How to Plan a Trip to Yercaud? 

Yercaud is a picturesque high-altitude spot with scenic spots in a serene setup. It is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district. At an altitude of 1515 meters, this tranquil upland is the daidem of the Sevarayan Hills. This place is ideal for all types of travellers, ranging from nature lovers, solo explorers, and family vacationers. This charming hillside retreat has something for everybody. 

If you want to plan an effective trip to Yercaud, then you are at the right place. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know in order to plan a perfect getaway to the mountains.

Why visit Yercaud?

This lush green hill station is known as the “Poor man’s Ooty” due to its affordability, along with its pleasant weather, coffee plantations, and other natural attractions. This destination has a colonial charm to it, making it an ideal travel spot for those seeking to experience the echoes of the past. Those who are drawn towards thrill and adventure, Yercaud has it all in store for you. 

This place is a perfect amalgamation of exploration and relaxation. 

A pocket-friendly destination, coupled with preserved natural beauty, is a gem worth visiting. 

Best time to visit?

Selecting the right time to embark on a journey is crucial to ensure a hassle-free as well as enjoyable trip. The weather is balmy for the most part, but a few months offer a more favourable experience than others. You can alter your travel plans based on your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

• October to March: This season is the busiest. During this time, the weather is cool (ranging from 16-26 degrees) and enjoyable. Making this time ideal for sightseeing.
• April to June: The climate is a notch warmer but still pleasant enough to plan a summer vacation to this spot. You can also get a chance to enjoy the ‘Yercaud Summer Festival’.
• July to September: This is off season, and you can save some bucks if you choose to travel during these months. The weather is hot and humid as the monsoon season commences; however, you might face roadblocks.

How to Reach Yercaud?

Travelling to the destination is a part of the adventure. Listed below are the main modes of transportation, along with a few route suggestions:

By Air

You can consider the given airports:

• You can land at Salem Airport and from there you can hire a private taxi to Yecaud.
• Also you can reach Tiruchirappalli International Airport (Trichy)and Coimbatore International Airport (Coimbatore) as flight availability for these cities is better. From there Salem is well connected road and rail.

By Train

You can opt for Salem Junction railway junctions, it is around 34.5 km away from Yercaud and you can hire a private taxi from there or go for a public transport.

Trains available from Major cities:

• Delhi to Salem– Kerala Express (12626)
• Mumbai to Salem– Trivandaram Express(16331)
• Bangalore to Salem– Madurai Vande Bharat Express

By Road

Yercaud is well connected by roads and offers mesmerizing views while driving throughthe winding ghats. It is suggested to connect with a South Indian city like Chennai and Banglore and then continue with the journey. Here is approximate time taken from major cities:

• Bangalore: It would take you around 6 hours of driving to reach the hill station.
• Coimbatore: Here it would be around 5 hours to cover a strech 190 km.
• Salem: The distance is just 30Kms and you will get there in one hour.

Here is one suggested route from Delhi:

Delhi – Agra (Yamuna Expressway) – Gwalior – Jhansi – Nagpur (via NH44) – Hyderabad – Bengaluru – Salem – Yercaud (via Yercaud Ghat Road with 20 hairpin bends)

Where to Stay in Yercaud?

You will be able to find accommodations suitable for every type of traveller with a different sort of budget:

• Homestay: Brinda Homestay and Tipperary Colonial Bungalow, for a more authentic experience you can consider these Yercaud homestay. 
• Luxury Resort: For a resort in Yercaud you can go for options like Grand Palace Resort or Sterling Yercaud.
• Regular Hotel: Opt Coffee valley resort and White Mint for a more pocket friendly accommodation. Well suited for family vacationers.

Must-Visit Attractions and Fun Activities

Here is a list of Yercaud tourist attractions. These are places you can visit in Yercaud to have a fulfilling travel experience, which would be all-encompassing:

• Yercaud Lake-  You can go boating or simply lie back by the lakeside. 
• Lady’s Seat- It is a renowned viewpoint famous for its panoramic views of the valley. You can catch a glimpse of Salem town from a bird’s-eye view. 
• Pagoda Point- A perfect getaway to embrace yourself with tranquility; moreover, this place has four distinct stones arranged like a pyramid. 
• Killiyur Falls- This spectacular waterfall tucked in the Servaroyan hill range drops from a height of 91 meters into the Killiyur Valley. The view is absolutely awe-inspiring.
• Botanical Garden- It is one of the top Yercaud tourist attractions, and it houses numerous species of flora and fauna.
• Shevaroy Temple- It is a unique cave temple at an altitude of 5326 feet, situated at the highest point in Yercaud. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shevaroyan. 

Travel Tips and Essentials

Make your experience smooth and memorable with these travel suggestions, along with a list of essentials you need to pack for a hassle-free trip:

• Pack light jackets and comfortable shoes so that you are dressed adequately for the weather and tough terrains while exploring.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella would come in handy.
• Have a first aid kit, which should be comprised of personal medications, basic antiseptics, and some bandages.
• Reusable water bottles, to avoid plastic use and hence littering.
• Carry cash, as not every place has online money transfer systems in place.
• Refrain from trekking alone, as the forests are dense and house wild animals.
• Hilly areas are prone to landslides during the monsoon. Research well before visiting.

Closing Thoughts

Curating an itinerary for your trip to Yercaud does not have to be stressful. If you are well informed and prepared accordingly, then you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating break in one of South India’s most overlooked hill stations. 

If you have made up your mind, then wait no more! Set up your luggage, gas up your car, and head to the hills. Numerous unforgettable memories are waiting for you to live them.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational and travel guidance purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, temple timing, rituals, entry fees, and policy may vary. Personal experiences can differ based on circumstances. Readers are encouraged to cross-check details with official sources before planning a visit.

South India stands tall with a number of lush green vistas; explore Valparai.

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