Food is our ultimate love language, a philosophy that completely dictates how we travel. Whenever we plan a vacation or a staycation, our itinerary is built around two non-negotiable pillars: an exceptional location and the variety of incredible local cuisines available to experience nearby. Food is the ultimate motivator, a universal mood changer, and the compass that guides our wanderlust. Guided by this exact mindset, we set our sights on Yercaud. Leaving the city behind, it took us a comfortable five-hour drive from Salem to reach our cozy Airbnb.
In case you are planning to visit Yercaud, find the route details for your reference:
Getting There: Crucial Tips for the Salem-to-Yercaud Drive
The drive from the foothills of Salem up to Yercaud is famously scenic, but navigating the mountain terrain requires a bit of preparation.
The Route at a Glance
- The Classic Highway: You will take the Salem-Yercaud Ghat Road (SH-188 / SH-563).
- The Distance: The mountain ascent spans approximately 30 kilometres from Salem city.
- Travel Time: Expect a 45-to-60 minute drive under normal traffic conditions.
Essential Travel Tips :
- Avoid the Shortcuts: Google Maps might occasionally suggest the Kuppanur Ghat or Theevattipatti rural routes to save time. Avoid them. Those roads are incredibly narrow, lack proper cell service, and offer no roadside assistance if your vehicle stalls. Stick to the main Salem highway.
- Watch for Wildlife: The Ghat road passes through protected forest patches. Troops of wild monkeys frequently sit right on the tarmac, especially near the designated valley viewpoints. Keep your windows rolled up and avoid feeding them.
- Timing the Traffic: Weekends bring heavy tourist traffic from nearby cities. To avoid getting stuck behind slow-moving commercial tourist buses on narrow bends, plan your ascent for early morning or early afternoon.
While Yercaud is celebrated as a misty hill station, the weather during our visit was surprising. It was only chilly on our very first evening, after that, the climate did not quite justify those typical, shivering hill station vibes. However, we did not let the mild weather dampen our spirits. We all know how an extraordinary meal can instantly turn any trip around. The moment we finalized our accommodation, our immediate mission was to find at least one standout culinary destination. After scrolling through endless Instagram reels, reading restaurant reviews, and diving deep into travel blogs, I stumbled upon a beautiful property called Shambala Resort and Spa in Yercaud, also known as the Tree of Life Shambala.
Tucked away from the tourist hubs, this boutique property is completely enveloped by lush greenery, sprawling coffee estates, and scenic cashew plantations. It is the absolute definition of a peaceful sanctuary designed to help you unwind and unplug from daily life. What truly elevates this estate, though, is its impeccable hospitality. Mr. Ravisundar and the resident Chef Sundar were incredibly patient and accommodating with our multiple last-minute menu changes and detailed à la carte pre-orders.
The seamless experience began the second we stepped onto the property. Mr. Ravisundar greeted us warmly right at the entrance and escorted us directly to our beautifully reserved table. Soon after, Chef Sundar personally welcomed us, and his team served a unique, refreshing welcome drink that tasted absolutely amazing and unlike anything we had ever tried before. It was the perfect palate cleanser for the massive feast ahead.
Before we knew it, our table was completely loaded with an abundance of pre-ordered delicacies. Since our group included both meat lovers and vegetarians, we ordered a diverse spread. For the non-vegetarians, the kitchen served up a spectacular lineup of traditional regional flavours, including Iral Milagu, Illai Suruthi, Meen Varuvel, Natti Kodi Masala, Mutton Chettinad, and a rich, aromatic Biryani. On the vegetarian side, our two vegetarian companions were treated to a delicious spread of Paneer Tikka, crunchy Spring Rolls, Dum Aloo Kashmiri, comforting Dal Tadka, hot Tandoori Roti, and fragrant Jeera Rice.
After devouring this humongous amount of amazing food, we desperately needed a comfortable bed to lie down on. Instead, we forced ourselves to take a scenic walk around the entire estate. Exploring the plantation was a brilliant way to digest our heavy meal while checking out the unique boutique stay options available on-site. I deeply appreciate boutique hotels because we escape the busy city life to be surrounded by peace, nature, and fewer humans. Walking through those quiet coffee trees was a wonderful experience. If you are planning a trip to Yercaud, Shambala is a must-visit. When I travel here next, this is undoubtedly where I will stay.
Love,
Anusha
thesmalltownblogger.com 