Major city · India
Yercaudயேர்காடு
Go for one night, two at most: the lake, three viewpoints and the falls fill a day, and the 22 km (14 mi) ghat road from Salem is the only way in.Go for one night, two at most: the lake, three viewpoints and the falls fill a day, and the 14 mi (22 km) ghat road from Salem is the only way in.
Yercaud is a small hill station on the Shevaroy Hills at 1,515 m, reached by a 22 km climb from Salem. The town is compact — lake, parks and viewpoints sit within a few kilometres — so one full day covers the core and a second day adds the falls trek or a plantation walk. It is a weekend break from Salem, Bengaluru or Coimbatore, not a multi-day destination.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Feb
- avoid Apr–Jun (hot before the monsoon), heavy rain days in Jul–Sep
- Airports
- SXV · BLR · CJB
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Yercaud112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yercaud, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyYercaud is a small, calm hill town and feels safe by day and early evening.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 1363 Tourist helpline (24 h, multilingual) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckSXV Salem Airport (About 35 km (22 mi); very few scheduled flights — check before relying on it.).SXV Salem Airport (About 22 mi (35 km); very few scheduled flights — check before relying on it.).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is walkable: the lake, Anna Park and Deer Park are next to each other.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee powder or natural oils, 250 g₹150–400 (≈ US$2–5)
- Museum or sight ticketPark and garden entry (Anna Park, Rose Garden)₹2 (≈ under US$1) adult, ₹10 (≈ under US$1) camera
- Budget bedDormitory or hostel bed, a night, per person₹350 (≈ US$4)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, budget lodge or guesthouse, a night, per room₹1,500 (≈ US$18)
- High-end bedDouble room, budget lodge or guesthouse, a night, per room₹3,000 (≈ US$35)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹4,000 (≈ US$50) · High ₹8,000 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SXV Salem Airport (About 35 km (22 mi); very few scheduled flights — check before relying on it.) · BLR Kempegowda International, Bengaluru (About 230 km (143 mi), roughly 5 h by road via Hosur and Salem.) · CJB Coimbatore International (About 190 km (118 mi) via Avinashi.)SXV Salem Airport (About 22 mi (35 km); very few scheduled flights — check before relying on it.) · BLR Kempegowda International, Bengaluru (About 143 mi (230 km), roughly 5 h by road via Hosur and Salem.) · CJB Coimbatore International (About 118 mi (190 km) via Avinashi.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Best: Oct–Feb. Avoid: Apr–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C) low), wettest Jul (14 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Yercaud: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
14 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
13 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Dec
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is walkable: the lake, Anna Park and Deer Park are next to each other. For Lady's Seat, Pagoda Point, the falls and the plantations, hire an auto-rickshaw or a car for the day — agree the total and the stops before you set off.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Salem
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus or car down the ghat road, about 22 km (14 mi)Bus or car down the ghat road, about 14 mi (22 km)
Use it for the railhead at Salem Junction and city sights; see things to do in Salem, India.
Aragalur
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Road via Salem and Attur
A long half-day; go only if you have your own vehicle.
Mettur Dam
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Road via Toppur, about 80 km (50 mi)Road via Toppur, about 50 mi (80 km)
Best in the monsoon and post-monsoon months when the dam is full.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Around the lake
Hotels, restaurants and the boat jetty within walking distance; best for a first visit without a car.
Near the bus stand
Cheapest lodges and easy arrivals; a short walk or auto ride to the lake.
Pagoda Point and Lady's Seat road
Resorts and estate stays with valley views; you need an auto or car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–3,000 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹3,000–6,000 (≈ US$35–70) excl. bed
- High
- ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, budget lodge or guesthouse1 × 1 night × ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₹4,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Auto-rickshaw, full-day local circuit1 × ₹350 · February rate; more in peak season | ₹350 |
| Car with driver, full-day local circuit1 × ₹450 | ₹450 |
| Salem → Yercaud bus, one way2 × ₹20 | ₹40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹1,130 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,240 per person per day, bed included | ₹12,470≈ US$150 |
2026 estimate in rupees; travel to Yercaud excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Bus Salem → Yercaud | ₹22 (≈ under US$1) |
| Boat on the lake (2-seat / 4-seat)Caution deposit equal to the fare | ₹75 (≈ under US$1) / ₹95 (≈ US$2) |
| Park and garden entry (Anna Park, Rose Garden) | ₹2 (≈ under US$1) adult, ₹10 (≈ under US$1) camera |
| Chappathi at a Chettinad mess | ₹18 (≈ under US$1) each |
| Auto-rickshaw, full-day circuitFebruary rate; more in peak season | ₹350 (≈ US$4) |
| Coffee powder or natural oils, 250 g | ₹150–400 (≈ US$2–5) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The ghat road has sharp bends; if you get carsick, sit forward and take the bus from the starting stop, not the lake stop, on the way down.
- Kiliyur Falls is dry outside the monsoon months — ask locally before trekking down.
- Bears Cave is private property; entry only with permission.
- Auto and taxi rates rise in peak season and on long weekends — fix the price first.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Tourist helpline (24 h, multilingual)
- 1363
Pocket card
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Yercaudயேர்காடு
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
இந்த முகவரிக்கு, தயவுசெய்துTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Tourist helpline1363
Embassy
No embassies in Yercaud; consulates-general are in Chennai and Bengaluru. US citizens: Chennai consulate. UK, Canada and Australia: high commissions in New Delhi, with deputy missions in Chennai.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Salem → Yercaud bus: about ₹22 (≈ under US$1), about 1 h
- Auto-rickshaw, full-day local circuit: about ₹350 (≈ US$4), more in peak season
- Car with driver, full-day local circuit: about ₹450 (≈ US$6)
Say or show
- வணக்கம் — Hello / Namaste (vanakkam)
- நன்றி — Thank you (nandri)
- எவ்வளவு? — How much is it? (evvalavu)
- ஏரி எங்கே? — Where is the lake? (eri enge)
- இங்கே நிறுத்துங்கள் — Stop here, please (inge niruthungal)
- வேண்டாம் — I don't want it (vendam)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yercaud. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Feb · avoid Apr–Jun (hot before the monsoon), heavy rain days in Jul–Sep · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for Salem, Bengaluru and Coimbatore arrivals, with last-bus and taxi fallbacks.
- Walking clusters around the lake, the bus stand and the Pagoda Point road, each with a rescue anchor.
- Place pages with verified timings (lake boating, Deer Park, Orchidarium, Horticulture Farm) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and dry-season fixtures so the falls and viewpoint pages can go green or red.