In september, I went to Yercaud – it is an idyllic hill station with a captivating scenery. It is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway, offering the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. About an hour’s drive from Chennai, Yercaud is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu. At an elevation of 2000m above sea level, it boasts beautiful landscapes as well as being surrounded by jungles and numerous waterfalls.
Where is yercaud located?
Yercaud is a beautiful hill station located in the Eastern Ghats, in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 meters above sea level and is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Yercaud mesmerizes people with its lush green vegetation that covers the Shevaroy hills. The combination of cool climate and captivating scenery makes it an ideal destination for tourists from all over India.
Why Should You Go Yercaud?
It is a captivating experience to hike through the verdant, serene landscapes of Yercaud and revel in its tranquility amid its captivating flora. We enjoyed driving through its dense teak forests. Believe me, its fabulous. You will get a shivering sense in the tempting darkness.
Yercaud is an idyllic destination for any keen traveller seeking respite from city life and a place to unwind. Nestled within the picturesque hills of Tamil Nadu, it offers a haven of peace and tranquility away from the bustle of city life! In fact, Yercaud’s captivating landscape makes it an ideal base for excursions into nearby locations such as Munnar or Kodaikanal National Park. We started our journey in the morning from Bangalore. We returned at night through the hairpin bends. Honestly that was an amazing experience driving through the roads from Yercaud around 3 AM.
Best Time to Go to Yercaud
When we visited, the temperature was much warm in Chennai and Salem. But while climbing up towards Yercaud, gently the temperature became soothing and energizing. Although Yercaud is an ideal destination all year round, the climate during November through January is particularly pleasant. Evenings are cool and breezy, allowing travelers to savour several days of sunbathing, strolling along its picturesque trails and exploring quaint villages dotted throughout its hilly terrain – all without experiencing any precipitation whatsoever! With temperatures hovering between 25°C and 32°C each day, there’s no better time than now for a trip to Yercaud!
How to reach yercaud from chennai?
Reaching Yercaud from Chennai is an exciting journey. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to spend some time in nature and away from the city chaos. To get there, I can take the Salem-Chennai Express train, which leaves Chennai Central Railway Station every day at 5:50 am. Once you reach Salem junction, you can switch to another train or book a cab that will drive directly to Yercaud, which is just 40 km away. The journey should take around 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
While traveling by car is convenient, taking the train allows you to enjoy scenic views of lush green hills, crystal clear streams and quaint little villages along the way. The best part is that when you reach Yercaud station; it’s just a few steps away before you can begin adventure!
How to reach yercaud from Bangalore?
Reaching Yercaud from Bangalore is a journey I have made recently, and it felt like an adventure. Located in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station popular for its salubrious climate, lush green vegetation and beautiful scenery. The journey from Bangalore to Yercaud usually takes around 5-6 hours depending on your mode of transport. The most convenient way to reach this beautiful destination is by car or bike – both options make it easy to take breaks along the way, allowing travelers to enjoy all that nature has to offer as they travel through some amazing landscape! Make your way through NH-44 from Bangalore till Salem. From Salem take SH-188 to reach Yercaud.
Don’t Miss these spots
Yercaud Lake:
Unquestionably, one of the top attractions in Yercaud is the lake. This Lake stands out as one of the most popular spots in Yercaud due to the breathtaking, panoramic views it offers of the hills and lush, green grass of this hill resort. The lake offers a calming and peaceful experience because it is surrounded by gardens and densely covered trees. Travellers may enjoy all that Yercaud and its hills have to offer here. This may look well decorated and beautiful. but honestly I found this more populated and commercialized.
Loop road of 32 KM:
The 32-Km Loop Road, which starts at the Yercaud Lake and travels 32 kilometres in length, passes through the city’s well-loved roadways and agricultural plantations. Specially this one is one of my favorite. I enjoyed thoroughly driving through the forest area of 32 KM. If you are also driving, it will surely make you on.
Pagoda Point:
The Pagoda Point provides the most expansive perspective of Yercaud and its alluring character. It also offers beautiful views of the hill station. Pagoda Point’s magical atmosphere, fresh breezes, and expansive vistas of Salem have the power to enthral any visitor. but again I did not like much this.
Kottachedu teak forest:
Although there are only a few bamboo trees in the hill station of Yercaud, this is a place that will surprise you. The teak forest will transport you back in time by showing you the flora and animals that existed before any modern advancements were incorporated. The Kottachedu Teak Forest is home to a variety of indigenous plants and animals, such as deer, ant-eaters, rabbits, squirrels, mongooses, bison, hares, and foxes. Start your trip towards this point post afternoon and you will get the real thrill of a dark forest. To my experience, this is one of the best spots . but of course it depends on the time you are traveling. Bike trips through this trail is the most recommended.
Kiliyur waterfall:
The waterfall can only be reached by navigating the rocky and undeveloped terrains of Tamil Nadu’s Servaroyan hill range of the Eastern Ghats. Since the waterfall is close to the Yercaud Lake, visitors can visit nearby attractions and enjoy picnics. The best time to visit this waterfall is during the monsoons when the water level at its base swells, giving visitors a fascinating and mesmerizing view of the cascade. For a great experience, be sure to take a bath in its water! To me this experience was also okay okay.
Tipperary View Point:
Include this location on your list of must-see attractions while in Yercaud to enjoy a variety of breathtaking vistas. Travel along the Tipperary road as you explore Yercaud’s southernmost point. You can see lush green paths and woodlands along the way, which will please your eyes.
Lady’s Seat:
Lady’s Seat is a rock that has been sculpted into the appearance of a seat. This Lady’s Seat, which offers stunning views of the surrounding clouds, mists, and vegetation, used to be one of the popular relaxation areas for the British women who lived in Yercaud. This rock used to hold many kitty parties for British women and was a beloved gathering place for them to have conversations.
The Servaroyan Temple:
The Servaroyan Temple, constructed by the ancient tribes of Yercaud, honours the goddess Kaveri. One of the most beautiful tourist destinations, it is tranquil, pious, and will quickly warm your heart with its alluring architectural and historical and religious significance. The temple provides the clearest view of the Mettur Dam because it is situated at the highest point of the Servaroyan range. The blessing of this area is mists and fogs, which enhance the beauty of the temple and its surrounds.
Karadiyur View Point:
The Mettur Dam and stunning views of the valley are visible from here. This is a haven for nature lovers and one of the best spots to visit in Yercaud. The point, which is 2,000 metres above sea level, provides the greatest views during sunset and sunrise.
What to Do in Yercaud
It’s hard to believe you can explore the beautiful nature here just by walking or driving around your stay. Yearcaud has a wide variety of places to discover and enjoy, from the mountain tops to the incredible lakeside view that comes alive in spring. When I first arrived here, I was amazed by all these mesmerizing spots that this place had to offer.
I loved strolling around and absorbing all the beauty of Yearcaud! Whenever I managed some time, I took my camera and explore different areas while taking pictures of my surroundings. The stunning views made me forget about everything else and simply enjoy nature. Being able to listen to birds chirping made me appreciate life even more.
Where to Stay in Yercaud
Yercaud has a wealth of accommodations to choose from, ranging from budget hotels and guesthouses to some of the most exclusive resorts.
Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels provide guests with an alluring setting for their stay. This idyllic retreat boasts spacious accommodation with beautiful interiors and elegant décor.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking a more intimate experience with just a handful of rooms, WOW Bison Woods offers serene charm nestled within its lush greenery amidst its verdant surroundings – an ideal refuge for those seeking solace away from it all!
other hotels could be : Grand Palace Hotel and Spa Yercaud, Sterling Yercaud, The Story Resorts & Spa, Bison Rise Resort, Yercaud, INDeco’s Lake Forest Hotel, Happy Nest.
Unperturbed by its somewhat isolated location, Yercaud has adapted to modern times; accommodating a multitude of eateries and shops as well as offering ample opportunities for nature lover amidst its majestic beauty. You don’t need many excuses to vacation in Yercaud; just pack yourself up with a few essentials or even take along a daypack filled with snacks so you can explore its surrounding areas during your stay.