A Memorable Day Trip to Polur Village near Thiruvannamalai

Travelling is always exciting, but sometimes short trips turn out to be the most memorable. Recently, I went on a day trip to a village called Polur, located near Thiruvanamalai District in Tamil Nadu. Born and brought up in Chennai, a busy metropolitan city, exploring a village and getting a glimpse of village life was something new and exciting for me. This trip gave me a chance to experience a peaceful side of life — far away from the usual noise and rush of city living.

Early Start to the Trip

My journey began early in the morning. I woke up at 4:00 am, quickly got ready, packed a small bag with water bottles, snacks, and a camera to capture the beauty of the village. By 5:00 am, I hit the road. The cool morning breeze, empty roads, and the fresh air made the ride pleasant. The drive from Chennai to Polur took around three and a half hours.

The road trip itself was beautiful. As I left the busy city behind, the scenery started changing. I could see open lands, trees on both sides of the road, and small villages passing by. It felt like nature was welcoming me into its peaceful arms.

Arriving at Polur – First Impressions

I reached Polur by 8:30 am. The first thing I noticed was the calm and quiet surroundings. Unlike the horns, crowds, and traffic signals of Chennai, Polur was peaceful. The air was fresh, the sky was clear, and everywhere I looked, there was greenery.

Polur is close to the Javadhu Hills, which makes the weather slightly cooler compared to the plains. The beautiful green hills stood in the distance like silent guardians of the village. The view itself made me happy.

Exploring the Fields and Cultivation

One of the best parts of visiting a village is seeing farms and fields up close. Polur is rich in agriculture. I saw large rice fields swaying gently in the breeze. There were also ragi fields, corn fields, and sugarcane plantations. The lush green colours were so soothing to my eyes.

Apart from rice and ragi, I also noticed groundnut cultivation, something I had never seen in real life before. In cities, we only see packaged groundnuts, but here, I got to see how they are grown and harvested. It made me appreciate the hard work of farmers even more.

Water Bodies – Lakes and Ponds

Another thing that caught my attention was the big lake in the village. The water was clear, and many villagers were sitting near the lake either washing clothes, fishing, or simply chatting with friends. The lake was surrounded by trees, giving it a postcard-like view. There were also small ponds here and there, adding to the beauty of the village.

Seeing such clean and natural water bodies reminded me how much villages depend on nature for their daily needs — something we often forget in cities where water comes directly from taps.

Delicious Fresh Fish

One of the unexpected highlights of the trip was the fried fish I got to eat. The fish was freshly caught from the village lake. A local family had set up a small roadside stall where they fried the fresh fish with simple spices. The taste was incredible — fresh, spicy, and perfectly crispy. Eating fish straight from the source made a big difference in taste. It was far better than any seafood restaurant in the city.

Visiting Local Temples

Polur is also known for its temples. Being in Tamil Nadu, temples are part of every village’s identity. I visited a few small temples scattered around the village. Each temple had its own story and local importance. Some were very old, with beautiful carvings on the walls, while others were simple village shrines.

Polur is close to the famous Sivan Temple in Thiruvannamalai, so the entire region carries a spiritual vibe. People here are deeply religious and often gather at these temples for evening prayers. Sitting in these peaceful temples, surrounded by silence, gave me a moment to pause and reflect. It was very different from the crowded temples in cities.

Meeting Friendly Locals

One of the best parts of the trip was meeting the village locals. They were extremely friendly and welcoming. Even though I was a stranger, they greeted me warmly, offered me water, and some even invited me to their homes for tea. It reminded me how hospitality is a natural part of village life. People here lead simple lives, yet they are rich in kindness and generosity.

I spoke to a few farmers who explained their daily routine — waking up at dawn, working in fields till noon, resting for a while, and then working again till sunset. Their life may seem tough, but their contentment and connection with nature made me envy their simple happiness.

Time Slows Down in the Village

In the city, life moves fast. There’s always something to do, somewhere to be, and something to check on our phones. But in Polur, time slowed down. Nobody seemed to be in a rush. People took their time to talk, work, and even eat their meals. This slow pace of life felt refreshing.

I spent some time just walking through the village roads, enjoying the fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the sight of children playing under big trees. No smartphones, no gadgets — just pure play with sticks, stones, and simple games.

Evening Walk and Sunset

As the day slowly turned to evening, I took a walk towards the fields again. The sunset over the fields was magical. The sky turned into shades of orange and pink, and the green fields glowed under the soft evening light. It was the perfect end to a beautiful day.

Heading Back to Chennai

Around 8:00 pm, I started my drive back to Chennai. The village roads were dark but calm, and the cool breeze made the ride comfortable. By the time I reached home, it was 11:00 pm. Though I was tired, my heart was full of happy memories.

Reflections – What I Learned

This short day trip taught me so much. It showed me that simple joys are often the most meaningful. Seeing where our food comes from, watching people work hard in fields, and experiencing the kindness of strangers made me appreciate village life deeply.

In cities, we are always chasing something — money, career, gadgets. But in villages, people are happy with what they have, even if it is little. They live close to nature, depend on each other, and find joy in small moments. This trip made me realize how much we miss in our fast city life.

Final Thoughts

If you ever feel tired of city life, I strongly recommend taking a trip to a nearby village. You don’t need fancy resorts or luxury hotels to refresh your mind. Sometimes, a simple day in nature, surrounded by friendly villagers, is all you need to feel happy again.

Polur village gave me a beautiful memory I will cherish forever. I hope to visit again, maybe stay for a few days and learn even more about village life. Until then, these happy moments will stay close to my heart.