- Grade
- Easy
- Distance
- 5 km there and back
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Altitude
- 470 m
- Best months
- Jan – Dec
- Start point
- Chinnar Checkpost
- District
- Tiruppur
- Nearest station
- Udumalpet, ~29 km
- Nearest airport
- Coimbatore, ~105 km
About this trail
This walk begins at the Chinnar checkpost, on the road that crosses into Kerala above Udumalpet. It follows the Chinnar River for about 2.5 km to a spot called Kottar and then comes back the same way. The riverbank forest here is a mix of scrub and taller trees that shelter butterflies, deer, wild boar and the grizzled giant squirrel, one of the rarest squirrels in India.
The path is mostly level and the round trip takes about two hours, so it suits beginners and families. Reporting is at 7:30 in the morning. The trail runs all year, though the river is at its best after the rains.
Highlights
- Chance to see the grizzled giant squirrel
- Level path along the Chinnar River
- Butterflies, deer and riverside birds
- Open all year
- Just two hours long
How the day goes
- 7:30 AMReport at the Chinnar checkpost and complete the permit formalities.
- BriefingShort talk from the guide on safety and wildlife.
- River trailWalk upstream along the Chinnar for about 2.5 km.
- KottarRest at the riverside point and have your snacks.
- ReturnWalk back the same path to the checkpost.
Getting there and staying over
- By train: Udumalpet, ~29 km
- By air: Coimbatore, ~105 km
- Stay: Day trek; hotels in Udumalpet.
What to carry
- Photo ID
- Water bottle
- Cap
- Shoes with grip for wet rocks
- Binoculars
- Light snacks
Good to know
These are guided trails run with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, and each has a daily limit on walkers. Book a few days ahead, carry the same photo ID you booked with, and expect a trail to close at short notice after heavy rain or when elephants are active nearby. We book the permit, arrange the car to and from the start point and, if you want, a hotel nearby for the night before.
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Send us your date and group size. We will confirm the slot with the forest team and share the reporting time, car and total cost.
