Introduction
Chennai is a city located in Tamil Nadu, India.Chennai is one of India’s major cultural, economic, and educational centers. The city is also known for its delicious South Indian cuisine, especially dosas, idlis, and filter coffee. The city has many ancient temples.
Yercaud is a small hill station located in Tamil Nadu, India, in the Shevaroy Hills. It’s a popular place for people who want to enjoy nature and relax in cool weather. Yercaud is famous for its coffee plantations, especially Arabica and Robusta coffee.
In this article you will find details about routes you should consider while traveling to Chennai to Yercaud , Distance you need to cover ,best time to visit Yercaud and some important travel tips.
Chennai to Yercaud Distance
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Duration |
| By Road | 350 Km | 6 to 7 hours |
| By Train(to Salem) | 350 Km | 5 hours(Train) + 1 hour ( Road) |
| By Air(to Salem) | 250 Km | 1 hour (Flight ) + 1.5 hours ( Road) |
Modes of transport
By Bus
Buses available are Government bus and private buses , these are affordable and reliable.There are several buses that operate from Chennai to Salem, which is the nearest big city to Yercaud. From Salem you can take a local bus or taxi to Yercaud (about 35 km).
By Car / Taxi
Traveling from a private vehicle or hired taxi is the most easy and popular option. It will take 6 to 7 hours to reach the destination. The roads are in good condition and the drive is very scenic.You can take short breaks wherever you want.
By Train
Trains can be more relaxed than long hours of driving. You can take a train from Chennai to Salem, which is the nearest railway station to Yercaud. .Book your ticket from the IRCTC website or visit the ticket counter. Popular trains on this route are:
| Train Names | Frequency | Duration |
| Chennai Egmore to Salem Express | Daily | 5 hours 40 mins |
| Chennai to Salem Passengers | Daily | 6 hours |
| Chennai Salem Intercity Express | Daily | 6 hours |
| Chennai to Salem Express (via Katpadi) | 3 days a week | 6 hours |
| Chennai to Salem Superfast | Daily | 5 hours 30 mins |
By Flight
There are no direct airports in Yercaud. You can take a flight from Chennai to Salem, which is the nearest airport to Yercaud. There are flights operated by airlines such as Air India or SpiceJet. The flight duration is about 1 hour.
Best Road Route
Route 1: Via NH 32 and Salem-Kochi Highway
This is the most preferred route to travel.It is the wide highway with smooth drive . Chennai to Yercaud distance by this route is 350 km and time required to travel is 6 to 7 hours. It is a scenic road with many food stops and fuel stations.The route is as follows:
Chennai > Sriperumbudur > Kanchipuram > Vellore > Ambur > Salem > Yercaud
Route 2: Via NH 48 (Chennai to Bangalore Highway) and NH 79
This route is slightly longer but peaceful.Road is mostly good, a few narrow stretches near Somwarpet.This route has very less traffic. Chennai to Yercaud distance by this route is 270 km and time required to travel is 7 to 8 hours.The route is as follows:
Chennai > Sriperumbudur > Kanchipuram > Krishnagiri > Dharmapuri > Salem > Yercaud
Route 3 : Via NH 79 (Direct via Salem)
This route is shorter compared to other alternatives but involves more winding and uphill roads as you approach Yercaud. Chennai to Yercaud distance by this route is 355 km and time required to travel is 6 to 7 hours.The route is as follows:
Chennai > Sriperumbudur > Kanchipuram > Vellore > Ambur > Salem > Yercaud
Best time to travel
The ideal time to travel from Chennai to Yercaud is during the winter season(October to March) as the weather is very chill and pleasant ,great for sightseeing, outdoor activities and visiting coffee plantations, trekking.
During monsoon(July to September) very few tourists visit here, so you can experience Yercaud in solitude. But roads can be slippery, outdoor activities may be limited.
During summer (April to June) as it is quite hot, Yercaud offers a cooler climate compared to Chennai.
Travel Tips
- Carry woollen clothes,it can be very cold over there especially in the morning and evening.
- If you are traveling by road,make sure to fill your fuel tank as there are a limited number of fuel stations on hills.
- Book your hotel or resort in advance.
- Do not forget to download offline maps for remote areas.
- Avoid driving at night due to poor visibility and risky roads.
- Remote areas do not accept digital payments,carry cash with you.
- Carry basic medicines for motion sickness, cold, or allergies.
- The roads are winding and narrow, so keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead of you.
- If you’re not used to hilly terrain, consider hiring a local driver who is familiar with the roads.
- pack comfortable shoes for trekking.
FAQs
What is the best time to travel from Chennai to Yercaud?
The best time to visit Yercaud is during winter (November to February).
What types of transport can I use to travel to Yercaud?
You can travel by car, bus, or train.
How long does it take to drive from Chennai to Yercaud?
It generally takes around 6 to 7 hours to drive from Chennai to Yercaud.
Is Yercaud a good destination for a family vacation?
Yes, Yercaud is a family-friendly destination with activities like boating, nature walks, and sightseeing spots that are suitable for all ages.
Are the roads safe for driving to Yercaud?
The roads from Chennai to Yercaud are well-maintained.
Conclusion
A trip from Chennai to Yercaud is a great way to escape the city and enjoy the cool, peaceful hills. Whether you’re driving, taking a bus, or using the train, the journey is scenic and easy. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February, but Yercaud is beautiful all year round.
With attractions like Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, and Kiliyur Falls, it’s a perfect place for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing time.
