Yercaud

Pickup from Salem airport, junction or Coimbatore, then the famous 20-hairpin-bend climb up the Shevaroy Hills with a photo halt at the 12th bend viewpoint over the Salem plains. Check in to your hill resort by afternoon. Easy evening at Yercaud Lake — pedal and rowing boats, Anna Park next door and hot bajji stalls along the lake road. Dinner at the resort.

Early start for sunrise at Pagoda Point, where stacked stone cairns look out over layered blue ridges and mist filling the valley. Continue to Lady's Seat, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat on the western escarpment, followed by the Yercaud telescope house. Afternoon drive through shola forest to the Servaroyan Temple at 5,326 ft — the highest point in the Shevaroys — and the Kiliyur valley lookouts. Sunset back at Lady's Seat over the Salem city lights.

Guided walk through a working coffee and orange estate — arabica under silver-oak shade, pepper vines, jackfruit and a cupping session of fresh single-estate brew. Late morning, the forest descent to Killiyur Falls (about 300 steps and a short trail) where the Kiliyur stream drops nearly 100 ft into a rock pool. Afternoon at the Rose Garden, Botanical Garden and the Montfort school heritage stretch, ending with shopping for estate coffee, honey, silver-oak carvings and homemade orange marmalade.

A last unhurried hill morning — an optional Deer Park or Bear's Cave visit, or simply coffee on the resort deck over the valley. Check out and descend the ghat road, with a stop at the Salem silk and mango stalls on request, before your transfer to Salem or Coimbatore for the onward flight or train.