Yercaud is a remote and secluded hill station in Tamil Nadu that’s known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque tourist attractions. Among the major attractions lie Anna Park Yercaud, which is a popular botanical garden and recreational park in the hill station. The main focus inside the park lies in its well-maintained lawns and the wide range of flora that prevails there. If you are particularly fond of plants, and greenery, you will surely love spending your time relaxing and unwinding in the park. Be it setting up a picnic or boating on the lake, Anna Park Yercaud offers tourists the perfect tranquil retreat they need.
Where Is Anna Park Yercaud?
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Anna Park is located in Yercaud, a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Big Lake, which is around 1 km from the Yercaud bus stand. So, if you are worried about accessibility, that won’t be an issue when visiting this park.
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Interesting Facts About Anna Park Yercaud
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Learn some facts about Anna Park Yercaud to plan your trip better.
Origin and significance: Anna Park, named after a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Annadurai, is a botanical garden that showcases a variety of plants, trees, and flowers indigenous to the region. Beyond its beautiful lush greenery all around, one of the main attractions of this park lies in the Annual Flower Show for which thousands of visitors flock every year.
Address: Q6M6+XJR, Roundana, Ondikadai, Salem, Kombaikkadu, Tamil Nadu 636601
Timings: 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 15 per adult; INR 10 for camera
Best Time To Visit The Park
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Given that Yercaud is a hill station located 1,515 m above sea level, which contributes to the pleasant climate that the place has year-round. So, even during the summer months from March to June, the weather remains comfortable enough for you to indulge in outdoor activities like exploring Anna Park. Also, between July and September, the monsoon season contributes to a stunning lush landscape and the blooming flowers all around, which adds to the beauty of the place. Even winter months from October to February have a cool climate, making the exploration a lot more comfortable. However, the harsh cold temperatures often reflect the lack of blooming flowers all around.
Suggested Read: Monsoon In Tamil Nadu
How To Reach
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Given that Anna Park is located roughly 1 km from the Yercaud bus stand, all you have to do is reach Yercaud via flights, trains or road and then you can either walk to the park or you can hire local transportation to take you there. The majority of the popular hotels in Yercaud are located in the city centre, which means that the park is usually within walking distance from the majority of the popular hotels in the hill station.
Things To Do At Anna Park
The list of Anna Park activities that you can indulge in is extensive. What’s great is that the majority of the activities enable you to bask in the beauty of the natural surroundings and soak in the stunning views of the different flora in the park. Following is a list of all the popular activities to explore inside the park:
1. Explore The Botanical Gardens
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One of the main attractions of Anna Park is its meticulously maintained botanical gardens. The park boasts a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers, many indigenous to the region. As you stroll through the gardens, you can stop to admire them and even learn about the plants from the information board beside them. From ornamental plants to flower beds, the botanical garden has a variety of unique plants, flowers, shrubs and bushes for you to witness up close. Also, there are trees inside the park, some of which are decades old and offer shade to the visitors.
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2. Attend The Annual Flower Show
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When talking about the highlights of visiting Anna Park, getting to witness the annual flower show is what makes all the difference. This event is a major attraction and draws thousands of visitors from across the region. During the Flower Show, the park is adorned with an extraordinary variety of flowers arranged in beautiful and creative displays. Not just exhibits and showcases; there are competitions held as well. You can also buy from the local stalls set up inside the park.
3. Relax & Rejuvenate
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Another one of the popular Anna Park activities is to unwind and relax after a hectic day of sightseeing in Yercaud. The peaceful surroundings enable you to slow down and take a breather. Sometimes, that’s all we need to collect our thoughts. There are benches and designated areas in the park for setting up a picnic and having the time of your life inside the park. Bring along a picnic basket and enjoy a meal amidst the lush greenery. Also, the serene atmosphere is conducive to reading, so bring a book along with you as well.
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4. Photography
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If you are a photography enthusiast, Anna Park in Yercaud is one of the best spots to put your skills to the test. The park’s scenic beauty and the display of vibrant flowers all around make it one of the best subjects to be photographed. You can experiment with taking macro shots or you can go out of your way to capture the beauty of the landscaped gardens too. Capture wide-angle shots to showcase the park’s overall beauty. Also, if you are travelling with your friends or family, take the opportunity to capture candid photographs of them inside the park.
5. Bird Watching
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Owing to the lush greenery all around, Anna Park is home to a wide range of bird species as well. Bird watchers can enjoy observing and identifying various birds that visit the park. The best time to witness different birds is either during the early morning or late afternoon period. You can bring a pair of binoculars to be able to spot the birds that are nestled in between the branches of the tree. Also, when you are trying to spot rare and exotic birds, be sure to maintain silence because birds are extremely sensitive to noise and will fly away if you make too much of it.
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Places To Visit Near The Park
Anna Park offers a tranquil escape, but Yercaud has many other sightseeing spots you can’t afford to miss out on your trip. So, after exploring the park, make your way to these sightseeing spots:
1. Yercaud Lake
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Probably the highlight of any trip to Yercaud is exploring Emerald Lake, aka Yercaud Lake. The main attraction there is boating, where paddle boats and row boats are available. Beyond that, there is a walking path around the lake, where you can stroll. There are benches and shaded areas along the side of the lake where you can sit and relax as well.
Distance from Anna Park: 39 Metres
Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
2. Lady’s Seat
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Viewpoints are one of the main attractions in hill stations. In Yercaud, one of the most popular viewpoints to hike to is Lady’s Seat. Lady’s Seat provides sweeping views of the plains below and the winding ghat roads leading to Yercaud. For the best experience, visit during sunset since the views are breathtaking. A telescope mounted at the viewpoint offers a closer look at Salem town and its surrounding areas.
Distance from Anna Park: 2.8 Km
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
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3. Kiliyur Falls
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If you are one of those travellers who enjoy witnessing waterfalls, go to Kiliyur Falls in Yercaud. It is a short drive from Anna Park and is a majestic waterfall that falls from 300 feet. You’d need to trek to the falls, which is a moderately challenging trek. Beyond the scenic views of the pathway, the main attraction lies in the trails that take you through the dense forests in Yercaud.
Distance from Anna Park: 2.6 Km
Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Further Read: Best Homestays In Yercaud
Anna Park Yercaud is one of the most popular tourist activities. It offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From embarking on nature walks along the pathway inside the park to exploring the botanical gardens, there’s a lot that you can do in this recreational park. When you plan your next trip to Tamil Nadu, add this recreational park to your itinerary.
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Cover Image Source: Yercaud-elango for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Anna Park Yercaud
What is the entry fee for Anna Park?
Anna Park's entry fee is INR 15 per person. There is an additional charge of INR 10 for cameras too.
What are the opening hours of Anna Park?
Anna Park Yercaud timings are from 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM. Plan your visit between these hours to enjoy Anna Park.
Are there any facilities for children at Anna Park?
Yes, Anna Park has a dedicated children's play area with swings, slides, and other play equipment.
Can I bring food to Anna Park?
If you are planning to have a picnic inside the park, you can pack and bring the food that you will enjoy during your picnic.
What types of plants can be seen in Anna Park?
Anna Park features a diverse collection of plants, trees, and flowers, including indigenous species as well as exotic varieties.
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