Rooted in the hills, nurtured by history
The word "Yercaud" is derived from the Tamil words "yeri" and "kaadu," meaning "lake" and "forest," respectively—a name that perfectly captures the essence of this hill station nestled in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats, at an altitude of 1,515 metres above sea level. Its modern story begins in the early 19th century. M.D. Cockburn, Collector of Salem District from 1820, spearheaded the initial European exploration and settlement of Yercaud, introducing coffee cultivation by procuring Arabica plants from Africa and establishing the first plantations around 1820 at estates like The Grange. He came to be called the "Father of Yercaud" for transforming the hills into a thriving plantation economy. Sir Thomas Munroe, the then Governor of Madras, later popularised it as a retreat in 1842. Today, the coffee plantations, orange groves, and spice gardens that Cockburn pioneered form the very backdrop against which the Summer Festival unfolds each year.
Seven days of flowers, folk arts, and festivity
The festival spans seven days, with cultural performances held every day, including Puliyattam, Silambattam, and folk and western dance performances. The crown jewel is the Flower Show held at Anna Park near the iconic Yercaud Lake, where the Department of Horticulture transforms the lakeside garden into a vivid tapestry of seasonal blooms. Families walk around admiring the displays, photography lovers search for the perfect frame, and visitors slow down enough to simply enjoy colour, fragrance, and the cool hill weather. Photography contests add a competitive edge for visitors eager to capture the floral spectacle.
A trek for men and women is held along the Yercaud mountains at dawn, and a football match is organised at the retreat playground. Children can enjoy activities like cooking-without-fire competitions and other fun contests. Events are also conducted in an open-air arena, including semi-classical dance and mimicry performances. A dance programme features artists performing classical art forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi. Boat races on Yercaud Lake, dog shows, and a lively commercial fair round out the seven days, making this a celebration that has something for every kind of visitor.
