Yercaud Coffee Hills and Hogenakkal Falls

A calm lake ringed by trees in the middle of town, with Anna Park beside it. A gentle walk after the drive.

Terraced beds of roses on the Lady's Seat road. Flowers are at their best after the rains and in early summer.

A rock ledge over the ghat road and the Salem plains. Watch the sunset, then stay a few minutes for the city lights.

Stacked stone piles on the eastern edge of the hills, with a wide view down to the plains. Mornings are usually clearest.

About 200 steep steps down through the trees to the falls, and the same back up. Strong after the monsoon, thin by March. Wear shoes with grip and carry water.

A small cave temple at about 5,300 feet, the highest point of the hills. Remove shoes at the entrance.

A slow drive round the Loop Road between coffee bushes under tall silver oaks, with a stop for photos and a cup of local coffee. Estates are private, so we stay on the road.

A quiet viewpoint on the Loop Road looking out over the folds of the Shevaroy hills.

The Kaveri splits into many streams and falls through black rock gorges. Walk the riverside paths to the viewpoints. Bathing is only at the marked spots.