The hill station of Yercaud draws visitors because of its stunning landscapes, pristine lake, hiking trails, plantations and orchards. From Anna Park to Silk World, there are a number of places you can visit where the scenery, heritage and ambience of Yercaud will take your breath away. If you have seen the popular sights of this charming town, consider going off-the-beaten-track for adventures and experiences that will stick with you for a long time.
Here’s your one-day offbeat itinerary to Yercaud.
Start your day with a visit to the Kottachedu teak forest, a dense landscape that is a haven for photographers and people who want to get lost in nature. The highlight of this place is the drive through it, but we recommend that you walk. Stepping onto the forest trail, you’ll be greeted by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves that will bring you to the present moment away from your phone. Try to spot local wildlife such as foxes, nilgai, anteaters, paradise flycatchers and so on.
Time to go rock climbing. The Tipperary Estate takes guests on rappelling and climbing adventures around Yercaud, where qualified trainers will offer them basic and advanced guidance. Rappelling from the high cliffs allows participants to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yercaud while overcoming the altitude. There are many other adventure camps and resorts that offer climbing opportunities on natural rocks that you can check out.
Alternatively, you can trek the afternoon away by hiking from Yercaud Lake to Pagoda Point. The trail is well-marked and suitable for beginners.
If you’re on the hunt for stunning sunsets, look no further than the Karadiyur Viewpoint. Tucked away from the bustling tourist spots, this hidden gem offers a panoramic view of the hills and valleys that is simply mesmerising. The golden hues of the setting sun painting the sky is a sight you won’t want to miss. Grab a cosy blanket, settle in, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity that this spot provides.
You can also choose to camp overnight at a permitted spot in Yercaud, but make sure you apply for a permit beforehand. The experience is like none other as it allows you to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Bring along your camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag and camping stove.
The Orchid Restaurant, Brook’s Bistro, The Orange Restaurant, Sri Saravanabhavan Elite, the Basil Bakehouse and the Sky Rocca Diner are the best places for a meal. Their menus range from continental cuisine to Tamil flavours.
The TGI Star Holiday Resort, Grand Palace Hotel, Sterling Yercaud, Royal Black Pepper Cottage, Cloud Residency Yercaud and Hotel Shevaroys are the top options for a comfortable stay.
The nearest airport and railhead to Yercaud are Coimbatore International (CJB) and Salem Junction (SA), respectively. Regular bus services are available between Yercaud and Salem, which is further connected to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Pondicherry and Tirupati, among other places.
