My Travelogue -
A solo trip to Pondicherry
June-07-2025
- (Saturday):
Reached
Pondicherry:
The Pondicherry express which I boarded from Yeshwantpur Bangalore, last night,
has reached its final destination station - Pondicherry by around 7:10AM.
Facing the
Bay of Bengal, and near to Chennai, Pondicherry is a prime heritage township
much sought after by travellers to enjoy the sea, the food, and night
life.
Pondicherry
was once a French colony during the colonial period and what the colonizers had
left are European architectural structures and mansions, a fine culture which
is a nice blend of Indian and Western and lot of Western food outlets and of
course the pristine beaches on the coast, and a spiritual destination.
Pondicherry represents an amalgamation of French colonial charm, spiritual
serenity, and coastal beauty, and
is often called the "French Riviera of the East."
Being a
union territory and tax no levied for drinks, for those who prefer to enjoy a
weekend to booze, then Pondicherry is undoubtedly a good choice.
To Sacred Heart Bascilica:
Well, after deboarding my train, I walked out of the small tiny Puducherry
railway station, and walked over to Sacred Heart Bascilica church nearby, on
the other side.
It's always very graceful to start the day with a prayer, and I walked into the
church which is in typical gothic style architecture.
The church looked splendid and with the flamboyant red and white colour, a
graceful appearance it threw.
I walked
into the premises, and then inside the church and then walked upto the altar.
I knelt down and spent few mins in silent prayer, and then left.
I captured the images diligently in my smartphone camera. As always whenever
I'm out to any new place, my passion for photography gets kindled
automatically.
My photographic stint continued as I walked out, and headed further to the
French colony, and White town.
On the way I had a brief conversation with a rickshaw driver to clarify the
distance to 'French colony' and 'White town' and it seemed walkable. Though I
had studied the places on GoogleMaps and had a good know-how of the places and
the distance, yet thought of cross checking.
Walking through the streets of Pondicherry:
I walked through the beautiful streets of Pondicherry, once a French settlement
in India. Roads are mostly straight and cut at right angles, and in
"French colony" and "White town", you would see lots of
coloured mansions and houses which used to be the dwelling place of Western
(French) settlers in India during the colonial period.
For a
person totally new to Pondicherry, the brightly coloured houses in ancient
French or Indo Western architecture, and the well-planned streets all gives you
a feeling of being in some Western country.
Due to the
French influence most of the street names are in French and French bakeries and
eateries could be seen at many places.
I walked through the streets, and it was quite a pleasant and rejuvenating
experience. Pondicherry comprises of a very small township and hence anyone
from Bangalore will feel relieved at the low traffic and slow-paced life, and
especially the peaceful roads in the town.
My planned breakfast spot:
I walked through the streets and finally reached "Coromandel Cafe"
where I had planned to have my breakfast. It was in French colony itself. This
was recommended by a friend last evening when I called and told I was enroute
to Pondicherry.
However it was just close to 8:00AM when I reached there, and the cafe would
only open by 8:45AM.
To the Promenade:
So I proceeded to the beach. It was the rocky beach that was near that
location, and I went over there.
Being on
this part of the Indian peninsula, I mean the Eastern side of the country, you
face the Bay of Bengal sea whereas the other side of the peninsula
(Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra etc) is the Arabian sea facing coast. So being the
Eastern side you can only witness the sunrise here over the sea, whereas in the
Western coast, in Kerala and entire Konkan coast only sunset happens in the
sea. In India only in Kanyakumari can one see both sunrise and sunset in the
sea.
By 8:00AM
the sun had already risen and was up in the cloudy sky. Being a bit cloudy, it
wasn't too hot even by then, though I felt sweaty.
I spent good time at the sea shore, I clicked lot of pics and also made videos
even the ones with my narrations too.
The rocky beach:
I sat down on a rock facing the sea to kill the time, and enjoyed observing the
pristine natural beauty of the ocean and watching the sea waves gently lashing
against the shore.
The sea was calm and very clear, and the horizon was distinctly visible, also
at a distance near to the horizon on the water there was a silvery patch where
the morning sunrays reflected on the greyish waters.
Through the cloudy sky where the sun stood there was bright dazzling light
cracking open the clouds, and like a spotlight in an opera, it shone on the
waters shimmering the surface to a silvery appearance.
I enjoyed the morning there and spent a whale of a time at the beach, sitting
there and enjoying watching the sea waves, and intermittently capturing the
visuals in my phone and so on.
Back for breakfast, feeling dead hungry after the long journey:
Then by 8:30AM, I started walking back to the cafe (Coromandel Cafe) for my
breakfast.
The cafe was still not open though I reached by 8:40AM and had to wait for yet
another 5mins outside.
When I stepped inside the cafe premises, it looked grand and palatial. It was
remodelled from some old mansion or a small palace it seems, and the interior
of the cafe had that palatial grandeur.
I felt as if I was inside Mysore palace or something, with wooden stylish
chairs and round wooden tables, chandeliers hanging down, and lamps at the
corners. It looked grand and with typical Western touch.
For a moment it reminded me of "Bangalore Club" where once I had the
good fortune to go over for a dinner party hosted there.
Outside were also chairs and tables available for dining, and with good garden
and shady trees around.
I had my breakfast of some Western breakfast dish (forgot the name) which
comprised of a round bread base with cream and a layer of spinach, over which
was placed a half-poached egg (almost molten inside, when I sliced it with fork
the yolk oozed out) and over which pink coloured milky sauce was poured. There
were two pieces of that dish served.
Tea was
also served the typical European way, with a tiny white jug of milk placed, a
small steel jug of hot water in which a tea bag was immersed, and a jar with
sugar packets. We need to mix all as per the desired proportion and have the
tea.
Well, when
we go to such top-notch restaurants we need to do the mixing as if prepare the
whole tea ourselves yet an exorbitant price charged in the bill even with
half of the labour done by the customer.
After a light but expensive breakfast, and yet not so filling but just a
breakfast which you can consider only to break the fast, I walked out.
It was around 9:45AM I suppose, almost an hour I had spent in Coromandel cafe.
I took
nice clicks while in the portico of the cafe, then stepped out.
From French colony to White Town and inbetween via the Promenade:
I walked ahead through French colony and then reached an area with a park to
one side, and from there I took a right turn, went past Jawaharlal Nehru statue
and to the beach side. There was the iconic Mahatma Gandhi's statue standing in
full splendour.
I walked till there and beyond the statue was the beach.
The statue stood on an elevated platform and within a monumental structure.
Surroundings this monument, stood plenty of long pillars.
French colony --> White Town:
Right after the Coromandel Cafe there is a park and way beyond the park the
White Town begins and the next set of houses from there are still different.
The park bifurcates both the sections of Pondicherry township - the French
colony and White town.
You can feel the difference in both sections, both French colony and White
Town.
(Aurobindo Ashram is in center of White Town.)
I continued my walk. I took lot of clicks. I was headed to my homestay
(AirBnB).
My AirBnB was in St.Francis street which was still quite a long way off.
I walked through the promenade with the beach and the vast sea to my right and
the road actually only meant for pedestrians, stretched straight ahead. The
pavement was too much wide and was aligned with plenty of trees here and there.
So, the road and the pavement were ideal and meant only for walking.
As it turned too sunny and hot and difficult to walk, I took a deviation to a
street in White town, and proceeded further.
The houses around all looked very cute with their ancient Western architecture,
and many in grey and bright yellow colours.
I took lot of clicks and intermittently took self-narrative videos also.
As per my telecon with the guys at the AirBnB, I was told that my room might
get ready by 11:00AM / 11:30AM.
After much walking it was almost the end of White Town, and then the road ahead
began to look like a fishing hamlet.
To my room (AirBnB):
I went ahead walking through the alleys as directed by Google map. Finally, I
proceeded further through a tiny alley and reached my AirBnB. It was a multi
storeyed building very near to the sea, just two buildings away from the beach.
Well as
observed earlier, there is a park in the centre of Pondicherry township which
bifurcated French colony and White town. The area from railway station till
that park was "French colony" and beyond the park was "White
town".
I met the hosts of AirBnB with whom I was having telephonic correspondence.
They were at the entrance, and ushered me through a tiny lane to their multi
storeyed building. I reached there by around 10:25AM.
The earlier guests had just vacated, and they had to do the cleaning. So in the
first floor there was a bench and desk and I sat there relaxing. It is
really good to sit and relax there, with the warm sea breeze bristling your
face ...
Phew, finally inside my room:
My room was ready by 11:00AM, it was on the 2nd floor, and being a homestay
kind of accommodation, it looked more like a house rather than a hotel.
So I went up to third floor, there were two rooms - one a two bedroom type, and
mine a single bedroom with bathroom.
The area of the entrance was like a lounge or verandah where there was a swing,
and a bench also at a corner. There was also a high table near the entrance to
my room.
Once inside my room, I had my bath, felt totally refreshed and then took rest
almost till 12:30 PM.
This plan seemed to be quite apt since in the morning right after getting off
the train I could roam around the township, and when wearied could check into
the room and refresh myself and then plan for the rest of the day.
My room:
My room was very cosy and comfortable. It had a double cot bed, a diwan at a
corner, a small refrigerator, corner table, and a table on which water
kettle, tea bags, and lot of tea cups were placed, and a wardrobe.
It was a homestay with everything beautifully arranged and the room very
elegant.
Inside the wardrobe was a small ironing table and an iron box, and also a hair
dryer. There was a flat screen TV mounted on the wall near the kettle table.
At a corner there was a sealed cupboard with plenty of antiques placed which
was beautiful to see, in addition to two racks fitted on the wall filled
with decoratives and many fancy items.
The sea so near:
My room was very near to the sea. Right outside the room was a verandah with a
swing where you could sit and gently swing. At a corner, a bench was there and
just outside the door a long table was there. At the far left of the table, a
water dispenser was there with drinking water.
From this landing space if you look ahead just beyond a building or two, it was
the sea with greenish grey water.
You could hear the roar and the splashing sound of the sea waves quite
distinctly. And the sea being so near, when you look up, you could see the vast
expanse of greenish grey waters till the horizon. It was so refreshing to watch
the sea.
My adjoining room seemed to be a 2 bedroom type, unlike mine. And there were
only two rooms in each floor.
Scooter rental:
I had checked with the guys at AirBnB and got a scooter arranged for rental.
This is viable, and economical option as rickshaws and cabs aren't that much
readily available as in bigger cities and also very expensive, and with a
scooter one can roam around wherever you like at one's own discretion.
I set out by 12:30PM, it was scorching outside and the climate in Pondicherry
reminded me of my hometown Trivandrum with striking resemblance.
The AirBnB folks handed me the key of a white Vespa scooter which I took on
rental. I thanked them and left.
Lunch, a Kerala special meal:
I drove out of the lane, and out of that area, to the main road and headed to a
Kerala restaurant nearby ("Ente Nadu") which I had seen in
GoogleMaps.
It was a nice Kerala styled restaurant, in an old traditional type house, not
so posh but only mediocre.
I had a nice heavy lunch of Kerala meals served on banana leaf (typical naadan
style) with a fried fish and chicken roast.
The breakfast wasn't sumptuous as I wasn't aware of the European dishes from
the menu and what I ordered I expected to be sufficient to satisfy my belly,
but it wasn't so. So, I was expecting a heavy lunch, and was really glad with
the heavy Kerala food I could have.
To White Town, after lunch:
After that I set out again on the scooter. It was so thrilling and enchanting
even to just drive through the roads of Pondicherry on scooter. This experience
I would never had got if I had opted any local transport.
And I always love the bike rides. Unlike being in a car, you feel more
connected to the surroundings when on a bike.
I headed to "White Town" which was quite nearby and towards Aurobindo
Ashramam. When I reached there it was only 1:15PM and I got to know that during
lunch time the ashramam is closed, and would reopen only by 2:00PM.
I roamed around on foot, and also on scooter, took lot of clicks, went to fill
in petrol, then again continued roaming around.
Walked past a famous temple there, and also on scooter went checking for the
museum but from the locals got to know that being a govt holiday that day, the
museum is shut.
Probably tomorrow I shall go over to check if it would be open even being a
Sunday.
To Aurobindo Ashramam:
I was back to the ashramam and saw people walking inside.
We need to leave our footwear outside in a small building on the opposite side
of the road and cut the road by walking over a carpeted area across the road
and enter the mansion.
Photography was not permitted and hence our smartphones had to be turned off.
I walked in, and we could go over to see the grave of Sri Aurobindo and then
inside there was a library and a tiny museum hosting the photographs of both
Aurobindo and his female partner Marissa.
There wasn't anything much interesting inside there.
I sat at a corner of the building inside the premises. Inside the ashramam were
few small buildings. I left there after spending some time there. There were
many seated around some engrossed in deep meditation while others just
relaxing. Undoubtedly the place enriches us with good peace of mind and
spirituality.
I thought
of exploring Pondy further but had no places planned to go and it was just
around 2:30PM, the scorching sun was bright in the sky, the weather too hot and
sultry. So, I decided to return to my room.
Back to my AirBnB:
I drove back on my scooter back to the room. It was close to 3:00PM when I was
back, and I took rest in the room till around 4:30PM.
At 4:30PM, I set out on scooter to Eden beach, which was around 10kms away and
outside of Pondicherry township.
To Eden beach:
So as directed by GoogleMap, I went ahead passing through White town and French
colony, and towards the end of Pondicherry township. You can cover entire
Pondicherry township in just a matter of 10mins on scooter. It is a very small
township.
After quite a long drive on the highway and passing through a bridge over a
lake or river beneath and mangroves in the water and on either shores, and then
through remote country roads, with barren land on either sides (quite
picturesque) I finally reached Eden beach.
I parked my scooter in a small parking lot, paid for the parking and proceeded
walking to the beach.
There was a huge lake or river merging with the sea, and you could see the lake
on one side (towards the left of an elevated pathway) and then on the right
also the water body continues and spreads like a lagoon with lot of mangroves
around.
The mangroves, and water plants in the water body, and the beach way ahead with
the waves lashing, all looked very serene and picturesque.
Well actually the pictures clicked would talk more than my words, as I'm short
of words to describe the details.
I walked ahead and there appeared a structure like long vertical thin pillars
in semi-circular fashion with a semi ring on the top like a horizontal arch on
top.
There was a wooden sign board which stated "Welcome to Eden beach",
painted on it.
I walked ahead and finally to the beach which was quite crowded.
But unlike the other beaches, this beach is well maintained and very clean,
with coast guards always around vigilant, with adequate wash rooms and shower
area etc.
There were toilets and shower area to one side, and coast guards were there in
the beach always being vigilant and being around available to jump into action
if needed.
It was by 5:15PM when I reached there, and I spent close to 45mins, and when it
was close to 6:00PM, the coast guard came and asked us to move out.
I spent nice time at Eden beach, and was almost at knee depth in sea water,
when the waves lashed against the shore.
The beach was also very clean, and well maintained, with nice clean sand all
around.
Starfish:
I saw a man holding a star fish and asked if I could hold it and I took it in
my hand, clicked pics and made a short video too.
For
the first time in my life, I was seeing a starfish, and also holding it in my
hand. It was alive, but hardly could I notice if it was alive or not. I did
share the pics and videos to near ones.
Paragliding up in the sky:
I heard the roaring sound of motor up in the sky and the sound was coming from
a distance as I stood in the beach having a nice time. I looked up and saw in a
distance up in the vastness of the bright blue evening sky, a small vehicle, a two-seater
I suppose, with parachute type canopy, gliding through the sky. It took a full
U-turn and again continued flying elegantly through the sky, with a loud
cracking sound of the vehicle's motor, similar to old gliders we used to see in
the sky during our childhood.
A nice time in the beach:
I took lot of pics and videos of the sea waves lashing and the surging waters
touching my feet and so on.
Well after 5:55PM I moved out, put on my shoes and walked through the sandy
beach.
From a man
selling coconuts, I had a tender coconut water and had it's jelly like fruit,
and then proceeded back to where my scooter was parked.
Before
nightfall I need to be back as I was not so familiar with the roads, and also
driving through the main highway on scooter was risky especially once dark.
Leaving Eden beach:
I walked back to the parking area, took my scooter out, and left there. It was
around 6:10PM if I remember correctly when I set out. Again, back through the
country roads, passed by a playground where children were playing and also
several barren plots with lot of trees and shrubs were there, and in the
country side there were some typical plants that grow on the wayside and some
typical flowers.
Long drive back:
As I entered the main road from the Eden beach deviation road, it was the
Cuddalore highway. It was getting dark and I drove head steadily with my head
lights on in high beam. Traffic was mediocre, and not too congested as it
is in Bangalore.
It was quite a long drive of half an hour, and finally reached Pondicherry and
I entered French colony and then headed towards White Town.
Back to White Town:
I was back in White Town, and it seemed to me that after nightfall only the
real Pondi life and Pondi vibes begin.
At several corners on White town streets (the streets cut each other in right
angles), there were plenty of pubs and resto bars and eateries, with flashy and
colourful lights, and places decorated well, mostly all of them looked very
posh.
To Promenade beach, after nightfall:
I drove through the lanes of White Town and finally reached the beach Promenade
by 5:45PM. There was twilight of the dusk but almost was close to nightfall in
Pondicherry.
As vehicles were not permitted in the beach promenade, I parked my scooter in a
lane intersecting the promenade and the entry was closed by barricades.
I walked to the Promenade beach.
In the morning this area looked deserted with hardly few around when I reached
here by 8:00AM, but now the vibe was totally different.
The whole areas was bustling with life with plenty of people around and also
the shops and buildings around, all well-lit, and busy with their business.
People were everywhere, on the road, on the pavement, and on the rocks in
beach.
I went over to the edge facing the rocky beach which was like a small cliff and
spent lot of time gazing at the sea in the dark, and watched the mighty sea
waves. The froth of the waves which was white in colour was visible all along
the coastline while the water was dark grey as the sun had already set and all
around was dark. When I turned back I could see the buildings, all well-lit and
some with flashy lights and all.
Long walk in Promenade beach:
After enjoying the sea breeze, and watching the sea waves, I proceeded walking
through the Promenade.
There were some hotels on the left side, some French confectionery shops (of
which one was "Baker Street" {Sherlock Holmes themed} which looked
like a bakery from Europe with lots of varieties and sandwiches and cakes and
pastries). Also, I went past the Municipality of Pondicherry building which
houses Hotel Ville in the ground floor, then the area where you have the Gandhi
statue towards seaward side, and to the opposite a large area which has a
Jawaharlal Nehru statue.
There was a French war memorial statue also on the way in the beach promenade,
and later an old light house. And many hotels and buildings facing the sea,
including one hotel itself named "The Promenade".
The roads are lined with small trees as you see in videos of beaches in Spain
or Mexico or USA (Florida).
The pavement is also very wide enough to walk freely.
I roamed across the place, enjoying the nice sea breeze, the vibe, and the
night life, and with plenty of unknown faces all around yet some way I felt
myself connected with that world because of all those folks.
Always a solo trip makes one feel very lonely but hardly did I feel any
loneliness there.
I walked till the end of the promenade and then the whole way back, walking
slowly and enjoying the beautiful sights and at times going over to gaze at the
might ocean.
The moon through a telescope:
On the way back, near a restaurant (which was sea facing), on the pavement I
saw some folks standing with a telescope beside them mounted and focussed at
the sky. It was not cylindrical, slender and long like typical telescopes, but
instead looked very bulky. We could catch a glimpse of the moon through the
telescopic eyes, and I was very much interested to peep and have a look.
I paid the money he demanded (₹50/-) for a glimpse
and I stared through the lens into the cosmic ocean and the moon shone in full
vigour. The craters on the moon and the lunar surface looked exactly as it is
seen in several photos. Yet a real glance was worth the sight. I had him take a
picture of this in my smartphone as well.
Later I continued walking and by close to 7:45PM, after spending an hour there,
I left.
I went ahead searching for a restaurant to have a memorable dinner. At first I
went to one named "Rendezvous", it was on the top floor of a building
in White Town and the vibe and the ambience I didn't find that much appealing.
It appeared to be of a very heritage type with not much life. I was looking for
a more modern and stylish place, hence I came down and went over to another
restaurant nearby viz: "Grand Hotel D'Europe".
Dinner @ Grand Hotel D'Europe:
It was a grand place, top notch, with palatial interiors. Everything with the
touch of wood, and a separate bar area where people could sit at the desk
facing the bartender.
It had the appearance of a palatial five-star hotel. Even Coromandel cafe from
where I had my breakfast too looked palatial.
I sat at a corner, on the tall chair, in the bar area as everywhere it was full
occupancy in all the rooms. I was facing the wall with a long mirror placed.
I ordered fish and fry (fried fish in batter, and French fries) a great
delicacy found in coastal towns in England. Also, I had a dish malai brocolli
starters, and with a small bottle of Heineken beer.
After my lovely dinner I got back to my room close to 9:30PM.
I drove back through the streets of White Town back to my room, and by then I
was quite familiar with the roads of Pondicherry and required no navigational
support from GoogleMaps.
I was in a hurry to get back, for having the routine personal phone call.
Afterwards,
had a light bath and I retired for the day.
Pondicherry in my own words:
Well, I was already aware of Pondicherry being a French colony in the past, and
the architecture of buildings being unique to the French culture and the rich
colonial past, liquor being duty free here, Pondicherry being a union
territory, and so on...
I had been to Pondicherry from my college as part of a college tour, almost 20
years ago however I hardly have any memories or recollections from those
days...
Hence this
trip looked so fresh and the place so new to me.
Despite being a solo trip, I still enjoyed the best way possible by the grace
of GOD.
Pondicherry still retains that vibe of French influence, and when you are here
unlike being in any part of the country, you tend to feel you are in some
foreign (European) country.
There are lots of bakeries, and pubs and restaurants serving typical European
dishes. Though the same kind can be found even in Bangalore, here the variety
is vast and pure European dishes and cuisines can be obtained.
Every nook and corner in White Town you can see people posing for pics against
the backdrop of the line of houses there, house in typical French architecture
which is unique only to Pondicherry.
In my opinion White Town looks more picturesque and beautiful than French
colony.
Also one thing I noticed here is that time moves quite slowly here... I felt so
might be because I have come from Bangalore where it is always a very fast life
there...
Even while spending ample time in the beach or the promenade or roaming through
the streets when you look at the watch it seems time is dragging here... Small
township, everything so close by, no traffic snarls etc.. might be the reason
which makes you feel so !
For travel enthusiasts and explorers this might not be an ideal place as there
aren't anything much to explore apart from mainly the Pondy townships, plenty
of beaches, and Auroville near Pondicherry. A museum is there which is too
small, and Aurobindo ashramam which is a great attraction which is good for
meditation
Liquors are duty free and hence cheaper and lot of pubs and European styled
restaurants are there. So great fooding and boozing are possible.
You can only spend a day or two here and not anything beyond unless you prefer
slow living or a retirement kind of life. From busy cities and fast-moving
life, it's good for people from such metro cities to come over to spent a day
or two here...
Jun-08-2025 - (Sunday): Second & final day of my Pondicherry trip:
While going to bed last night, I had planned to wake up early by 5:00AM, to go
to the rocky beach promenade, to watch the sunrise by atleast 5:30AM. Also was
planning to go over to Auroville and again roam around in Pondicherry...
Early start:
I set out from my room after 5:15AM, on my rental scooter, headed to
"White Town", to the beach side.
To Promenade beach to witness the sunrise:
In less than 10mins time, I reached the rocky beach front near to the hotel
"The Promenade". It was just 5:25AM then.
It
wasn't pitch dark then, the sky was lit by twilight and it was the early dawn.
The streets were lit by street lamps here and there and it wasn't fully day
break.
After
parking my bike next to the hotel, I walked to the rocky beach promenade, and
further towards the waters.
Into the waters, in the Rocky beach:
From the cloudy sky it was evident that the rising sun to be seen is something
not to be longed for.
Yet I
wasn't having any great expectations, and not at all dejected.
I climbed down the rocks to the water, and stood in wet sandy shore, and the
waves were splashing and the surging water advancing till where I stood,
maximum upto my knee.
I loved
standing there and watching the sea, the calm clear sea, with the waves formed
only towards the shore and the mighty waves lashing against the shore, and sea
ahead very placid and calm.
The oncoming wave engulfs my feet and the splashing water used to strike almost
till my knees or up to my thighs, and my lower body almost got drenched by the
splash of the water.
Being the rocky beach, the rocks were all around, and when the water strikes
the rocks, it splashes all around, even at greater heights than in a sandy
beach.
I stood there, and after a while it seemed sunrise had infact happened but
couldn't be seen due to the clouds.
Well as this is the bay of Bengal, and being the Eastern side of the country,
we can witness the sunrise in the sea whereas on the other coast to the Western
side (Kerala, Goa upto Mumbai), only sunset can be witnessed.
Only in Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) in India can one witness both the sunrise
and sunset in the ocean.
After a while when it was close to 6:00AM, I spotted the sun up in the sky much
above the horizon. Though the rising sun from the sea couldn't be witnessed due
to the clouds, yet the risen sun was now visible out of clouds,
appeared bright orange in colour, and looked so majestic. It was splendid
to witness it live unlike any photographs we see.
After spending good time I walked up, climbed up the rocks and was back on the
pavement.
I continued standing there gazing at the beautiful sea, and taking clicks and
clips.
After a while amidst the clouds, up in the sky was the sun, hidden behind the
clouds, illuminating the clouds with its glory, and with a dazzling golden
yellow rim on the edge of the cloud lining... !
There was a cruise boat in the waters, I think taking tourists around, and it
was nice seeing it being tossed by waves and bouncing over the waters as it was
steered over the water surface. Also, some vessels in the sea, at a distance
towards the horizon could also be seen.
Light refreshments:
I walked over to an eatery viz: "Oceans7" facing the promenade, and
from there I had a cup of coffee by around 6:45AM.
I was planning to have breakfast from the beach front eatery "Baker
Street". The hoarding of the shop was Sherlock Holmes themed, and it has
lot of exquisite pastries and cakes and bakes which I hadn't seen even in shops
like Glen's bakehouse in Bangalore where usually the best European food items
are obtained.
Last night during my stroll through this area, I had enquired at the shop and
they told that it would be open from 7:00AM. But it didn't seem to be so.
After the cup of coffee, I continued walking on the pavement in the beach
front, and on the road.
Then I walked to a restaurant on the seaward side (on it's signboard it was
indicated that it functions 24hrs).
I ordered South Indian breakfast platter which comprised of two tiny idlies,
two tiny vadas, and a tiny oothappam, also a sweet - all in its miniature
version, like bonsai version of a tree. It was just after 7:00AM then.
I sat at a table which was placed on an area facing the sea, and had my short
breakfast, then walked back to the lane beside the hotel "The
Promenade" where my scooter was parked and I left there.
So, I could spend around 1.75hrs at the beach in the morning, and it was quite
refreshing and soul quenching.
Return from beach:
I drove via the beautiful streets of White Town and headed to a petrol pump
where I had gone last day. Filled in petrol and returned to my room.
As I was planning a long drive to Auroville, to be on the safer side I fuelled
again. Also, the petrol indicator on the scooter's dashboard wasn't working
hence I didn't have quite a clear idea on the fuel level.
Back to my AirBnB:
It was just after 7:30AM, when I was back in my room. I spent time in my room,
had a warm tea made using the kettle and tea bags provided.
Then had my bath and got ready.
To Auroville on scooter:
By around 8:35AM, I started from my AirBnB on scooter, headed to Auroville.
As guided by GoogleMaps I drove the scooter. Being a small township and with no
big traffic snarls, it was so lovely to drive through the serene roads.
I intersected the highway after a short drive and drove a long way through the
highway until at a junction I saw the hoarding indocating directions to a
bylane from the highway to be taken for going to Auroville. I deviated to the
right there.
It was again a nice drive through the country roads, typical red TamilNadu
soil, lot of shrubs and plants around. Lot of greenery and the typical calm and
cool country side road.
At
Auroville:
By 9:15AM I reached Auroville, parked my scooter, got the parking tickets, and
proceeded walking.
Roaming around in Auroville:
I walked around in Auroville, and even from the entrance it gives you a feel of
clamness and it was so peaceful and soul quenching to be there.
Actually, Auroville is a separate community of people who live and work there.
They don't come under any goverment body, and no leader or ruler is there, but
the people and their collective interests drive the life ahead. There are
schools, hospitals, shops, restaurants etc within Auroville.
There is a meditation center called "Matrimandir" which is the iconic
part of Auroville. It is a meditation center, also called as the golden globe
which looks so as the name suggests.
It is
constructed based on the structure of our solar system and at certain specific
time during the day sunlight falls on the epicenter of the globe and it
lightens up the entire space.
Due to
some maintenance, people were not permitted inside the globe, but could only
see it from a distance.
https://youtube.com/shorts/PB5k-Y8ja7M?si=VlNBw2sl0pfSSnyZ
A peek into the history of Auroville:
Auroville is renowned as an internationally recognized experiment in human
unity and spiritual transformation, focusing on sustainable living and the
future needs of mankind. It is also celebrated for its unique architecture,
including the iconic Matrimandir, and its dedication to fostering a
multicultural community.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auroville
To the Matrimandir (the Golden globe):
Well once inside the premises in Auroville, initially I walked ahead to an
Information Center, which was like a museum with hoardings with writings on the
history of Auroville, the purpose, and quotes from Bhagavad Gita etc.
Also some miniature models of Matrimandir (the golden globe) was also there.
From there after collecting my ticket, I walked ahead. We had to walk for
almost 1.5kms from there, to reach the Golden Globe.
It was like walking through country roads with lot of shrubs and trees around
and inbetween I went past some buildings of which some prominent ones I recall
includes a huge auditorium, a small museum of animal models etc. There were lot
of small shops and vendors also on the way.
I also paused for several clicks.
Finally, at the Golden Globe or Matrimandir:
Finally, after a long walk I reached an elevated area from where you could see
the Matrimandir at a distance. It was 10:00AM then.
As we were not permitted to go till there, I stood there gazing at the
Matrimandir, and the splendour and magnificence of its construction. Lot of clicks
and clips and selfies, I took.
Then a long walk back all the way...
On my way back, I took a click of myself seated within a huge rock which had a
hollow circular cavity at the center appearing like a doughnut. The rock was
somewhat triangular shaped though curved at the edges, and the center was like
that of doughnut.
Then stopped at an area where some people were there selling fruits and
lemonade. From a man I bought some "nungu" - a jelly like watery
fruit of a type of palm tree, and also from a lady seller I had a cup of
lemonade.
The nungu and lemonade are ideal to cool down your body in this hot climate,
and it was the apt refreshment I needed.
https://youtube.com/shorts/_wIPr1C6R80?si=noWkqR9QXMJYOxH7
Leaving Auroville and the ride back to Pondicherry:
It was 10:50AM when I was back at the parking lot of Auroville, to return.
There wasn't anything else to see much unless you are a part of the community
by living here. No other activities here to do.
Though a security person to whom I spoke told of a musical instruments museum
here I wasn't so interested. So, I decided to return.
Thus, I spent close to 1.75 hours in Auroville.
Back in White Town:
Again, a long but calm ride through the highway, and city roads. I think I lost
my way somewhere, as I had to drive a longer distance to reach Pondicherry, to
be back in White Town.
To Pondicherry museum:
Once back in White Town, I straightaway headed to Puducherry museum, and was
there by 11:25AM.
I went there yesterday but was closed down, and hence wanted to visit today.
I went inside, and photography was not permitted, hence couldn't take any
clicks.
The museum is very small, a two storeyed building.
Outside the museum building were lot of stone sculptures aligned and also some
tree trunk fossils (rigid rock formation over decayed tree trunks).
Inside at
the entry there was a man at a desk from whom we need to buy the ticket, and
once inside the museum, there were various rooms and enclosures with images and
writings depicting the ancient history of Pondicherry, and other artefacts kept
on display like ancient swords and daggers, spear and pistols and rifles.
Also, old pottery, big urns, old coins, currency bills from various countries,
also an enclosure with statues and sculptures, were also there.
Then in another enclosure was an old Gutenberg model printing press, and then
we had to climb up the stairs.
Upstairs there was the French collection - lot of statues of various historic
French personalities including Marianne. Also, piano, clock, vessels and
chairs, sofa etc. A special type of sofa was there where people can sit facing
each other (with an "8" shaped curved backrest in the middle).
Also, there were many huge Belgium mirrors placed.
In the adjoining enclosure was displayed different types of rocks and minerals.
Finally, through a small passage we could walk to the final section where
historic transportation modes were on display like: a palanquin (pallakku),
hand driven wagon, bullock cart, and an old vintage car.
It only took me around 15-20mins to explore the museum. It was very small yet
cute and beautiful.
I came out of the museum, and sat down outside near the sculptures, by 11:45AM.
Final scooter ride through the streets of Pondicherry:
After spending around 10mins outside the museum, I again resumed.
In another 1/2 an hour's time I would need to return my rented out scooter, as
it would be 24 hours by then.
So, I wanted to roam around the Pondy streets for the last time to my heart's
content.
Roaming around in French Colony and White Town on scooter:
I drove ahead via Bussy street to the French colony, and then to White Town and
continued driving through the several alleys and lanes back and forth. By now I
am quite well aware of the layout of the Pondicherry township - need no map to
navigate.
I continued driving all around, to the beach front side, and then back to
French Colony and then to White Town.
I drove to my heart's content, and finally returned to my AirBnB.
Back to my AirBnB, done with the sightseeing:
I was back at my homestay by around 12:45PM or 12:50PM.
So finally, my Pondicherry exploration and sightseeing has come to an end. This
is literally the end of my picnic and I shall be relaxing in the afternoon, and
shall pack-up to return by evening.
I returned my scooter. Then I went up to my room.
To the Kerala restaurant for lunch:
I freshened up, and as I was feeling very hungry, I stepped out on foot
and went to the Kerala restaurant ("Ente Nadu") for lunch. I walked
back to my room after that.
A relaxing afternoon, in room:
I was indoors, the rest of afternoon, as I had no further plans of exploring
and I was done.
I did arranging my stuff, and packed my bags and relaxed by lying on the bed
for a while.
Relaxing time outside my room:
I also sat outside my room on the swing, till evening.
It was so calm and nice to sit gently on the swing and the sea could be seen
just ahead of where I sat.
The sound of the sea waves splashing could be heard with the breeze.
This is for the very first time in my life I was staying somewhere so much
close to the sea.
Earlier few years back during a Kochi trip, we had stayed in a resort near to
the sea. Yet the sea was still many meters away from where we stayed but here
it is still closer.
It was so much relaxing to sit there, and this was something worth enjoying as
part of this my stay in this AirBnB.
Checkout from my room:
Later I went into my room, packed my bag, had a bath. Had my prayer, a special
prayer to my Lord for being an invisible companion during my solo trip and for
the happy time I could enjoy though being alone...
I had decided to leave only by 6:45PM or so, but the sky turned very cloudy
with dark grey clouds looming, and it appeared that it could rain anytime.
To avoid
being caught in the rain, I scrambled out quickly and left by 6:25PM.
As I was leaving I went down to the floor where the owner guy lived and spoke
to him. Thanked him, and he too wished me the best.
Final walk to White Town:
I walked out and by then the sky at one side was so much dark grey in colour
that I was afraid it might pour down any time.
I walked briskly through the streets of White Town, stopping in between for
some picturesque clicks of the beautiful houses and streets against the deep
grey backdrop of the sky.
I finally went to an eatery "Bread & Chocolate" for an early
dinner. It was on the upper floor of a cute building and on the ground floor
was run another Indian restaurant named "Dilwalle-6".
A small dinner from the eatery "Bread & Chocolate":
I went up to "Bread & Chocolate" and had a small dinner of Mediterranean
hard pressed grilled chicken sandwich, and choco bon-bon cake.
It started drizzling while I was in the eatery and I spent good time there.
Had it not rained I would have walked around through the alleys of Pondy much
more before leaving here.
A rainy adieu to Pondicherry:
Then when I was done, I left there by close to 7:45PM and caught a rickshaw.
The rickshaw ride to the railway station took only around 6 or 7mins, and very
soon I was at the place where I got down yesterday.
It was just close to 8:00PM, and my train to Bangalore - Chalukya express would
only depart at 9:30PM.
I waited in the station, went over to my platform, later when the compartment
doors were opened, got in and settled down.
Quite soon
I was on my journey back to Bangalore.
How was the Pondicherry trip for me ?
A personal
note -
Well from my routine bound monotonous
life this is an escapade... and that too an escape once again after the third
week of my trip to the Chikmagalur with friends. So good to come to the sea side,
after visiting the mountains few weeks ago.
Pondy trip was very rejuvenating for me. It was really refreshing, and a solo
trip made me explore the little places I explored in the best way possible, by
the grace of the Almighty GOD.
I was a bit doubtful that being a solo trip if I'd find it very boring. But the
little township of Pondicherry, the beautiful alleys and picturesque locations
and all really was very refreshing and rejuvenating for me. And it made me feel
at home as if I was a part of this township for very long.
Especially
a thing I felt in Pondicherry was that time drags here. Time ticks so slowly in
this small town when compared to my Bangalorean metro life.
Well inspite of being a solo trip I have my own way of exploring, and managing
circumstances. I have good geographical sense and can quite easily understand
the layout of a place, and the roadways and alleys. Also, I have very good
adaptability, can imbibe a lot, and quite good with language skills. Hence
could manage and enjoy the trip to the fullest, and the best way possible.
Penned down by,
Suveen Jacob Abraham.
.
