Yercaud, Tamil Nadu Travel Complete Information

 

View of hairpin bends from up

Yercaud is a little known hill station in South India, located in Salem district in Tamil Nadu. This is about 23 kilometres away from Salem city and it is one of the most enjoyable weekend destinations from Bangalore within 250 kilometres to spends 2 days.

How to reach

You can reach Chennai or Bangalore from there you can visit Salem city by Bus or car. Also, you can directly visit Salem by train or plane, from there you can reach Yercuad by private car or bus. Salem airport is 2nd busiest airport in Tamil Nadu.

If you are travelling from Bangalore, Google will show the shortest route which is around just 200 kilometres. This route takes a left turn before Salem city, but this is a narrow road. Hence better to go via Salem city, as the road is far better. On this route, you will get 20 hairpin bends which are really enjoyable to drive. The above picture shows this road only.

Salem to Yercuad bus service is also available and it runs almost every 30 minutes. 

Where to stay

There are lots of hotels in Yercuad. However, it's always advisable to book a hotel if you are planning to travel on the weekend. During the weekend Yercaud is extremely crowded hence its very difficult to get a room in a good hotel. I did the mistake and was not able to get a good hotel on spot booking. But luckily I get one AC cottage room at Hotel Tamil Nadu just for one night. 

I think hotel Tamil Nadu is the best hotel if you want to stay near Lake. The lake entry point is just in front of hotel's back gate. Also main market is just one minute walking distance from this hotel. Room rent is also less comparatively hotel quality. 

In case you like to stay away from market and like to stay in forest, there are multiple hotels at upper Yercaud, you may book these as well. 

Hotel Tamil Nadu tariff 

How long need to cover the Yercaud

I feel Yercaud is a small place, two days and one night is enough to visit all places. However, if you want to stay longer and enjoy the hill station you can. During weekdays there will be less rush and can enjoy freely. 

When to visit Yercaud

Usually, Yercaud weather is cold so any time of the year you can visit Yercaud. However, May month is the best time to visit due to the flower. There is a flower show in the 2nd half of May every year. But during winter you may expect cold due to its hight.

Places to visit in Yercaud

There are multiple places to visit in Yercaud including waterfalls, lakes, temples, viewpoints, coffee plantations. These are the top places in Yercaud.

Emerald Lake

This is the center and most attractive place of Yercaud. In this lake you can enjoy joy ride in padel bolt or motor boat. Entry fees of the lake is Rs 10 per head and still camera fees is Rs 50 and video camera is about Rs. 250. 

Entry fees of the Yercaud Lake

Boat house

Boat house available at the Emerald Lake. To take a ride (4 persons) you need to pay additional Rs. 200 for padel boat for 30 minutes. In case you want to take helper to take ride the will change same but it will be for 15 minutes. Engine or speed boat cost is Rs 600, up to 8 persons can take the ride. You need to deposit the same amount as security in case you take more time they will not refund the amount

Boat house in the Lake

Anna Park

This park is at beside of the lake. Its a good place to spend sometime. Rs 15 is charged for entry fees of the park.

Deer Park

Your kids can enjoy a lot in Deer Park. Its also near by place of the lake. To enter in the park you need to buy ticket of Rs 10 per person.

Rose Garden

In the month of May, there are flower show in Rose garden. However anytime you can visit to enjoy various types of rose at that place.

Botanical Archetarium

This place comes before the Yercaud market when you are travelling from Salem. Again here is also entre fees around Rs 15 per person. You can buy plants from here. There is a watch tower from where you can enjoy full view of the Yercaud.

Botanical Garden gate, you can take your car inside if wants to buy plants

Killiyur Falls

This is is at the upper side of Yercaud lake, you need to go about 4-5 kilometres to visit the place. We visited the place on March but unfortunately there was no water by the time.

Shevaroayan Temple

This temple is about 6-7 kilometres apart from Yercaud lake. The journey towards the temple is most enjoyable.  

Sri Chakra Mahameru Temple

Lady's Seat & Gents Seat

These two points are very nearby to each other.  This location is about 4-5 kilometres from Yercaud lake. Both of these viewpoints are a good place to watch sunset as well.

Towards Gents seat

Sunset from Gents seat

Karadiyur View Point

Pogoda Point