Salem surprises
6th Oct 2026 Work took me to Salem. And Salem surprised me. I was astonished at the clear skies - hardly any crows or feral pigeons, in the areas I visited. There is no area in Chennai for which this would be true. The constant caw-caw and guttroo guttroo was conspicuously absent. Just across from where I stayed was a protected tank/lake - Pallapatti. I saw it on Google Maps and set out to explore it. A 10 Re entrance fee allowed me access to what did not look promising at all - paved paths, children's play area and stray dogs by the dozen. Several walkers moved in a brisk and purposeful fashion towards and around a fenced central part. No lake or water was seen at this point. The fenced area I set off around the perimeter of this fenced area, as Prinias called from the undergrowth and mynas from the taller trees around. Parakeets called and flew overhead. I had to watch my step as there were significant piles of dog poop and also sleeping dogs ...
