Best Photo Spots in Yercaud
Yercaud is a small hill town, but it gives photographers a lot of variety: a lake ringed by trees in the middle of town, rocky viewpoints that drop away to the plains, a tall waterfall in a forested gorge and a cave temple on the highest peak of the Shevaroy Hills. Because the town sits on the edge of the hills, many of the best frames look down on something, from the hairpin bends of the ghat road to the lights of Salem after dark.
Whether you like landscapes, sunrise and sunset shots or relaxed travel portraits, these are the best photo spots in Yercaud.
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Kiliyur Falls
- Best timeMorning, when soft light reaches the gorge and the path is quiet.
- ColorsYellowWhiteForest green
Entry Nominal (telescope)
Lady's Seat
- Best timeLate afternoon to sunset, when warm light falls on the plains; dusk for the lights of Salem.
- ColorsRedWhiteCharcoal
Entry Free
Pagoda Point
- Best timeEarly morning for the sunrise over the eastern plains; late afternoon for warm light on the stone cairns.
- ColorsRustWhiteCoral
Entry Free
Shevaroyan Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, when the air is clearest for views across the ranges and the hilltop is quiet.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteForest green
Entry Free (boating extra)
Yercaud Lake (Emerald Lake)
- Best timeEarly morning, when mist lifts off the water and the boats are still tied up; late afternoon for warm light on the trees.
- ColorsWhiteRustForest green
Why Yercaud Is Great for Photography
Yercaud sits on a plateau with steep drops on almost every side, so its viewpoints face in different directions. Pagoda Point, on the eastern edge, suits sunrise over the plains, while Lady's Seat, on the south-western side, looks towards Salem and suits sunset and the town lights at dusk.
Between the viewpoints you get softer scenes: the tree-lined lake with its boats, coffee estates along the roads and misty forest on the way to Kiliyur Falls. Mist is part of the look here, especially in the rainy months, when it can roll across a view in minutes.
Photography Tips for Yercaud
- Plan by direction: Go to Pagoda Point early for sunrise and save Lady's Seat for the late afternoon.
- Beat the lake crowds: Yercaud Lake is busiest from late morning, especially at weekends, so photograph it early.
- Wait out the mist: Clouds often clear for a few minutes at a time, so give a viewpoint a little patience before you leave.
- Pack light for Kiliyur Falls: The path down is steep with many steps, so carry one lens or just your phone and keep your hands free.
- Ask at the temple: The Shevaroyan Temple is an active cave shrine, so ask before taking any photo inside.
- Ask before photographing people: This includes estate workers and villagers you meet along the roads.
Best Time for Photography in Yercaud
December to February usually brings the clearest skies and the longest views over the plains. The rainy months, from about July to November, turn the hills green and fill Kiliyur Falls, but mist and cloud can hide the viewpoints for hours. In summer, heat haze over the plains can soften distant views, so early mornings work best. See the best time to visit Yercaud for more on each season.
Questions
Yercaud — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Yercaud?
The best-known photo spots are Pagoda Point, Lady's Seat, Yercaud Lake, Kiliyur Falls and the Shevaroyan Temple. Together they cover sunrise and sunset viewpoints, a lake, a waterfall and a hilltop temple.
Where can I watch the sunrise in Yercaud?
Pagoda Point, on the eastern side of the hills, is the best place for sunrise, as it looks out over the plains towards Attur. Arrive a little before sunrise to find a spot by the stone cairns.
Where is the best sunset view in Yercaud?
Lady's Seat looks south-west over the ghat road and Salem, so it is the best place for sunset. Stay a little after sundown to see the lights of Salem come on below.
Is Yercaud good for photography in the rainy season?
Yes, if you like mist and green hills. Kiliyur Falls is at its fullest, but the viewpoints can be clouded over and paths get slippery, so keep your plans flexible and protect your camera or phone from the rain.
Is Yercaud good for Instagram photos?
Yes. The stone cairns at Pagoda Point, the boats on Yercaud Lake and the view of the hairpin bends from Lady's Seat are the most recognisable Yercaud backdrops and work well for photos and reels.