Shevaroy Temple: Divine Retreat In The Hills Of Tamil Nadu

Shevaroy Hills with lush green landscape, rocky terrain, and a scenic viewpoint.

Perched atop the beautiful Servarayan hills is the Shevaroy Temple, a narrow, dimly lit cave temple dedicated to Goddess Kaveri and Lord Servarayan. The temple is about 7 km north of Yercaud, Tamil Nadu, at an elevation of 5326 feet, which is the highest point in Yercaud Hills. The main deity, Lord Shevaroyan, is worshipped by the tribal community of the region. Surrounded by lush greenery and marvellous views, the temple calls in pilgrims and travellers who seek solace and spiritual upliftment.

Quick Facts About Shevaroy Temple

Shevaroy Temple Address: Yercaud, Shevaroy Temple Rd, Shevaroys hills, Tamil Nadu 636602
Shevaroy Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: None
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Location

The upward slope on a road leading to the Shevaroy temple and hill covered in greenery.

Photo: Balamurugan / Wikimedia Commons

The Shevaroy Temple is on top of the Shevaroy Hills, and it is found within the Yercaud region of Tamil Nadu state in India. Resting at a height of 5326 feet, the temple can be reached through the Yercaud Hills Road, which is connected from Salem by State Highway 188 and deviating towards the Shevaroyan Road near the hills. T

How To Reach

Salem Airport terminal building with carts and passengers entering the building.

Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The nearest airport is Salem Airport, 50 km from the city. You can hire a taxi from there to take you to Yercaud and then a short drive to Shevaroy Temple.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Salem Junction, which is 40 km from the temple. From there, taxis and autorickshaws are readily available to reach the temple.

By Road: From Chennai, drive down NH 38 and then NH 44 to get about 350 km to Yercaud. Public buses often leave from Salem to Yercaud, and autorickshaws can be taken from there to the temple.

Things To Do

1. Attend Regular Pujas And Festivals

A beautiful view of a pooja thali decorated with diyas and colourful flowers.

Photo: suketdedhia / Wikimedia Commons

Shevaroy Temple is one of those vibrant centres for spiritual activities where travellers come to find their roots immersed in the locality and get a taste of its native culture and practices. Puja is done daily, made up of pranaayas, chanting, and ringing, which makes this atmosphere quite subtle and welcoming. Famous pujas observed in this place are Thaipusam and Skanda Shasti, which gain thousands of guests and make celebration events vibrant.

2. Explore The Cave And Surroundings

Dried grassy land at the top of a hill with visible pillars of a structure and hills.

Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

At the Shevaroy Temple, you can explore the cave shrine and enjoy the scenic views around it. The temple is inside a cave, and visitors must bend low to enter the shrine. Within the cave are the statues of Lord Shevaroyan and Goddess Kaveri, who are placed on the rough and naturally sculptured walls to evoke a calm, peaceful sanctity. After visiting the shrine, soft trails around lure a few tourists into the dense green woods, offering an engaging trek of tropical foliage and calm vistas.

Places To Visit Around Shevaroy Temple

After visiting Shevaroy Temple, there are several places to see a picture of the beauty and culture of the region.

1. Yercaud Lake

People boating on the Yercaud Lake surrounded by greenery and others waiting on the side.

Photo: Prasath G / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Yercaud Lake is a beautiful artificial lake that attracts visitors with serene beauty and peaceful surroundings. Lush gardens and tall trees are on both sides of the lake, providing a perfect atmosphere for those in search of a relaxing getaway. The crystal-clear water of the lake beautifully reflects the surrounding hills. An amazing sight, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The visitors can be permitted to hire a paddle boat for a laid-back cruise or even a picnic on the well-maintained trails.

Timings: Open all day
Distance From Shevaroy Temple: 6 km

2. Pagoda Point

Empty movable stalls set on the Pagoda Point Hill with trees and landscape below.

Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

Pagoda Point is one of the best places from where the panoramic views of the valleys and hills around Yercaud can be seen. It is popular for its rock formations, and this place has been named after it, along with a small pagoda that the local people have constructed with respect towards the hill for its historic importance. The place attracts photographers for the panoramic views and bright colours of the landscape. Pagoda Point is a great spot to observe the sunset, which is particularly magical during the golden hour when the evening sky turns orange with beautiful pink undertones.

Timings: Open all day
Distance From Shevaroy Temple: 10 km

3. Kiliyur Falls

Kiliyur Falls cascades down rugged cliffs and rocks and surrounded by dense greenery.

Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

Kiliyur Falls is a spectacular waterfall cascading from a height of almost 300 feet, falling into the deep forest and lush greenery of Yercaud. The splashing of water, along with the natural beauty of this place makes it a place for nature lovers and adventure lovers. The trek to the falls may be an excitingly adventurous trek up to there that adds flavour to the activity. Through trekking to the fall, one may get more opportunities to admire the varieties of biodiversity as one looks around the view of flowers and wild beasts.

Timings: Open all day
Distance From Shevaroy Temple: 8 km

4. Bear’s Cave

Drip stones and spikes in Bear's Cave, form intricate limestone formations under.

Photo: 7TP (Krzysztof Bartosik) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Bear’s Cave is located near Yercaud and has mythological history and geological significance. The name itself is based on a story in which the bears once took shelter in this cave. It is a short trek leading to this cave, and while visiting, you can see the geological past and beauty of the region. The trek to Bear’s Cave is more or less an adventure as such because you have to pass through thick forests and the cool mountain breeze. It is a good spot, especially for geology lovers or for anyone seeking a connection with nature.

Timings: Open all day
Distance From Shevaroy Temple: 6 km

5. Gent’s Seat

A group of men standing at the Gent’s seat viewpoint with another man talking on a call.

Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

The Gent’s Seat is yet another beautiful vantage point in Yercaud, hardly different from its counterpart, the Lady’s Seat. You can appreciate the scenic beauty and the calmness with the presence of large rocks. The place is good for deep thoughts as well as relaxation, and one can move around from one corner to another or sit in one place to appreciate the beauty. The ₹30 ticket allows you access to the Gent’s Seat, the Lady’s Seat, and the Children’s Seat.

Timings: Open all day
Distance From Shevaroy Temple: 8 km

Where To Stay

A modern hotel room with a cosy bed, ambient lighting, and stylish decor in neutral tones.

Photo: peterweideman / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Yercaud has all kinds of accommodations, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Hotel Shevaroys is one of the most popular hotels and is near Yercaud Lake. The hotel rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with basic facilities. If you are looking for an option with modern amenities, Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels is an attractive mid-range hotel offering breathtaking hill views that make one relaxed and peaceful. If it’s the luxury experience one desires, then it’s the heritage hotel Taj Savoy amidst beautiful gardens. It offers tastefully designed rooms and fine dining options that ensure a luxury experience with comfort.

Where To Eat

Traditional South Indian meal served on a banana leaf with rice and various curries.

Photo: LoggaWiggler / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

When it comes to the nearby areas for dining options and Shevaroy Temple, there are a few places worth mentioning with good views and a wide variety of food. Altitude Kitchen Bar in the Grand Palace Hotel, which is 5 km away, serves Indian, Continental, and Chinese meals with a beautiful view of the city. Sweet Rascal Cafe is approximately 6 km away and serves Indian and Italian cuisine. Another option is the Green Park Restaurant in Yercaud, which serves typical South Indian vegetarian meals in a clean and friendly environment.

Other Factors To Consider

A huge bell hanging at the Shevaroy temple with a large tree against a colourful sky.

Photo: Bru-nO / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of Trip

Taking into consideration the possible expenditure incurred in planning a weekend trip to Shevaroy Temple Dasaiya, it is quite economical as it ranges between ₹2,500 and ₹8,000 for one person. It covers everything from transport, lodging, provision of meals, etc. For this reason, travellers do not need to worry about bearing the cost of accommodation, as budget hotels and lodges are available. Good meals are also available in the local restaurants at reasonable prices.

Tips For Travellers

  • Dress modestly and follow the customs as this is a place of worship.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to walk up the hilly terrain.
  • Shevaroy Temple attracts a larger crowd during the festival days, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Seek permission from authorities before taking Shevaroy Temple photos.

Shevaroy Temple on top of the Shevaroy Hills promises a holistic mix of spiritual ambience and breathtaking natural beauty that could sate the desires of both pilgrims and tourists alike. Spiritual journeys or simple excursions into nature or from the hectic monotony of daily life, Shevaroy Temple has all that and more. Plan on TripXL and see why Tamil Nadu is so enchanting.

Cover Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The Shevaroy Temple holds importance primarily because it is devoted to Lord Murugan, whom worshippers pray to for help and enlightenment.
The temple celebrates festival events like Thaipusam and Skanda Shasti with special poojas and spectacular festivity.
It welcomes visitors of all religions and has many foreign tourists to witness the rich culture of Tamil Nadu.
Photographing is not allowed inside the temple premises. You can click pictures on the outside premises only.
Usually, it takes 1 to 2 hours to walk around the temple and spend quality time in the surroundings.

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