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Scenic drive · Yercaud (Shevaroy Hills)

Salem–Yercaud ghat road (20 hairpin bends)

A sealed two-lane ghat that stacks 20 named hairpin bends in a short climb, with the plains and Salem city opening up below you — the panorama over Salem is a standout, especially near the top and after dark. Expect tour buses and share-cabs on the classic road; the Kuppanur (via Ayothiyapattinam) and Nagalur (via Bommidi) approaches are quieter forest-and-estate alternatives.

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Access: Open. Access information is officially sourced; check current conditions.

At a glance

Salem–Yercaud ghat road (20 hairpin bends)

Access officially sourced

The classic approach — the roughly 28–32 km climb from Salem up the Shevaroys with 20 hairpin bends (the historic Arthur Havelock ghat), whose bends are named after Tamil scholars, kings and freedom fighters. It is a fully sealed mountain road: climb and descend slowly, use engine braking on the way down, and sound the

Type
Scenic drive
Access
Open
Difficulty
moderate
Terrain
sealed ghat road
Duration
About 45 minutes to an hour for the climb from Salem, unhurried.
Region
Yercaud (Shevaroy Hills)

What to expect

A sealed two-lane ghat that stacks 20 named hairpin bends in a short climb, with the plains and Salem city opening up below you — the panorama over Salem is a standout, especially near the top and after dark. Expect tour buses and share-cabs on the classic road; the Kuppanur (via Ayothiyapattinam) and Nagalur (via Bommidi) approaches are quieter forest-and-estate alternatives.

Highlights

  • 20 named hairpin bends on a historic sealed ghat
  • Panoramic views over Salem city and the plains
  • Cool climate change as you climb ~1,000 m onto the plateau
  • Quieter Kuppanur and Nagalur alternative approaches

Best time & conditions

Good year-round as a cool hill drive; clearest views October–February. Avoid night driving in monsoon fog (June–September and just after).

How to reach

From Salem city / Salem bus station, take the classic Salem–Yercaud ghat road up the 20 bends into Yercaud town (~28–32 km).

Frequently asked questions

A sealed two-lane ghat that stacks 20 named hairpin bends in a short climb, with the plains and Salem city opening up below you — the panorama over Salem is a standout, especially near the top and after dark. Expect tour buses and share-cabs on the classic road; the Kuppanur (via Ayothiyapattinam) and Nagalur (via Bommidi) approaches are quieter forest-and-estate alternatives.

Access & permits

Access: Open.

Tamil Nadu Tourism + TheYercaud.com travel routes (opens in a new tab)