
Yercaud is in the Shevaroy Hills of Salem district. Step-by-step guidance for each travel mode is below; fare & time vary by season, so confirm on the day of travel.
Flight (Air)
- ▪Nearest airports: Salem (SXV, ~35 km — limited weekly/some connections), Coimbatore (CJB, ~170 km), Bengaluru (BLR, ~220 km).
- ▪From the airport, take a pre-booked taxi / cab to Yercaud.
- ▪About 1.5 hr from Salem; 4–5 hr from Coimbatore; 5–6 hr from Bengaluru.
Train (Rail)
- ▪Main station: Salem Junction (Salem Junction, ~35 km) — many Tamil Nadu & Karnataka connections.
- ▪From Salem Junction you can take a government bus (TNSTC) / taxi / auto to Yercaud.
- ▪Per district administration info, Yercaud is about 35 km from Salem.
Bus
- ▪Tamil Nadu government (TNSTC) buses run frequently between Salem and Yercaud.
- ▪State buses are also available from Coimbatore and Bengaluru.
- ▪From Yercaud bus stand, Lake Road / boat house is ~1–2 km — auto or walk.
Taxi / Cab
- ▪You can pre-book a direct taxi / app-based cab from Salem, Coimbatore or Bengaluru.
- ▪Prepaid taxi counters are usually available at the railway / airport / bus stations.
- ▪Confirm fare & time with the driver before the ghat climb.
Local transport
- ▪Yercaud town has auto-rickshaws & shared taxis.
- ▪The lake, Anna Park and boat house are close to each other on Lake Road — walkable.
- ▪Auto / cab is recommended for viewpoints like Pagoda Point and Ladies Seat.
Driving
- ▪Salem–Yercaud ghat road ~35 km; winding ghat road (~18 hairpin bends).
- ▪Fill fuel / EV charge in Salem before climbing (fewer stations up top).
- ▪Slow down in fog, rain and at night; be careful on curves.
The map points to Google Maps; follow the official map and local guidance for final distance & route.
Visitor facilities
What you need at the lakeside & Yercaud town
This is not a commercial listing — only facility types are listed below. No specific shop, hotel or business is recommended; the choice and decision rest with the visitor.
Toilets (WC)
Public toilets can be expected at the boat-house complex and lakeside. Condition varies with time of day, maintenance and crowding; sometimes there is a wait or a small fee.
Parking
Parking is available near Lake Road and the boat house for two- and four-wheelers; it can fill up on weekends and holidays, so arriving earlier is practical.
Food & drinks
Lakeside and in Yercaud town you’ll find South Indian vegetarian food, tiffin items like idli/dosa, coffee–tea stalls, snacks and bakeries. Carry a bottle of drinking water on your trip.
Stays
Yercaud town has hotels, resorts and homestays of various types. Compare distance to the lake, season and reviews before booking; no specific business is recommended here.
Groceries
Daily-needs items, vegetables, fruit, snacks and drinking water are available in town. It is convenient to stock up before trips that leave the lake area.
Fuel & EV charging
Fuel stations are along the Salem–Yercaud road and in town. EV charging in the hills may be limited; it is safer to fully charge in Salem before climbing up.
ATM & cash
Bank and ATM facilities are in the town centre. There may be no ATM lakeside, so carry a little cash.
Pharmacy & medical
Yercaud town has pharmacies and basic healthcare. For emergencies the nearest major centre is Salem; note key emergency numbers while travelling.
Internet & phone network
Mobile network is available in the town centre and lakeside; 4G signal can drop on deep hill trails. Download an offline map before the ghat road for safety.
Accessible
The lakeside paved walkway, boat house and Anna Park are wheelchair-friendly. Vehicle-accessible viewpoints exist; deeper trails and waterfalls may have limited access.
At some times facilities may operate differently due to maintenance, holidays or weather. Reconfirm locally on the day of travel.
Seasonal strategy
Which seasons to visit Yercaud?
The following is climatology based on the India Meteorological Department (IMD) 30-year average climate normals — not a live forecast. Water, wildlife and ghat-road conditions can change on the day of travel.
≈ 15–28°C
Summer (Mar–May)
- Weather
- While the plains are hot, Yercaud’s climate is mild; good for lakeside walks in the morning & evening.
- Water & lake
- Lake level is moderate; boating usually runs steadily.
- Wildlife
- Birds are active; leeches fewer than in the monsoon.
💡 Pre-monsoon showers may come occasionally; confirm weather before boating.
≈ 16–24°C
Southwest Monsoon (Jun–Sep)
- Weather
- Southwest monsoon is heavy; hills are green with fog; ghat roads are slippery.
- Water & lake
- Lake is full; Kiliyur Falls at its best.
- Wildlife
- Rich plant & animal life; leeches may be on trails.
💡 Boating may stop with weather; come with raincoat & grip.
≈ 14–25°C
NE Monsoon / Post-rain (Oct–Nov)
- Weather
- NE monsoon with light showers; after rain the sky clears, good for light photography.
- Water & lake
- Lake is stable; greenery continues.
- Wildlife
- Good season for birds & butterflies.
💡 Good season for sightseeing & family trips.
≈ 10–22°C
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Weather
- The year’s coolest, clearest season; morning fog & pleasant days — peak crowd time.
- Water & lake
- Lake is calm, boating comfortable.
- Wildlife
- Clear views; good morning bird activity.
💡 Come early on holidays; warm layers advised for the morning chill.
Seasonal recommendation
Best time
Boat & lakeside walk
Oct–Mar (post-rain → summer → early winter)
Kiliyur Falls peak
Jul–Sep (monsoon peak)
Photos & views
Nov–Feb (clear sky, fog beauty)
Family / first-time
Dec–Feb & Oct–Nov (comfortable climate)
Itineraries
A route for you & a general plan
Routes by travel group & time are below. All are type-based; no specific business is recommended.
Family
Simple, shaded & child-friendly route.
- ▸Family boat ride at the boat house (with life jackets).
- ▸Anna Park — garden area & rest spots.
- ▸Lakeside walkway — slow stroll.
- ▸Water & food break.
Photo / Nature
Route centred on light & views.
- ▸Sunrise at the lake in the morning — calm water & fog.
- ▸Pagoda Point & Ladies Seat — hill & valley views.
- ▸Kiliyur Falls — water flow by season.
- ▸Drive through coffee-plantation roads & sunset at the lake in the evening.
Accessible
Low-walk, vehicle-friendly comfortable route.
- ▸Lakeside paved path — wheelchair-friendly.
- ▸Boat house & Anna Park — nearby parking.
- ▸Vehicle-accessible viewpoints (Pagoda Point, Ladies Seat).
- ▸Lakeside seating & food — for a break.
Half-day
- ▸09:00 — arrive & boat house.
- ▸09:30–10:30 — boat ride.
- ▸10:30–11:30 — lakeside walk + Anna Park.
- ▸11:30–12:30 — food / coffee break.
- ▸13:00 — leave by noon.
Full-day
- ▸08:30 — arrive & boat ride.
- ▸09:30–11:00 — Kiliyur Falls walk.
- ▸11:00–12:30 — Pagoda Point & Ladies Seat views.
- ▸12:30–13:30 — lunch.
- ▸13:30–15:00 — coffee-plantation road drive.
- ▸16:30–17:30 — evening lakeside & sunset boat ride.
- ▸18:00 — depart.
History & nature
A natural lake on the Shevaroy slope
Lake + forest = Yercaud
“Yercaud” is commonly explained as a combination of “yeri” (lake) + “kaadu” (forest) — the forest that surrounds the lake. This natural lake in the Shevaroy range is the identity of the hill station. The district administration also officially refers to it as the “Big Lake”.
Shevaroy Hills elevation
Yercaud town sits at about 1,515 m (around 4,970 ft) above sea level. Part of Tamil Nadu’s Eastern Ghats, the hill is known for its sprawling gardens, forests and viewpoints. Even in summer, cool breeze prevails in the evenings.
History of coffee plantations
In the 19th century, coffee and plantation crops expanded in this region. Public records state that European planters established coffee estates on the Shevaroy slopes, later joined by trade in tea, vegetables, fruit and spices. Even today, plantations around Yercaud welcome travellers.
The boat house & lake life
This lake has long been the central attraction of Yercaud. The boat house operates boat services under the Salem district administration; families, friend groups and solo travellers alike enjoy floating on its tree-lined calm waters.
The “Mini Ooty” nickname
Because of its mild climate and green look, Yercaud is sometimes affectionately called “Mini Ooty” or “Little Ooty”. Without Ooty’s crowds, it is considered a good hill getaway for a day or weekend.
Colonial hill station
In the 19th century, during British colonial rule, Yercaud was developed as a hill station. Used as a summer retreat for its moderate climate; plantations, churches and bungalows from that era remain traces today. The road link from the Salem plain to the hills was also built then.
Lake upkeep & the boat house
Once a natural waterbody, the lake is today a perennial lake maintained by the Public Works / Forest department. The lakeside boat house runs under the district administration / tourism; it remains Yercaud’s key recreation centre. Colonial-era travellers are said to have called this lake “Emerald”, per public records.
The notes above are compiled from Salem district administration, Tamil Nadu tourism publications and public records; they should not be treated as an official historical research volume.
Stories & memories
The lake’s names & local memories
The notes below are compiled from district/tourism public records and commonly held explanations; they should not be treated as an official historical study. Read them only as background for the travel experience.
“Yeri–Kaadu” — behind the name
The name Yercaud is widely said to come from “yeri” (lake) + “kaadu” (forest). On one side a clear lake, all around dense forest — together they gave this hill place its name and identity. Being a natural lake makes the waterbody distinctive.
Why “Emerald” Lake?
The Big Lake is also called “Emerald Lake”. Colonial-era travellers are said to have given it this name seeing the green of the surrounding trees and the soft green sheen of the water. So Yercaud’s lake is not just a waterbody but a symbol of the hill experience.
Plantation life & hill bungalows
Continuing the plantation tradition, coffee, tea, fruit trees and spice crops are still common around Yercaud. Old hill bungalows and plantation gates recall that way of life. Many travellers walk the roads between plantations, not stopping only at the lake.
Backdrop of Tamil films
Yercaud’s lake, roads and hill scenery have been filming locations for many Tamil films, especially song sequences. So many travellers arrive with the feeling of “that hill lake we saw in pictures”.
Monsoon beauty — Kiliyur Falls
In the monsoon, Kiliyur Falls is at its best. The walkway from the lakeside varies with season and safety. Since hill roads get slippery in the monsoon, follow local guidance and ask about conditions in advance.
Photo gallery
See Yercaud Lake in pictures
Openly licensed photos of the lake, boat house, nearby plantations and viewpoints. Each photo is shown with its source link; copyright belongs to the original photographer.
For image rights and source details, see the project’s photo documentation. All photos are shared under Wikimedia Commons open licences.
Around the lake
Food & nearby places
Local food
This is not a commercial ranking. Use the food options around Lake Road and Yercaud town centre only as a guide.
- ☕ Yercaud coffee and hot drinks
- 🥘 Tamil Nadu meals / tiffin
- 🌶 Chilli bhajji and evening snacks
- 🍞 Bakery and family snack options
Nearby attractions
- Anna Park: a garden area to pair with the lake.
- Kiliyur Falls: a natural spot to check by season and trail condition.
- Pagoda Point: a popular hill viewpoint.
- Ladies Seat: a viewpoint over hills and valley.
Science & visitor responsibility
Enjoying the lake & hills responsibly
This is not a commercial recommendation — only neutral guidance about nature, wildlife and safety. For final information, follow official notices and local guidance.
Water quality & lake care
- ✓Yercaud Lake is a waterbody — swimming / bathing is not officially allowed; only authorised boat-house boating is permitted.
- ✓Do not throw plastic / waste into or near the waterbody; help protect water quality.
- ✓In the monsoon (Jun–Sep) water levels rise; be careful near the banks.
Wildlife & plants
- ✓The hills have monkeys, birds and insects — do not feed animals (harm to health & behaviour).
- ✓Observe birds and plants from a distance without disturbing them.
- ✓Leeches may be on trails in the rainy season — closed shoes & socks are advised.
Zero Waste
- ✓Take your waste back with you; use the bins provided.
- ✓Avoid single-use plastic; refill reusable water bottles.
- ✓Leave viewpoints & trails as you found them — for the travellers who come after.
Safety & hill guidance
- ✓On ghat curves, slow down in fog, rain and at night.
- ✓Follow life-jacket & staff guidance on the boat ride; watch children.
- ✓Walk only on marked trails and note emergency contacts in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Yercaud Lake — common questions
Which district is Yercaud in?
Yercaud Lake and Boat House are in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India — a hill station in the Shevaroy Hills.
Is there a separate entry fee for the lake?
There is generally no separate entry fee to visit the lakeside; the charge applies only to the boat ride (by boat type). Confirm at the local counter on the day of travel.
Where is Yercaud Lake located?
It is on Lake Road in Yercaud town, Salem District, Tamil Nadu 636602. Google Maps Plus Code Q6M5+C7.
When is boating available?
Per the district administration’s public info, lake / boat-house hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. This can change with weather, maintenance or local decisions.
What are the boating charges?
Fare varies by boat type and seating. The district administration’s public page lists separate fares for 2, 4 and 8 person boats; confirm the current fare at the counter on the day.
Can we go with children?
Yes. The lake is widely visited by families. Follow staff safety guidance and life-jacket instructions on the boat ride; watch children.
Is parking available?
Vehicle parking near Lake Road and the boat house varies by day and crowd; arriving earlier on weekends and holidays is practical.
How much time to spend?
Lakeside walk + boat ride + rest adds up to about 1.5–2.5 hours — a practical plan. This is not an official time limit.
Can you swim or bathe in the lake?
No official info allows swimming at the boat house. Follow boat-operation safety rules, life-jacket guidance and staff direction; extra care with children.
What is it like on weekends / holidays?
On weekends and school / holiday seasons the boat house, parking and food spots get crowded. Come earlier in the morning and allow enough time for the boat queue.
Which seasons are best to visit Yercaud?
Yercaud has a mild climate year-round. Oct–Jun is relatively clear / dry; in the monsoon (Jun–Sep) the falls are full but hill roads need care.
Are there stays or restaurants nearby?
Yes. Yercaud town and lakeside have many stay and food options — hotels, resorts, homestays to veg restaurants and coffee stalls. This site recommends no business by name; compare reviews and distance to the lake before booking.
How to reach Yercaud Lake?
Yercaud is ~35 km from Salem via a ghat road. Nearest airport Salem (SXV); also Coimbatore (CJB) and Bengaluru (BLR). Salem Junction is the main railhead; TNSTC buses and taxis run to Yercaud.
Sources & trust
Information sources
The information on this independent, non-profit site is compiled against the official / government sources below. No commercial recommendations are made.
Salem District Administration
OfficialYercaud Lake (Boat House) tourist-place page — timings & boating info
Salem District — Yercaud Lake
OfficialOfficial photo gallery (district administration)
Tamil Nadu Tourism
GovernmentTamil Nadu state tourism information gateway
Ministry of Tourism, India
GovernmentGovernment of India Ministry of Tourism
Government of Tamil Nadu
GovernmentOfficial website of the Government of Tamil Nadu
Yercaud — Wikipedia
ReferenceGeneral history & geography of Yercaud (English)
Editorial quality standards
- ✓No commercial advertising, sponsorship or ranking; only location types are given neutrally.
- ✓Information is compiled against official / government sources.
- ✓Last content update: 2026-09-04.
- ✓Boat fare, timings, weather and access can change — local counter / official notice takes priority on the day of travel.
Image rights: the copyright and related rights of the photographs on this site belong to their original photographers; the source & licence of openly licensed images are recorded in the project’s photo documentation.
Reconfirm changing info on the day of travel
Boat fare, operation hours, weather, parking and access can change on short notice. The official district info and local counter take priority.