North East Monsoon tourism: a hidden story at Thaiyur lake
A revetment wall at Thaiyur lake becomes the point of convergence after heavy rains in NE monsoonal months. What happens to the water that cascades down this wall is a narrative in itself
One might be drawn to a place for the wrong reasons, and along the way discover the right one for valuing it the way it should be. Recently, discovery of this nature happened, spread over two mornings (November 12 and 13), south of Chennai.

Thaiyur lake can draw feet from outside Thaiyur, some of those feet substantially removed from Thaiyur panchayat’s borders. The carpet outside Thaiyur is scuffed threadbare by such feet not through the year, only when the north-east monsoon lords it over these parts. A revetment wall on the lake’s eastern side is the point of convergence for those seeking a quick, purse-friendly escape from their oppressive routines. It is the outlet point for surplus water. When the lake fills up to the brim, water cascades down the revetment wall and this flow of water simulates a waterfall. During weekends in NE monsoon months, this “waterfall” draws day-trippers from a wide range of addresses in Chennai and Chengalpattu districts.