- Best time
- October to June
- Distance from Salem
- About 30 km
- Nearest railway station
- Salem Junction
- Nearest airport
- Tiruchirappalli, about 160 km; small airport at Salem
- Ideal time needed
- 2 to 4 days
Things to see
- Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake), with boating in the middle of town
- Pagoda Point, named after the piles of stones stacked like a temple tower, with views over the plains
- Lady's Seat, with Gent's Seat close by, both viewpoints known for sunrise and sunset
- Shevaroyan Temple on the highest point of the hills, dedicated to the local deity Shevaroyan and his consort Kaveri
- The Botanical Garden and Orchidarium, with a large collection of orchids and a greenhouse
- Killiyur Falls, best seen during and just after the monsoon
- Bear's Cave, tied by local lore to bears and to Tipu Sultan
- Deer Park and the colonial-era Norton's Bungalow
Food and stays
Try a traditional saapadu, a full South Indian meal served on a banana leaf, and pick up locally grown coffee and pepper to take home. Accommodation ranges from simple lodges near the lake to estate bungalows and resorts on the slopes, which we can help you choose.
Best time to visit
October to June is the best time, with little rain and mild weather. Summer weekends bring crowds from Salem, Chennai and Bengaluru, and the monsoon is the time to see the waterfalls at their fullest.
How to reach
Yercaud is about 30 km from Salem up a winding ghat road with many hairpin bends. Salem Junction is the nearest major railway station, and there are frequent buses from Salem town. Tiruchirappalli is the nearest large airport, about 160 km away, and Salem has a small domestic airport.
Tips for your visit
Two days are enough for the main sights, and three or four allow time for walks and estate visits. Carry a light jacket for evenings, and drive the ghat road carefully after dark.
Also nearby
Plan it with us
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.
