Lakes of Chennai - Kovalai lake

Lakes of Chennai - Kovalai Lake

"Lakes and Chennai?" you may wonder. Yes, Chennai has quite a few lakes. For the ones that believe in simple joys of life here is an easy escapade to some visual feast.

Accidental discovery

One of these days, I had to go to Chengalpattu, early in the morning (does 6am qualify for morning or night?) to welcome my junior cohort.
Battling a sleepy eyelid, I hopped into the local train to Chengalpattu. Train crossed Tambaram and a few more stations after that. Impatient and irritated I peered out of the window and saw the train getting onto a bridge over a waterbody, with curves (on the train track, I mean) making the trail look sexy. What followed was a wonderful spectacle!

Kovalai lake, Chengalpattu

Having been in Chennai for more than a decade now, I cursed myself for missing the beauty of Chengalpattu railway station on a rainy morning. As the train approached Chengalpattu, it halted for a signal. To my left was the Kolavai lake of Chengalpattu, with the sun just above the horizon.

Stealthily the train chugged into Chengalpattu railway station. But the sight didn't cease. Platform No. 8 of the station offered a wonderful view. In few minutes, after the sky cleared quite a few birds that looked like cranes were to be seen.

Location 

Serene and soothing the Kovalai lake, is 60km away from Chennai and the absolute location on the globe is 12.7 degrees north and 79.98 degrees east. The lake is certainly a place you must try if you enjoy nature.

Photgrapher's paradise

For the wannabe P.C.Shrirams and Hari Menons, here's something your camera lens will fall in love with. Maybe Chengalpattu railway station for sunrise is an option I could use to replace Bessy for sunrise, once in a while. To all my fellow Chennai makkal - shutter-bugs and quarter-bugs alike, watch out!

All things you need to know

Destination 

Chengalpattu Railway Station

Ideal time to visit  

Anytime of the year. Sunrise.

How to get there  

Take the less-frequent direct local train to Chengalpattu. Alternatively take a train to Tambaram, switch platforms and take another train to Chengalpattu.  If you have enough petrol in your auto(mobile), Chengalpattu is approximately 40km from Chennai Airport. Keep driving on NH45 and look for directions to Chengalpattu/Trichy (the lake is on the Chennai-Trichy highway) and you will find yourself in Chengalpattu.

Caution 

Carry sapaadu and go. I will be surprised if find places to eat at 6.30am, unless you're dreaming of this place.