Aliyar Canal Bank Trail

Grade

Easy

Distance

8 km one way

Walking time

3 hours

Altitude

475 m

Best months

Jan – Dec

Start point

Anamalaiyagam Conservation Centre

District

Coimbatore

Nearest station

Pollachi, ~24 km

Nearest airport

Coimbatore, ~74 km

About this trail

This is one of the gentlest ways into the Anamalai foothills. The path follows the canal dug for the Aliyar irrigation scheme, and dry deciduous forest grows right up to both banks. Because the ground is mostly flat, the three hours go into looking around rather than climbing. Guides point out elephant dung, sambar hoof prints and the many birds that feed along the water.

The trail stays open through the year, so it is a handy choice when the higher hill routes are closed for rain. Start early, since the plains heat up by late morning. It works well for families, first-time walkers and anyone who wants a quiet morning outdoors.

Highlights

• Flat, easy path along a working irrigation canal
• Steady birdlife around the water
• Fresh elephant and sambar signs on the banks
• Open in every month of the year
• Short drive from Pollachi town

How the day goes

1. Early morningDrive through the Pollachi farmland to the conservation centre and register with your ID.
2. BriefingMeet the forest guide, go over the rules for walking in elephant country and set off.
3. Canal walkCover the 8 km stretch at an easy pace, pausing whenever the guide spots birds or tracks.
4. Snack stopLight refreshments are handed out partway; top up your water here.
5. FinishReach the end point of the one-way route and head back as arranged by the team.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Pollachi, ~24 km
• By air: Coimbatore, ~74 km
• Stay: A day walk with no stay needed; Pollachi has hotels if you want to spend the night.

What to carry

• Photo ID for forest registration
• 2 litres of water
• Cap and sunscreen
• Walking shoes with good grip
• Binoculars for birding
• Clothes in muted colours

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 Coimbatore