Yercaud Trips - South India, Shervarayan Range

The Bear's cave is situated near the Norton Bungalow on the way to Servarayan temple. It is an important tourist spot as it is considered one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Situated near the Yercaud's oldest bungalow, Norton Bungalow, Bear's Cave is formed by two huge boulders and lies on the way to Servarayan Temple. It is located inside a private coffee estate but occasionally, a staying tourist is allowed inside the premises. The cave is about 7 feet below the ground level and is said to extend beyond the Servarayan temple till Kaveri in the state of Karnataka which is around 485 Km away. It is believed that the cave was used as a hideout and an escape route by Tipu Sultan during the time of War. If tourists wish, they can try to squeeze past the boulders into the cave and explore it. Although one cannot go beyond few hundred meters as fallen rocks block the path but its worth an experience.

It is an important tourist spot on the way to Servarayan Temple. Since this is a private property now, permission has to be obtained to access the spot. The cave adjoining the European style Norton Bungalow, goes deep into the hill. After the initial entry, one has to crawl on legs and hands to go down. Today, the cave is covered over with vegetation and rocks. Temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.

Once upon the time, this was considered home to the bears. Today, it stands as an impressive landmark near the Norton Bungalow. The cave is now part of a private property - however, tourists are allowed a visit. There is a temple near this cave that is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan and has its central area carved out of a single rock.