Things To Do
in Yercaud
Yercaud is a quiet hill station in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, known for rolling coffee and spice plantations, orange groves and misty viewpoints. Perched at about 1,515 meters, it offers panoramic views, a pleasant year-round climate and a relaxed small-town atmosphere. Main attractions include Yercaud Lake, Kiliyur Falls, Lady's Seat and several temple viewpoints that draw photographers and nature lovers.
Agriculture and tourism shape local life, giving visitors opportunities for plantation tours, easy treks and sampling regional hill cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a serene walk around the picturesque Yercaud Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and misty hills. You can rent a pedal boat to glide across the shimmering waters, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. The fresh morning air and the sound of birds chirping will invigorate your spirit as you take in the breathtaking scenery.
After a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, head to the botanical gardens that boast a variety of exotic plants and vibrant flowers. Spend the afternoon exploring the well-kept pathways, stopping to admire the beautiful rose garden and the stunning views of the hills. Don't forget to capture some photographs of the colorful blossoms and the scenic backdrop.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot by the lake to witness the sky transform into hues of orange and pink. Enjoy a peaceful evening with a cup of local coffee or tea from a nearby stall while reflecting on the day's experiences. The evening ambiance, combined with the gentle rustle of leaves, will create a perfect ending to your day.
Embark on a morning trek to the ancient Servarayan Temple, located at the highest point in Yercaud. The trek offers challenging paths through dense forests and stunning vistas, making it a thrilling adventure for nature lovers. Upon reaching the temple, take a moment to appreciate the spirituality of the place and the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
After descending, enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant that serves authentic South Indian cuisine, such as dosa or biryani. Post-lunch, visit the nearby Anna Park, a beautifully landscaped area perfect for a relaxing stroll amidst colorful flower beds and well-maintained paths. The park’s charm and tranquility provide a refreshing break from your earlier adventures.
In the evening, explore the local markets where you can shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Engage with friendly vendors and learn about the unique products they offer, including spices and local art. Wind down your day by enjoying a traditional dinner at a local eatery, sampling dishes that reflect the rich culinary culture of Yercaud.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Filter coffee or tea | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / homestay (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🎟️Entrance / activity fees (boat, park, viewpoints) | $0.5-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool, pleasant hill climate and beautiful scenery
- Compact town—easy day trips to viewpoints, plantations and waterfalls
- Fresh local produce (oranges, coffee, spices) and simple homestyle food
- Less tourist-crowded than major hill stations, offering a peaceful stay
- Limited nightlife and few entertainment options after dark
- Medical facilities are basic—major hospitals are in Salem
- Narrow, winding roads can be challenging and public transport is limited
- During monsoon some trails and viewpoints may be inaccessible
- "Vanakkam" - Hello / Greetings
- "Nandri" - Thank you
- "Evlo (or Eppadi) irukku?" - How much does this cost?
- "Toilet enga irukku?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Enakku udhavi venum" - I need help
- "Illa / Aam" - No / Yes
Places to Visit in Yercaud
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic viewpoint offering unobstructed sunrise/sunset views across valleys; ideal for landscape and wide-angle shots.
High vantage point with panoramic vistas — good for golden-hour photography and capturing mist rolling over the hills.
Seasonal waterfall surrounded by greenery; great for long-exposure shots (bring a tripod) but can be slippery during monsoon.
Scenic small lake lined with trees and cafes; reflections in early morning and boat activity create nice compositions.
Rows of coffee plants, pepper vines and orange groves provide intimate nature and agricultural photography opportunities.
Traditional temple architecture and village scenes for cultural portraits and candid street photography.
Food in Yercaud
Yercaud Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Strong South Indian filter coffee served hot; available at almost every cafe and essential with breakfast or after meals.
Must-Try!
Classic Tamil breakfasts and snacks available at local tea shops and small restaurants—cheap, filling and vegetarian-friendly.
Yercaud is known for its oranges and jackfruit — try fresh fruit, preserves, chips and seasonal sweets at the market or roadside stalls.
Simple mutton and chicken curries served with rice or parotta in local eateries and hotel restaurants for meat-eaters.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market near the lake where farmers sell seasonal fruits (oranges, jackfruit), vegetables, homemade jams and spices; great for fresh produce and photo ops.
Street-side tea and snack stalls near viewpoints and bus stops serve chaat-style items, pakoras, dosas and steaming filter coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes before entering temples and dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) when visiting religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people, avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces and be polite when bargaining in markets.
A simple 'Vanakkam' and a smile go a long way; accept hospitality politely and remove hats if offered to enter someone's home or a sacred space.
Safety
Tipping in Yercaud
Ensure a smooth experience
Leave small tips at restaurants (5–10% if no service charge), tip hotel porters ₹20–100 depending on luggage, and give guides/drivers a modest tip for good service. Cash is appreciated in small establishments.
Cash (Indian Rupees) is widely used in Yercaud — small shops and tea stalls often accept only cash. Most hotels, bigger restaurants and some shops accept cards and UPI/QR payments; ATMs are limited, so withdraw cash in Salem if needed.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May is pleasantly warm by hill-station standards (15–25°C). It's a popular escape from the plains — expect more visitors on weekends and school holidays; carry sun protection for daytime walks.
June–September brings heavy rains and lush green scenery; trails and waterfalls are at their best but can be slippery, and some roads may be affected — pack rain gear and sturdy shoes.
November–February is cool and dry with chilly nights (sometimes near 8–10°C). Clear skies make it an excellent time for views and photography — bring warm layers for early mornings and evenings.
Yercaud at Night
Hiking in Yercaud
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike down to the falls (season-dependent). Offers forested paths and great photographic opportunities; wear sturdy shoes and be cautious in wet weather.
Moderate uphill walk to the Servarayan Temple at the hilltop — combines cultural interest with panoramic views.
Short walks connecting major viewpoints that are ideal for sunrise/sunset photography and casual nature strolls.
Easy guided trails through working coffee and spice plantations where you can learn about cultivation and sample produce.
Airports
How to reach Yercaud by plane.
Closest airport (approx. 35–45 km by road). Limited domestic flights; driving or hiring a taxi from Salem is the most direct way to reach Yercaud.
Major regional airport (~120–150 km depending on route) with more frequent domestic and some international connections. From Coimbatore you can take a taxi or bus to Salem and onward to Yercaud.
Another option (~150–180 km). Offers domestic flights and some international connections; travel time to Yercaud is longer but viable for certain itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population are Tamil speakers engaged in agriculture, horticulture, hospitality and small businesses.
Communities working in coffee, orange and spice cultivation form a significant part of the local economy and cultural life.
A growing number of people are employed in hotels, restaurants, guiding and homestays catering to visitors from other parts of India.
There are small indigenous and hill-dwelling groups in the region with distinct cultural traditions tied to the hills and forests.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Tamil Nadu, played informally in fields and schools; you will often see kids and locals playing in village grounds.
Local youth also play football and traditional games like kabaddi in community spaces; school competitions are common.
Not a 'sport' in the conventional sense, but trekking and trail running on the Shevaroy hills are very popular activities among visitors and locals who enjoy the outdoors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yercaud.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available (idli, dosa, sambar, vegetable curries). Ask for 'sattvik' or simple vegetarian preparations if you want less oil or spice.
Vegan options are possible (rice with vegetable curries, dosas without ghee) but you should specify 'no ghee/no butter' and double-check ingredients in sauces and sweets.
Rice-based dishes (idli, rice, dosa made from rice/urad dal) are naturally gluten-free; verify if wheat-based breads like parotta are used in mixed dishes.
Inform staff about allergies — small local kitchens may not always have strict separation, so carry essential medication and consider staying at accommodations that can prepare bespoke meals.