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Chennai to Yercaud

This pilgrimage and leisure route from Chennai to Yercaud spans approximately 360 kilometers and takes about 6.5 hours by road. The journey typically follows NH-44 (Chennai–Krishna

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360 kmDistance

6.5 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹13,852

Ertiga₹17,632

Innova₹18,388

Innova Crysta₹22,668

Tempo Traveller (12)₹31,240

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹400

AC Seater₹650

Non-AC Sleeper₹580

AC Sleeper₹830

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹1,060

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Train

Sleeper₹250

Economy₹390

Third AC₹530

Second AC₹750

First AC₹1,040

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Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Overview

This pilgrimage and leisure route from Chennai to Yercaud spans approximately 360 kilometers and takes about 6.5 hours by road. The journey typically follows NH-44 (Chennai–Krishnagiri) and then NH-179 (Krishnagiri–Salem–Yercaud), passing through the historic towns of Kanchipuram, Vellore, and Krishnagiri. The final ascent to Yercaud, a scenic hill station in the Shevaroy Hills, involves a winding 30-kilometer ghat road from Salem. Travelers can choose between private car, train (up to Salem), or direct bus services. The route offers a mix of temple visits, natural landscapes, and the serene ambiance of coffee and spice plantations at the destination.

Route Map

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By Car: Chennai to Yercaud

360 km · ~7h 52m · About 7h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Chennai
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest & refuel near Peranamallur
About 150 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.
150 km · 3h drive from previous stop
Rest & refuel near Harur
About 300 km in — 15–20 minutes for tea, food, fuel and a stretch.
60 km · 1h 12m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Yercaud
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Chennai to Yercaud

360 km · ~8h · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Chennai
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Chennai. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Chennai → Yercaud
AC Sleeper / Volvo (overnight) · ~360 km
~8h|Tentative fare ₹400–₹1,060
Usual tea / meal halts: Chetput (~170 km)
Search buses Chennai to Yercaud
Arrive in Yercaud
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Hotels in Yercaud

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Chennai to Yercaud

Nearest railway stations: Chennai Central for Chennai, Danishpet for Yercaud.

Direct trains

Kovai Express#12675 · Superfast

06:15 AMChennai Central

4h 22m63 stops

10:37 AMDanishpet

CCRunning days & live status ↗

Chennai Central-Coimbatore AC Duronto Express#12243 · Duronto

06:50 AMChennai Central

4h 12m63 stops

11:02 AMDanishpet

CCRunning days & live status ↗

Jaipur-Coimbatore Express#12970 · Superfast

10:10 AMChennai Central

4h 23m63 stops

02:33 PMDanishpet

1A2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

ChennaiCentral-Coimbatore InterCity#12679 · Superfast

02:30 PMChennai Central

4h 24m63 stops

06:54 PMDanishpet

CCRunning days & live status ↗

Chennai Central-Kollam SF Special#06007 · Superfast

03:15 PMChennai Central

4h 17m63 stops

07:32 PMDanishpet

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Chennai to Yercaud.

Kanchipuram70 km from Chennai from Chennai
A major pilgrimage town known for its ancient temples and silk sarees. A short detour from NH-44 offers a spiritual break.
Temple parking and restroomsLocal restaurants serving South Indian mealsSilk saree shops for souvenirs
Vellore140 km from Chennai from Chennai
Home to the historic Vellore Fort and Jalakandeswarar Temple. A good spot for lunch and a quick heritage visit.
Parking near the fortClean restrooms at the fort complexMultiple eateries and hotels on the highway

Hotels in Yercaud

Treebo hotels in Yercaud. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

Treebo Golden Paradise

Yercaud

Things to Do in Yercaud

Boating at Yercaud Lake

Paddle across the serene artificial lake, developed by the British, surrounded by lush trees. Rent a pedal boat or rowboat for a relaxing hour on the water.

1-2 hours

Visit Shevaroyan Temple

Climb to the hilltop temple dedicated to the guardian deity of the Shevaroys. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plains from this sacred spot.

2-3 hours

Trek to Killiyur Falls

Descend a flight of steps through dense forest to reach the cascading Killiyur Falls. The path is shaded and cool, offering a refreshing end at the waterfall's base.

3-4 hours round trip

Explore Plantations

Take a guided walk through coffee, orange, and pepper plantations to learn about cultivation and processing. Savor the aroma of fresh coffee beans and see pepper vines…

1-2 hours

Sunset at Lady's Seat

Drive to Lady's Seat viewpoint to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky over the Salem plains. The view is especially beautiful as the city lights begin…

1 hour

Pagoda Point Exploration

Visit Pagoda Point, known for its small pagoda-like structure and panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats. It's a quiet spot perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

1-2 hours

See all places in Yercaud →

Suggested Yercaud Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Yercaud

Travel from Chennai to Yercaud (about 6.5 hrs by road) and check in
Visit Yercaud Lake

Day 2Explore Yercaud

Visit Killiyur Falls
Visit Shevaroyan Temple (Servarayan Temple)
Visit Lady's Seat

Day 3Last sights and departure

Visit Yercaud Coffee Plantations
Head back to Chennai

Suggested from Yercaud's top sights.

Travel Tips

Start early (by 6 AM) to avoid Chennai traffic and reach Yercaud by afternoon.

Carry light woolens as Yercaud can be cool, especially in winter.

Drive cautiously on the ghat road; it has 20 hairpin bends.

Book accommodation in advance during peak season (April-June and weekends).

Use NH-44 and NH-179; avoid shortcuts that may be in poor condition.

Carry cash for tolls and small eateries; ATMs are available in Salem and Yercaud.

Budget Estimate

road

Sriperumbudur toll: ₹90 (car)

Vellore toll: ₹105 (car)

Driving from Chennai to Yercaud is the most flexible option, allowing you to stop at pilgrimage sites like Kanchipuram or Vellore. The route is well-maintained, with the final ghat section offering scenic views but requiring careful driving.

train

Kaveri Express (Chennai to Salem): Sleeper ₹145, AC Chair ₹505

Kovai Express: Sleeper ₹145, AC Chair ₹505

Trains from Chennai to Salem are frequent and comfortable. From Salem, you can take a taxi or local bus to Yercaud, which takes about 1 hour. This mode is ideal for those who prefer not to drive long distances.

bus

Chennai to Salem (ordinary): ₹250

Chennai to Salem (AC): ₹450

Direct buses from Chennai to Yercaud are limited; most go to Salem, from where you transfer. TNSTC operates regular services, and private operators offer deluxe and AC coaches.