Kondappanaikanpatti – Gundur

Grade

Easy

Distance

6.5 km there and back

Walking time

3–4 hours

Altitude

Varies

Best months

Oct – Feb

Start point

Kondappanaikanpatti

District

Salem

Nearest station

Salem Junction

Nearest airport

Salem; Coimbatore for more flights

About this trail

Kondappanaikanpatti lies on the northern edge of Salem city, and this trail is one of the quickest ways to get off the tarmac and into the low hills. From the village the path rises over bare rock and scrubby green patches towards a lookout on the Gundur side. Depending on the line the guide picks, the walk is somewhere between 5 and 8 km in total.

Expect three to four hours with rests. The gradient is mild, so beginners, older children and casual walkers do well here. Small eateries near the trail sell snacks and tea, but bring your own water. October to February is the comfortable season; after that the rock heats up fast.

Highlights

• Easy hill walk close to Salem city
• Viewpoint on the Gundur side
• Rocky terrain and green patches
• Good for beginners and families
• Food available near the trail

How the day goes

1. MorningMeet at Kondappanaikanpatti and start the walk.
2. ClimbWalk over rocky ground towards the Gundur side.
3. ViewpointRest at the viewpoint and take in the hills.
4. ReturnWalk back to the starting point.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Salem Junction
• By air: Salem; Coimbatore for more flights
• Stay: Day trek; hotels in Salem city.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• 2 litres of water
• Cap
• Sunscreen
• Walking shoes

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.

More trails in Salem