Home › Routes › Salem to Yercaud

Salem to Yercaud

The Salem-to-Yercaud route is the classic gateway to the hill station, covering just 40 km but offering a dramatic ascent via the famous 20-hairpin-bend ghat road. Starting from Sa

Plan My Trip

40 kmDistance

1.5 hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

· tap a card to jump to its route plan

Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹5,855

Ertiga₹7,430

Innova₹7,745

Innova Crysta₹9,570

Tempo Traveller (12)₹13,100

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

View route plan

Bus

Non-AC Seater₹40

AC Seater₹70

Non-AC Sleeper₹60

AC Sleeper₹90

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹160

View route plan

Train

Sleeper₹50

Economy₹70

Third AC₹90

Second AC₹110

First AC₹140

View route plan

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

The Salem-to-Yercaud route is the classic gateway to the hill station, covering just 40 km but offering a dramatic ascent via the famous 20-hairpin-bend ghat road. Starting from Salem Junction, you'll pass through lush green landscapes, coffee estates, and viewpoints that reveal the sprawling plains below. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, making it perfect for a day trip or a short weekend escape. Along the way, you can stop at the scenic Lady's Seat and the historic Pagoda Point. The route is well-maintained and offers numerous spots to enjoy the cool mountain air and panoramic vistas.

Route Map

Open in Google Maps

By Car: Salem to Yercaud

40 km · ~48m · About 1h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Salem
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
40 km · 48m 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: Salem to Yercaud

40 km · ~53m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Salem
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Salem. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Salem → Yercaud
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~40 km
~53m|Tentative fare ₹40–₹160
Search buses Salem 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: Salem to Yercaud

Nearest railway stations: Salem Jn for Salem, Danishpet for Yercaud.

Direct trains

Chennai Tiruvananthapuram SF Mail#12623 · Superfast

12:04 AMMagnesite Jn

1m1 stops

12:05 AMSalem Jn

1A2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Chennai Mail#12602 · Superfast

12:10 AMSalem Jn

3m1 stops

12:13 AMMagnesite Jn

2A3ASLFCRunning days & live status ↗

Chennai Mangalore Mail#12601 · Superfast

01:04 AMMagnesite Jn

1m1 stops

01:05 AMSalem Jn

2A3ASLFCRunning days & live status ↗

Chennai Central-Kollam Special#06003 · Express

01:13 AMMagnesite Jn

2m1 stops

01:15 AMSalem Jn

2A3ASLRunning days & live status ↗

Chennai Central-Kollam SF Special#06005 · Superfast

01:13 AMMagnesite Jn

2m1 stops

01:15 AMSalem Jn

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 Salem to Yercaud.

Lady's Seat2 km from Yercaud town from Salem
A popular viewpoint offering a breathtaking view of Salem city and the plains below. It's a great spot for photography and sunset watching.
Small snack stallsParking areaBenches and viewing platforms
Pagoda Point3 km from Yercaud town from Salem
A serene viewpoint with a small pagoda-like structure, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Ideal for a quiet picnic.
Picnic tablesPublic restroomsWalking trails

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 Salem to Yercaud (about 1.5 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 Salem

Suggested from Yercaud's top sights.

Travel Tips

Start early to avoid heavy traffic on the ghat road, especially on weekends.

Carry light woolens as the temperature drops in the evening.

Ensure your vehicle's brakes are in good condition for the hairpin bends.

Try the local filter coffee at small stalls along the way.

Keep cash for entry fees at viewpoints and small shops.

If prone to motion sickness, take precautions before the ghat drive.

Budget Estimate

road

Fuel cost approx ₹300-₹400 for the round trip

Car rental from Salem starts at ₹1,500 per day

The most convenient way, offering flexibility to stop at viewpoints. The ghat road is thrilling with 20 hairpin bends, but it's well-paved and safe.

train

Chennai to Salem: ₹150-₹300 (sleeper class)

Bangalore to Salem: ₹200-₹350 (sleeper class)

Salem Junction is a major railhead with excellent connectivity. From there, take a taxi or bus to Yercaud. The train journey itself is not to the hill station but to the base.

bus

Ordinary bus fare: ₹40

Deluxe bus fare: ₹60

Regular state transport and private buses ply from Salem to Yercaud. The journey is scenic and budget-friendly, though the ghat section may be crowded.

Extend Your Trip

Add a nearby place to your Yercaud trip and see the full Salem → Yercaud → next stop route.

Yercaud → Hogenakkal

About 80 km by road

Plan Salem → Yercaud → Hogenakkal Hogenakkal guide

Yercaud → Yelagiri

About 130 km by road

Plan Salem → Yercaud → Yelagiri Yelagiri guide

Yercaud → Tiruvannamalai

About 140 km by road

Plan Salem → Yercaud → Tiruvannamalai Tiruvannamalai guide

Yercaud → BR Hills

About 155 km by road

Plan Salem → Yercaud → BR Hills BR Hills guide

Plan My Trip: Salem to Yercaud

Pick how you want to travel and we'll send a complete plan with transport, hotel and sightseeing — on WhatsApp and a call back.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Salem to Yercaud road safe for first-time drivers?

Yes, the road is well-maintained but has 20 hairpin bends. Drive slowly and use lower gears. It's safe if you follow traffic rules and avoid overtaking on curves.

2. What is the best time to travel from Salem to Yercaud?

Early morning (before 8 AM) is ideal to avoid traffic and enjoy the cool weather. Evenings are also good but may be crowded.

3. Are there any entry fees for viewpoints?

Most viewpoints like Lady's Seat and Pagoda Point have a nominal entry fee of ₹10-₹20 per person. Some are free.

4. Can I find accommodation in Yercaud easily?

Yes, Yercaud has many resorts, homestays, and budget hotels. It's advisable to book in advance during peak season (October to June).

5. How long does the bus journey from Salem to Yercaud take?

The bus journey takes about 2 hours, including the ghat section. It's a scenic ride but can be crowded on weekends.