Travel, Trek and Hike Forever: Yercaud - Just for that good ride

It was long time since I had given some good ride for myself and my bike. So, decided to go to some or the other place on the weekend of 11-07-2015. Slept late the previous night and hence could not wake up early in the morning. Probably if I had woke up early, my plan would have been a ride to Waynad. But since it was already late, did not want to ruin the chance of seeing Waynad completely and hence opted for Yercaud ride. The whole intention was to have a good ride. Had already checked with many friends but everyone were busy on that weekend. Anyways, this was not the first time I decided to go alone so it was pretty normal for me to go alone. :)

It's a brilliant bike ride experience when you ride to Yercaud since you get to enjoy riding both in wide National highways as well as scenic Ghat sections with curves and ascent. The ride from Bangalore to Salem is in NH4 (Bangalore-Chennai) and its up to you to decide your speed limit here. Some area of this highway is scenic as well since you cross a couple of reserve forests before you reach Salem. Once you reach Salem, its the start of next best part of the ride - i.e. riding in the ghat section. The ghat section is around 20 Kms in distance and is very scenic. The hairpin curves, the ride in a road that divides coffee estates once you are about to reach the peak everything adds to the pleasure of riding.

What's special in Yercaud?

If you ask me - Nothing! Because, if its for something special you go here, then there are better places which have similar but better scenes and places. Its yet another hill station with lot of hotels, lodges and Resorts. Beauty of Yercaud would have been better had it rained during proper time this year. At least the falls would have been better when I visited.
The only place that I liked in Yercaud is Annamalaiyar Temple area. Probably most people do not go there thinking its some Shrine. Even though the list of major attraction in Yercaud lists this place, I hardly found 10-15 people there. It's not just a Shrine but a view point too. In fact, the best view point of Yercaud. You get to see the Yercaud village, the mountains, and the cold breeze, and also a good ride uphill. So, if you are going to Yercaud, do not miss this place. The second best is the Ladies Seat view point. You can see the hairpin curves clearly and it provides a good view.

Boat house, Deer Park etc are pretty average. If you are going for a single day ride, then you better skip all these.

The water falls probably would have been better if it had at least a bit of water. If July is not the right season then I do not know which month is! To reach the water falls, you have to travel 8 Kms from Yercaud Lake and go down some 200-250 Steps. Climbing up is little tough when you feel bad for going down for nothing. (I was warned by a couple of people not to go down since there is nothing to see. And one fellow almost stopped me from going saying "We did not have anyone to warn before going, for you we are there" He was funny when he said that taking fast breath ! ) But, the falls is amidst of forest and if there is water, it will definitely be magnificent.

How to reach?

Reaching Yercaud is very simple. Take Bangalore Chennai Highway and go for ~200 Kms and you reach Salem. Take Yercaud route from Salem.

Within Yercaud, its not hard to visit any place since the whole town is not too big all the places lie near by.

Final word - If not for a good ride, do not visit Yercaud. (Unless you are bored visiting places like Coorg, Chikmangalore, Kodachadri, Kudremukha etc. again and again and you just want to see one more new place)

Photos