Caves narrate the story of the past, and one such tourist attraction in Yercaud that can be explored is Bear’s Cave. Located in the Shevaroy Hills in Yercaud, Bear’s Cave is a natural wonder that beckons adventurers, curious minds and history buffs. If you are in the mood for some adventure and unveiling the mysteries of the past, visiting the Bear’s Cave in Yercaud brings you all you are looking for. Known for its geological marvels, this cave offers an unforgettable experience when you get to explore the intricate carvings and the beauty of the surrounding coffee estate of Norton bungalow, where it resides.
Bear’s Cave Location
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The location of the Bear’s Cave is quite offbeat. Instead of being a standalone cave amid the jungle, the cave resides in the middle of a private property of Norton Bungalow. It is a renowned coffee estate in the area. The cave derives its name from the fact that reports believe that bears used to live inside these caves in the past.
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Things To Do At Bear’s Cave In Yercaud
Bear’s Cave is not only a geological wonder but also offers a multitude of activities for visitors. From exploring the insides of the cave to witnessing the beauty of the surroundings, there are numerous Bear’s Cave activities for you to explore.
1. Explore The Cave
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Bear’s Cave is a fascinating geological formation that invites visitors to delve into its depths. Since the cave extends a few kilometres into the hillside of the Shevaroy Hills, you get to soak in the beauty of the lush greenery and dense forests around. As you enter the cave, you’ll be greeted by a cool, damp atmosphere and the echoing sounds of water droplets. Like most caves across India, natural stalactites and stalagmites have formed inside, too. Also, inside the cave lies a labyrinth of passages and chambers, which add to the mystery of the place.
2. Learn About The Historical Connections
While part of the cave is believed to have been inhabited by bears in the forest, there are other historical connections associated with the Bear’s Cave in Yercaud. Legends depict that decades ago, popular ruler Tipu Sultan used to hide away inside the Bear’s Cave during wartime. It served as a safe area for the ruler to take shelter and conceal himself from his enemies’ clutches. You can learn more about this tale from the locals.
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3. Indulge In A Guided Tour
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One of the best Bear’s Cave activities is embarking on a guided tour with groups. This is a highlight, primarily because you get to explore the area, learn about the history, and also explore hidden coves and passages inside the cave that not many are aware of. Some limited operators offer guided tours around Yercaud, so you’d need to book your tours beforehand. Also, most of these tours offer clubbed exploration of the surrounding areas like Norton’s Bungalow, Shevaroy temple, etc.
4. Nature Walks
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The Shevaroy Hills are covered with dense forests and dotted with coffee plantations, providing a lush, green environment for leisurely walks. So, once your cave exploration is done, make your way to one of these well-marked trails around the cave to explore the raw and unfiltered beauty of the area. Walking through the dense forests, you explore the surrounding flora, including towering trees, vibrant wildflowers, and aromatic herbs. Although rare, you might encounter wildlife on these routes, too. Remain calm and respectful if you do.
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5. Take Some Pictures
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With limited activities at hand inside the cave, utilise that time to test out your photography skills. The inside of the caves is quite dark, so you’d need to use flash to capture the intricate passages and the chambers that line the area around the cave. Outside the cave, the verdant landscape of the Shevaroy Hills provides a picturesque backdrop for capturing the beauty of nature. For the best shots, you should visit during early mornings or late afternoons.
Places To Visit Near Bear’s Cave In Yercaud
Yercaud is one of those hill stations in Tamil Nadu known for its serene landscapes and cool climate. Beyond the Bear’s Cave, there are several other attractions you can stop and explore:
1. Shevaroy Temple
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The closest sightseeing spot to Bear’s Cave is the Shevaroy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan. It is located at the highest peak in Yercaud and features a small cave shrine with a stone idol of the deity. The main attraction of this temple is its location. You get to soak in the views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The temple is of utmost importance to the local tribes that visit it year-round, often making their way through secret passages through Bear’s Cave to cut the distance short.
Distance from Anna Park: 6.1 Km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM
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2. Pagoda Point
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Yercaud has various viewpoints, so start your exploration by visiting Pagoda Point. The viewpoint is named after the pyramid-like structures built by the local tribes. From here, visitors can see the town of Salem and the winding roads leading up to Yercaud. You can take the time to soak in the views or take pictures of the surrounding areas, too.
Distance from Anna Park: 4.4 Km
Timings: 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM
3. Deer Park
Located a short drive from Bear’s Cave, Deer Park is a popular eco-tourism park in the hill station. From spotted deer to sambar deer, you can spot different types of bears in their natural enclosures. This is one if you are looking for a less exploring sightseeing spot in Yercaud. The park also has a children’s play area, making it a family favourite spot.
Distance from Anna Park: 1.2 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Best Time To Visit
The Bear’s Cave in Yercaud is open to tourists year-round. So, at the end of the day, it comes down to when you are planning your vacation. Usually, the winter months offer the most favourable time to explore the cave and the surroundings. So, the months from October to February usually account for the best time to explore the cave, its surroundings and the nature trails that prevail. You want to avoid visiting between June and September, the monsoon season. The trek to the caves can be risky due to slippery roads and poor visibility due to the rainfall.
How To Reach Bear’s Cave In Yercaud
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Reaching Bear’s Cave is a bit of a workaround, but accessibility isn’t an issue at all. Due to its location near Norton’s Bungalow and Shevaroy temple, the cave can be easily reached via taxi, jeep or private vehicles. So, once you reach Yercaud, you can hire a vehicle to take you to the starting point of the cave. From there, you’d have to trek and explore to reach the main attraction inside the cave, which is 7 feet below the cave’s surface.To get to that area, you’d need to squeeze between the rocks and boulders to enter. If you are claustrophobic or scared of the dark, avoid exploring deep inside and instead stick to the peripheral region of the cave.
Tips To Know Before Visiting Bear’s Cave Yercaud
Historical significance: Although no confirmation is available, legends depict that Tipu Sultan used this cave as a hideout during times of war.
Address: No.01, Hospital Road, hills, near SHEVAROYS COMPLEX, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu 636601
Bear’s Cave timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Bear’s Cave entry fees: INR 30 for adults and INR 50 for cameras.
Further Read: Monsoon In Tamil Nadu
Bear’s Cave Yercaud hides stories of the past and the beauty of nature’s evolution. If you’re fascinated with geological formations and want to unfold the secrets that lie inside, visiting this cave would be a rewarding experience. On your next trip to Tamil Nadu, as you take a detour to explore Yercaud, don’t miss out on planning a tour to witness the charm and history of the Bear’s Cave.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bear’s Cave Yercaud
Is Bear's Cave suitable for children?
Yes, Bear's Cave is suitable for children, although young children should be supervised due to the terrain inside the cave.
When does Bear’s Cave open?
Bear’s Cave is open from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM so you can plan your visit during these hours.
Is there a parking facility near Bear's Cave?
Yes, there are parking facilities available. However, beyond the Bear’s Cave entry fees, you’d have to pay an additional parking fee.
Can I bring food and drinks inside Bear's Cave?
Food and drinks are usually not allowed inside the cave to maintain its cleanliness and natural environment.
Can I visit Bear's Cave during the monsoon season?
The Bear’s Cave's best time to visit is during the post-monsoon and winter months from October to March.
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