Planning a short and refreshing hill getaway from Bengaluru, Chennai, or Salem? Look no further than Yercaud, a beautiful and lesser-crowded hill station nestled in the Shevaroy Hills. This blog is your complete guide for a weekend escape to Yercaud and covers 5 unique things to do in Yercaud that many travel guides won’t tell you!

Located just 30 minutes from Salem and around 4 hours from Bengaluru, Yercaud is a perfect weekend destination for families, couples, and friends. It is increasingly becoming a favourite among travel enthusiasts, thanks to its coffee estates, home-grown chocolates, and cozy climate.

Let’s explore what makes a weekend escape to Yercaud truly memorable – beyond the usual boating and viewpoints.

1. Killiyur Waterfalls – Nature’s Splash Zone

No weekend escape to Yercaud is complete without visiting Killiyur Waterfalls. Just a short 2 km walk from Yercaud Lake, this tall and powerful waterfall is tucked amidst the forest. The walk itself is scenic, with lush coffee plantations and serene hill views keeping you company.

Although the place could use better maintenance (you’ll notice some litter), the raw natural beauty and the refreshing dip under the falls make it worth the visit. Best experienced during or just after the monsoon, Killiyur offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. To reach this falls, one has to hike down-hill for about 180 – 200 steps. Some of those steps are steep constructed using iron stairs.

Pro tip: Wear good grip shoes and carry a change of clothes if you’re planning to get under the falls.

2. Yercaud Filter Coffee Shop – A Sip of Pure Bliss

Another offbeat but must-do thing during your weekend escape to Yercaud is to taste the heavenly filter coffee at the Yercaud Filter Coffee shop, located close to the main bus stand.

This small shop has a unique old-world charm with antique coffee-making equipment and vintage filters displayed all around. The coffee here reminded us of the traditional filter kaapi found in towns like Thanjavur or Kumbakonam.

They also sell locally sourced coffee powders in different flavors, including chocolate and cinnamon blends. If you’re a coffee lover, don’t miss checking out their offerings on their official website.

3. Chocolate Factory Tour – Healthier Treats, Local Touch

Did you know that Yercaud is famous for its homemade chocolates? Unlike commercial brands that pack their chocolates with sugar in the proportion of 80% sugar and 20% cocoa, many of Yercaud’s local factories use a 50:50 cocoa-to-sugar ratio – resulting in richer, healthier chocolates.

During our weekend escape to Yercaud, we visited a local chocolate unit where the staff happily gave us a demo of how chocolates are made – from roasting the beans to wrapping the final product. In this video, you would see the workers taking us through a short tour of how they make chocolates.

You’ll find various chocolate shops attached to these small factories, often run by tribal communities. Apart from chocolate, you can also shop for fruit wines, herbal teas, and different coffee varieties here.

4. Night Safari and Jungle Drive – An Off-Road Adventure

Want to add some thrill to your weekend escape to Yercaud? Try the night jungle safari. While Yercaud doesn’t have a large wildlife population, you might spot herds of Indian bisons if you’re lucky.

More than the wildlife, it’s the off-road journey through the dark forest, the cool night air, and the sounds of the jungle that make this a unique experience. The safari includes stops at echo points, rock-metal viewpoints, and cliff edges where you can watch the stars and soak in the silence of the night.

One can find the contacts of such jeep safari and coffee estate tour operators across the town in several billboards. Cant miss.

5. Sunrise at Shevaroy Temple – Above the Clouds

On your second morning during the weekend escape to Yercaud, wake up early and drive up to Servarayan Temple, also called Shevaroy temple. The temple is dedicated to God Mahavishnu. This hilltop location is around 20 minutes from Yercaud town and offers a mind-blowing sunrise view.

As the sun rises, you’ll literally see the clouds beneath you — a heavenly sight. While the temple itself opens later in the day, the tower outside is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise and click some breathtaking photos.

The drive is scenic too, with the winding roads taking you through foggy trees and coffee farms. Definitely a peaceful way to begin your day.

Bonus: Vegetarian Food Hunt in Yercaud

Although Yercaud is traditionally known for its non-veg eateries, the town is now slowly embracing vegetarian food lovers. During our weekend escape to Yercaud, we stumbled upon a few hidden gems offering tasty vegetarian dishes along with filter coffee and even continental options.

There’s a cozy vegetarian restaurant right near Yercaud Lake that served us delicious meals – perfect after a tiring day of exploring.

Why You Should Plan a Weekend Escape to Yercaud

A weekend escape to Yercaud is not just about the famous lake or the viewpoints. It’s about the small local experiences – sipping coffee in a vintage shop, tasting hand-made chocolates, walking through peaceful plantations, and waking up to sunrises above the clouds.

Yercaud gives you the space to slow down, explore at your pace, and soak in nature – all without the chaos of overly commercialized tourist spots. If you’re planning your next quick trip from Bangalore, Chennai, or Salem – make it a weekend escape to Yercaud. You’ll come back refreshed, relaxed, and a little more in love with Tamil Nadu’s hill treasures.