A whiff of breeze tinged with the earthy odor of lake water and water hyacinth greets us at Kurichi lake. It’s nearly 6pm and the walkway by the lake, developed as a part of the Coimbatore Good Metropolis programme, powered by the Authorities of India’s Nationwide Good Cities Mission, is bustling with night walkers. For many of us within the metropolis, the lake, unfold throughout an space of 334.92 acres, was one thing to admire from afar whereas we rode previous it on Pollachi Important Highway. However because of the most recent upgrades similar to walkways and parks, it’s now a thriving recreation zone within the mornings and evenings.

An aged couple walks briskly previous a youthful pair that’s there to shoot pictures and reels. A grandmother pants as she tries to maintain up with a fleeing toddler. A pair cosies up on the steps, unbothered by the individuals round. A picnicking household opens a metal field to move round snacks. A senior citizen walk-runs in modern trainers, an eye fixed on his good watch. Two pals maintain fingers and easily stare on the water.

The lake, it appears, attracts a microcosm of town itself.

Co-sisters Sajiba H and Thasneem H from close by Thirumarai Nagar are right here to sit down nonetheless and do nothing after an extended day at dwelling. “We come right here on and off to catch some night breeze and chat until it’s time to go dwelling for the night prayer,” says Sajiba, including: “As soon as nightfall units in, the lights across the walkway are turned on, they’re lovely to take a look at.”

Close by, mom and daughter V Srilakshmi and V Vijayalakshmi from Pollachi have stopped by on their method again dwelling after a procuring journey to town. “We have been passing by and determined to sit down down by the water for a while,” says Srilakshmi, including: “The walkway has been completed up very nicely, it’s in contrast to something we’ve seen within the metropolis earlier than.”

Strolling with the lake a stone’s thrown away is an expertise, what with herons flitting into the water and egrets flying overhead in a loud gaggle. Right here, one may cease by at Café 1947 alongside the walkway for a fast snack: there may be espresso, tea, milkshakes, fries, sandwiches and even ice-cream, served on tables and chairs set by the water entrance. There’s a play space past that’s well-maintained, and point out should be made from the assorted installations themed on Tamil tradition: jallikattu, silambattam, Thanjavur dolls, amongst others.

“We like the truth that this facility is inside the metropolis, and but, makes us really feel near Nature,” says 20-year-old R Sowndarya, who’s there together with her buddy V Sandhya. The 2 of them have been perched on a ledge very near the water for some time now, removed from the group. “It’s good to hearken to the sound of the water and take a while off from our routine on occasion,” she provides.

Because the night wears on, extra individuals arrive, and from the seems of it, many are there for leisurely strolls reasonably than train. A pushcart is doing brisk enterprise promoting scorching vadais and bajjis and close by, a sundal vendor has parked his two-wheeler laden with many snacks containers.

As soon as the solar units and the sky darkens, the lights come on within the tall posts that dot the house, lending it much more interesting. The night breeze, the light gurgle of water, the tall vegetation alongside one facet, fascinating artwork installations, extensive steps to sit down on and relaxation one’s ft: in a metropolis that lacks well-planned parks and public recreation areas, Kurichi and its walkway are a breath of recent air.

The Kurichi Lake is open to the general public from 6am to 8pm. It’s advisable to not carry plastic to the premises.

Printed – August 29, 2025 01:54 pm IST