Yercaud in A Nature Lover’s Dream Destination
Yercaud is a quaint hill station located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1600 meters, Yercaud enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Just about 200 kilometers from Bangalore, we decided to visit this beautiful hill station and explore it for a couple of days. Here’s a detailed account of our journey.
Day 1: Arrival and Pagoda Viewpoint
Good morning, everybody! Welcome to another travel blog. Today, we are in Yercaud and our adventure begins with a visit to the Pagoda Viewpoint, located about five kilometers from the central part of Yercaud towards the east side. Unfortunately, the weather was overcast and cloudy, but we decided to wait and see if it would clear up.
Pagoda Viewpoint
Despite the initial cloudy weather, it eventually cleared up, leaving us completely mesmerized by the view. Watching the clouds slowly drift through the hills and hearing the birds chirp in the background was an unforgettable experience. Starting your day at this viewpoint is a must when you’re in Yercaud.
Breakfast with a View
There are small food stalls here as well, where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the stunning scenery. After grabbing our breakfast, we headed back into the city center to check out the lake.
Day 2: Yercaud Lake and Manjakuttai Viewpoint
Yercaud Lake
Did you know the name of this hill station is based on this very lake? Yercaud in Tamil translates to “Lake Forest.” You can rent a boat and relax on the lake for a while or just walk around, talk to the locals, and enjoy the serene environment.
Manjakuttai Viewpoint
Our next destination was Manjakuttai Viewpoint. The view from here was stunning, and the best part was that it wasn’t crowded at all. There is a parking space available, and from the main road, you have to go uphill about 300 meters. The view you get is definitely worth it, making it a great spot for sunrise or sunset photography.
Day 3: Culinary Delights and Nature’s Bounty
Sweet Rascal Restaurant
For lunch, we visited Sweet Rascal, a unique restaurant just a two-minute walk from Yercaud Lake. It’s not your typical restaurant; you need to make a reservation a day in advance and place your order at the same time. The place is decorated with thousands of witty quotes, adding to its charm. The food was delicious and the ambiance delightful.
Coffee Plantation Experience
Yercaud is known for its coffee plantations. We visited a coffee shop for a quick stop, enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and even tried some Maggi noodles. The weather was perfect, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Day 4: Lady’s Seat and Farewell
Lady’s Seat Viewpoint
For the sunset, we went to Lady’s Seat, another beautiful viewpoint in Yercaud. Although the weather was not supportive and it was quite hazy, it’s a great spot to visit for both sunrise and sunset. Unfortunately, the next morning, Lady’s Seat was again covered with clouds, but the journey was still worth it.
Explore Yercaud: Top Attractions and Travel Guide
Discover Yercaud, a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu. Explore top attractions, including Yercaud Lake, Deer Park, Pagoda Point, and more. Plan your visit with our comprehensive travel guide.
| Attraction | Description | Distance from Yercaud Lake | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yercaud Lake | Known for its boating facilities and flower gardens. You can rent rowing boats or pedal boats. | Central location | Free |
| Deer Park | Home to deer, peacocks, and flamingos. Includes a play area for children. | On the lake banks | Free |
| Anna Park | Hosts a flower show every May. Features a Japanese Park. | Close to the lake | ₹15 for adults, ₹10 for children |
| Botanical Garden | Maintained by the Botanical Survey of India. Features medicinal plants and a meditation area. | 1.5 kilometers | ₹5 |
| Pagoda Point | Also known as Pyramid Point, offers panoramic views and houses a Ram Temple. | 2 kilometers | Free |
| Rose Garden | Extensive collection of roses in various sizes and colors. Plants available for purchase. | 1.5 kilometers | Free |
| Kiliyur Falls | A stunning waterfall with a 300-foot drop. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. | 3 kilometers | Free |
| Lady’s Seat | Rocky outpost with beautiful views of Salem and surrounding roads. | 2 kilometers | Free |
| Gent’s Seat | Adjacent to Lady’s Seat, offering similar scenic views. | 2 kilometers | Free |
| Children’s Seat | Another viewpoint close to Lady’s Seat, ideal for family visits. | 2 kilometers | Free |
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Hotels in AirCard (₹2,000 – ₹3,000)
AirCard is a beautiful place to refresh yourself, offering a range of accommodations to suit every budget. In this guide, we’ve listed the top 10 best budget-friendly hotels, ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per night. For more premium resorts or economical options, check out our other videos. We’ve also provided the prices and direct booking links in the description below. We recommend booking early due to dynamic pricing.
1. Happy Nest Resort
Located just a walkable distance from the lake and in the center of AirCard, Happy Nest Resort offers a warm and homely atmosphere.
- Location: Main road towards Lake Lady Seat and the Rose Garden
- Facilities: Car and bike parking, rooftop restaurant, garden with play area, free bonfire at night
- Rooms: Standard room is compact; premium rooms are more spacious
- Price: Book early as they sell out quickly, especially during holidays
2. TGI Star Holidays Resort
A secluded yet accessible hotel, TGI Star Holidays Resort offers premium service despite its budget-friendly pricing.
- Location: Less than a 5-minute drive from the lake
- Facilities: Swimming pool, fitness center, indoor/outdoor kids play area, spa, outdoor activities
- Rooms: Recently renovated, fresh look
- Price: ₹2,900 per night
3. Hotel Friday Inn
Located about a 10-minute drive from AirCad Lake, Hotel Friday Inn is ideal if you have your own transport.
- Location: Road to Manakai
- Facilities: In-house restaurant, rooftop terrace, projector, bonfire
- Rooms: Various room types, including spacious villas
- Price: Modern ambiance, premium facilities
4. The Casita Inn
A simple, budget-friendly hotel in a quiet, secluded area, The Casita Inn is perfect for those with their own vehicle.
- Location: 10-minute drive to the main boating lake
- Facilities: Car parking, in-house restaurant, bonfires
- Rooms: Decent rooms with flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker, comfortable beds
- Price: ₹2,800 per night
5. Summerhouse Resort
Conveniently located around a 5-minute drive from the lake, Summerhouse Resort offers a quiet and secluded stay.
- Location: Nothing much nearby
- Facilities: Car parking, large windows, flat-screen TV
- Rooms: Larger rooms compared to other hotels in this price range
- Price: ₹2,100 per night
6. SS Silver Oaks
Situated between the lake and the Pagoda Viewpoint, SS Silver Oaks provides a calm ambiance and modern comfort.
- Location: Berry Garden Estate
- Facilities: In-house restaurant, bonfires at night
- Rooms: Various room types, accommodating up to 50 people
- Price: ₹2,500 per night
7. Pagoda Resorts
Located near the Pagoda Viewpoint, Pagoda Resorts offer a home-like experience with excellent service.
- Location: 2-minute walk to Pagoda Viewpoint, 15-minute drive from the lake
- Facilities: Freshly cooked meals
- Rooms: Clean, modern, large windows, flat-screen TV
- Price: ₹2,900 per night
8. Forest View Resort
A newly built hotel with a classical design, Forest View Resort offers a fresh ambiance and a variety of room types.
- Location: 2-minute walk from Pagoda Viewpoint
- Facilities: Rooftop bonfires, in-house dining
- Rooms: Dormitory for large groups, deluxe double rooms
- Price: ₹2,000 per night
9. The Brook Resort
Surrounded by trees, The Brook Resort offers a jungle-like atmosphere with modern amenities.
- Location: 5-minute walk to Pagoda Viewpoint, 10-minute walk to Piku Park
- Facilities: In-house restaurant, spa, rooftop pool, gym, outdoor kids play area
- Rooms: Standard deluxe room
- Price: ₹3,200 per night
10. Anglo French Resorts
Located on the main road to Manakai, this resort offers a serene and quiet atmosphere with a brook behind the property.
- Location: 5-minute drive from the lake
- Facilities: Car parking, in-house restaurant
- Rooms: Standard and premium options, comfortable and clean
- Price: ₹3,100 per night
Conclusion: The Descent Back to Bangalore
With heavy hearts and beautiful memories, we began our descent back to Bangalore. The winding roads of Yercaud bid us farewell as we looked forward to our next adventure. I hope you enjoyed this blog. Please consider subscribing to the channel, liking the video, and sharing it with your loved ones. Until next time, have a good one!