Three kilometres off Old Mahabalipuram Road, on the road to Kayar, lies Thaiyur lake. The dense greenery on the waterbody’s southern bund serves as a screen — much like a construction screen aimed at concealing what lies behind — that protects it from the prying gaze of the wayfarer. Unruly clumps of Thaalai trees with leaves resembling spiked hair that is beginning to lose its stiffness, is the reason for much of this density.
A view of the dense greenery on the bund.
I head towards the bund, walking across a lush-green grassy clearing — which bears signs of agricultural activity in the past — and I stop for a conversation with a resident of Thaiyur, who explains the significance of the Thaalai trees. Their flowers, known as Thaalampoo, apparently fetch a good price in the market. None of the trees is in flower. The roots of these trees are considerably strong and therefore, valuable as ropes for binding construction material. I come upon a raised concrete walkway. This strip of grey stands out against the overpowering greenery. The walkway and a flight of steps at the end of it provide access to the Thaiyur lake.
A concrete walkway leading to the waterbody.
The waterbody is huge and, despite a largely scorching summer, has retained much of its water. With wild movements of fish, the lake seems to be in state of trembling. I am informed that the waterbody abounds in fish, especially katla and viraal and also prawns. More through gesticulations than words, a resident tells me that the katla in these waters are long. The prawns are also bigger-sized.
Boulders near the lake.
I notice two men fishing in the waters with hand-held nets. There are small boulders along one section of the lake, and I tell myself I should bring along an angling rod the next time, sit on a boulder and fish.
As this thought crosses my mind, I hear the familiar “ chic-chic” in the skies. Pied kingfishers fly by, and they seem to be making these sounds in protest. When a good number of pied kingfishers are found at a waterbody, it indicates a significant presence of fish. Thaiyur lake is located at the edge of a reserve forest that extends all the way up to Kayar. On the road to Kayar, motorists will see concrete boards asking them to slow down so that wildlife cross the stretch safely.
Every time, a board calls motorists’ attention to the presence of a different animal or bird. Fox, spotted deer and peacock are the creatures for which these concrete structures express concern. A resident of Thaiyur tells me kattu panni (‘forest pigs’ or wild boars) are found in this reserve forest. He believes there are foxes too, but is yet to see one. He says the kattu panni stray into the village often. As if to warn me against going in search of one, he adds, “They can attack people.”
( Hidden Trails is a column that shows you how to be a tourist in your own city. )
