The scenic detour: How a trip to Chennai turned into a love letter to Salem and Yercaud

Sometimes, the best part of a journey is the part you did not plan. When a recent road trip from Kochi to Chennai was mapped out, the focus was on schedules, city stops, and reaching the destination.

But somewhere along the highway—under a sky slowly turning golden, with Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure unfolding like a well-edited film—a spontaneous decision changed the rhythm of the journey.

A pause in Salem. A quiet climb to Yercaud. And just like that, the road gave something more than distance: it offered discovery.

Highways of promise

The journey began at 5am from Kochi. The city, still wrapped in sleep, faded in the rearview mirror as the car slipped onto the highway. The stretch up to Thrissur was a bit harrowing due to ongoing road works and diversions, but once past that, the ride turned effortless. Smooth tarmac, clear signage, and disciplined traffic signalled how far things had come.

Tamil Nadu’s roads stood out. Wide, intelligently planned highways, neatly constructed flyovers, crash barriers, and even rotating wheel crash guards along the Yercaud hairpin curves reflected a state that had quietly mastered the art of road design. Toll charges remained surprisingly reasonable—less than ₹1700 from Kochi to Chennai, with the Kochi–Salem stretch costing under ₹1000.

Salem: The unassuming giant

By 11.10am, Salem appeared, not as a blur on the map but as a city with scale, rhythm, and intention. Twice the size of many cities in Kerala, Salem moved with quiet ambition. Its skyline—shaped by overbridges and dotted with shopping hubs—revealed a place not stuck in transition, but confidently stepping into its own.

Salem’s textile roots run deep. From steel and sago to a thriving garment industry, the city feeds the racks of India’s fashion outlets with consistent quality. Amid its traffic flows and expanding infrastructure, there’s efficiency but also a surprising gentleness.

The stay was at Radisson Salem—a hotel that delivered on space, comfort, and warmth. Spacious rooms, well-trained staff, excellent food, and ample parking made it stand out. While Salem has other worthy hotels, Radisson felt like a stay that understood the needs of travellers arriving without a script.

Yercaud: A hilltop pause

The next morning brought a shift in altitude and attitude. The road curled up toward the Shevaroy Hills, tracing 36 kilometres through 20 dramatic hairpin bends. As the city shrank behind, the air grew cooler and quieter. At the 17th bend, Salem appeared like a cluster of white sugar cubes poured into a green valley.

A ₹50 toll marked the entry into Yercaud. Humble and unhurried, the hill station didn’t compete with Ooty or Munnar—it didn’t need to. Its appeal lay in its rawness, its unpredictability, and its quiet refusal to conform.

At the heart of the town is the boating lake, charming yet crowded, especially on weekends. A weekday visit reveals its true grace, with trees reflected in still water and a silence broken only by the paddle’s splash.

Top 5 must-see spots in Yercaud

Shevaroy Temple: The highest point in Yercaud, ideal for serene reflection.

Pagoda Point: A breezy, less-crowded perch with wide-open views.

Botanical Garden and Orchidarium: A vivid collection of flora, especially in bloom.

Lady’s and Gent’s Seat: Echoes of the colonial past with dramatic drop-offs.

Kiliyur Falls: Reaching it takes a trek—but the sound and spray reward the effort.

A journey that recalibrates

What began as a straightforward road trip to Chennai ended up becoming something richer. Salem, with its grounded confidence, and Yercaud, with its misty bends and quiet beauty, became more than halts—they became destinations in themselves.

“We didn’t plan to linger. But something about the mist, the roads, and the unhurried pace told us we should.”

By the time Chennai came into view, the road behind had already done its quiet magic. The journey had slowed the clock, reset the senses, and reminded the traveller of something essential.

Roadside recommendations 

Route:

Kochi → Thrissur → Coimbatore bypass → Salem → Yercaud → Chennai

Toll Summary:

• Kochi to Salem: Under ₹1000
• Kochi to Chennai: Under ₹1700
• Yercaud Entry Fee: ₹50 per car

Pitstop picks:

• A2B Veg Restaurant (near Avinashi)—Clean restrooms and filter coffee
• Thottathil Family Restaurant (before Coimbatore bypass)—Tasty South Indian meals
• Radisson Salem Restaurant—Buffet breakfast and great ambience
• Selvi Mess—Best veg and non-veg items in separate buildings.
• Lake View Café, Yercaud—Best for post-trek snacks

Best time to visit Yercaud: October to March – for cool evenings and misty mornings

Drive alert: Downhill traffic on weekends is heavy. Use low gear on hairpin curves. Watch for wheel-based crash guards—part of Tamil Nadu’s silent road revolution.

 

The writer is Picture Editor, Malayala Manorama. 

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