Kurumbapatti Zoo – Gundur

Grade

Easy

Distance

5 km there and back

Walking time

2.5 hours

Altitude

520 m

Best months

Oct – Mar

Start point

Kurumbapatti Zoological Park

District

Salem

Nearest station

Salem Junction, ~12 km

Nearest airport

Salem, ~25 km

About this trail

Kurumbapatti Zoological Park sits in the Eastern Ghats foothills just outside Salem, and this trail begins right at its gate. The path climbs gently through dry deciduous scrub and over patches of rock to the Gundur viewpoint, which looks across a ring of low hills and farmed valleys. Native trees, lizards and dry-country birds keep the walk interesting.

The round trip is 5 km and takes about two and a half hours. Reporting is at 7 AM, so you are back well before the midday heat. It is a relaxed first trek for families, school groups and anyone new to the hills. Water and light refreshments are provided.

Highlights

• Close to Salem city
• Gundur viewpoint over the hills
• Dry forest in the Eastern Ghats foothills
• Easy for families and students
• Early start, done by mid-morning

How the day goes

1. 7:00 AMReport at the Kurumbapatti zoo entry point.
2. BriefingMeet the guide and hear the safety rules.
3. Forest trailWalk through dry forest towards Gundur.
4. ViewpointRest at the viewpoint with refreshments.
5. ReturnWalk back to the zoo.

Getting there and staying over

• By train: Salem Junction, ~12 km
• By air: Salem, ~25 km
• Stay: Day trek; hotels in Salem.

What to carry

• Photo ID
• Water bottle
• 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