We visited Pondicherry in January earlier this year. We flew from Delhi to Chennai and then took a self-drive to Pondicherry. The 3 hour drive was full of beautiful views and a lot of on-going construction. I guess, story of every place these days.
We had breakfast in Chennai at A2B which was suggested by a local, and we loved it. The south Indian food lover in me was a happy child post that meal.
Said no one ever, but the harsh sun welcomed us with a surprise since we were coming over from Dilli ki Sardi. Pondi was hot and extremely humid. We were excited for our time at the beach. We checked in at the conveniently located Hotel Grand D’ Europe and took some richly deserved rest, courtesy odd hour flights one take for saving some extra cash. Ha Ha!
In the evening, we took a stroll around Promenade beach. The cool and intense winds made it so reassuring. We found ourselves a nice spot on a big rock and sat there for hours to watch the sun set. In that moment, “Mai thehra raha zameen chalne lagi”. You know if you know. 😛
We grabbed some Pain au Chocolat from Baker Street. I drool every time I think of that warm thing melt in my mouth. I had it for all 3 days I was there. Glad they have opened a branch near promenade overlooking the sea. Our 3-year-old enjoyed her macarons. While walking around we also came across this place called GMT, it had some really good ice creams.
Out of all, we enjoyed Eden beach the most.
Coming to the more exciting part, we decided to visit Auroville. I had done some basic research about the place and had a few things I wanted to explore. Everyone will tell you it’s an experimental township people visit to view Maitrimandir, but I couldn’t find really find anything that explains the depth that place holds.
So, I visited their website and found Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity. I was instantaneously sold by this idea and was really intrigued. So, if you were to listen to me and have more days, stay in Auroville and experience it closely for that is a totally different world. A world of dreams. The visuals of people specially kids free playing in mud, with textures, sound, water and everything nature will be a huge takeaway. Attend workshops and therapies around sound, art and craft, farming, soap making and all things cool. Svaram is one such place I really liked for sound healing initiatives and their music garden. We had an exciting time with our daughter. I even bought an instrument called Kalimba and am enjoying playing it. Thanks to YouTube I have been able to learn playing a few songs. Most of the healing therapies require pre-booking so please do your homework around what vibes the most with you.
Thank me later!