A discerning traveller never runs out of places. There's always a new unknown side to even the most-visited tourist spots. And Madurai is nothing short of such pockets that are still under discovered. Why should weekends and holidays be always spent amidst the mist-clad mountains of Kodaikanal and Munnar? Why not a rocky hillock or an idyllic countryside?With popular hill towns getting over-crowded every passing year, people are hunting for newer places to unwind. Offering quiet and scenic escapades from the city's din and bustle are some of these beautiful spots.
Catch some fish @Karisalkulam
Though Madurai is dotted with lakes and ponds, a lot of them run dry for most part of the year. But yes there are few places that hold water even in peak summers and a small group of fishing enthusiasts are making use of it. If you have enough patience to sit still with a fishing rod in hand, then head to the Karisalkulam tank near Koodal Nagar. Surrounded by greenery and set away from the main road, the tank is a haven for those seeking solitude. “My only fishing experience is a distant memory of sitting on the side of a pond, which was probably a good eight years ago. Recently, I was in desperate need of some practice and started looking for places with water and that's when I stumbled upon this tank,” says Mohamed Ibrahim, working at Decathlon. “On our first visit, after some waiting and chatting, I finally felt that small tug at the line. Instead of basking in the victory of catching my first fish, I watched this one swim away. But over the past few months, I have been a regular there and it's turning out to be a nice fishing ground. Though every catch takes a lot of time and patience, the excitement you get out of it is unmatchable. If you relax and simply appreciate the fresh air, fishing will be a great experience- whether you catch some fish or not,” he adds. Avaniyapuram and Alanganallur lakes and a number of water-filled quarry pits around Melur are also potential fishing pockets.
Cycle through the countryside @Thiruvathavur
One common complaint about Madurai is that the city is a highly congested maze of lanes and crazy traffic. But pan out just 20 kms into the outskirts and you may find yourself amidst lush paddy fields, rocky hillocks and quaint villages. Members of the City Cycling Club, Madurai have been chalking out unmapped routes on bicycles and they couldn't stop raving about them. “It's like a heartening discovery when you drive into the beautiful countryside. On our recent cycling expedition, we took the Chitamppati to Idaiyapatti route into Thiruvathavur and it was an awesome experience,” says Kutti Muthukumar, one of the cyclists. “Though the region bordering Sivaganga district if often considered a dry land, the tanks there had water and birds, thanks to the rains. Thiruvathavur also has the age-old Tirumarainathar Temple and is the birthplace of Poet Manikavachakar. So apart from the natural beauty, we soaked ourselves in some history as well. We rode to a Murugan Temple atop a hillock and enjoyed the serenity of the place.” Other routes that make for a scenic cycle ride are Azhagar Kovil to Melur, Iyerbungalow to Parali and Alanganallur to Palamedu.
Follow the flocks @Samanatham
Move over Vedanthangal and Ranganathittu. Head to Samanatham, a birder's paradise situated just 10 kms from the heart of the city. Teaming with flocks of resident and migratory birds, the tanks of Samanatham and Kizhankulam are Madurai's unoffical bird santuaries. Blessed with water all year round and away from thick population, the tanks host over 50 species of water birds, raptors, bush birds and waders. “It's the only place in the city where one can see majestic birds like pelicans and painted storks in large numbers. We have been making regular birding trips to Samanatham and the place has never failed to surprise us. Each time, we have discovered a new species. From common coots, little grebes and ducks to rare species of migratory birds, the variety found here in amazing,” says Raveendran Natarajan, Madurai Nature Forum. “It's a perfect place for weekend birding activities. All you need is a pair of binoculars and a keen ear for bird songs.”
Hike up the hills @Mulaiyur
An adventurous trekking expedition need not be always on the lofty mountains, says trekkers who dub the humble Sirumalai as Madurai's Himalayas. “Sirumalai is a treasure chest of local flora and fauna and the best way to discover them is on foot,” says Kumaresan Chandrabose. Bordering the Dindigul district, Sirumalai is home to sambhar deer, Indian gaur and a variety of birds and mammals. One of the most beautiful treks in the hill is a five-km hike from Palamedu to Mulaiyur. Nestled in a shallow valley amidst the peaks and offering a salubrious weather is Mulaiyur, a small hamlet of 100 families. Untouched by the perils of civilization, the hamlet can be reached only by trekking. “Even the people transport goods on mules and the scenes there take us to a different world. The village also has a sprawling grassland that looks absolutely stunning. Hardly 35 kms from Madurai, it's a far cry from the town's cacophony,” says Chandrabose. “Mulaiyur is also a hotspot for butterflies. We have documented over 30 species of butterflies on our walks to the village.”
Wheel away to quietude @Mavoor
If you are the kind who likes to simply laze around, then take a leisure drive to Mavoor. Nestled in the foothills of Sirumalai is the Mavoor dam, a small reservoir that's full and flowing due to the recent rains. A 30km drive on the Dindigul highway till Vadipatti and then a five-km scenic drive through coconut plantations take you to Mavoor Dam. If you visit during early mornings or late evenings, you may also chance upon some wildlife like Indian gaur or deers. Replete with bird calls and the buzzing of bees, Mavoor is a an ideal getaway.
