The East coast Bonanza - Pondicherry

My Kerala fever is not yet over and I have been in Chennai for over 5 days and all I wanted to see is the coastline opposite to Kerala, so cornered an acquaintance and my weekend getaway was the Union Territory Pondicherry (they call it Poudocherry). Few words that come to my mind when I think of Pondicherry are a sleepy, calm, laid-back, slow paced town which is perfect place to unwind your self.

Mamallapuram Caves







We started at about 7.30 a.m in the morning via east coast road. Since Vijay is from Chennai we first went to Mahabalipuram which is like bonanza for someone like me who loves the history, architecture, structure and symmetry. These structure are 1400 years old, I saw quite a few of them like the tiger caves, Elephanta caves, Shore temple built by Pallavas are all geniuses for there remains tell you the strength and the artistic bend of the people . One of the discoveries made after Tsunami was a temple of Karthikey right next to the beach. I am truly awestruck with the detailing and ability to replicate structures over and over again. Another striking feature was the fact that in most cases lion images sculpted on the stones were similar to the lion on Sri Lankan Flag.

We had our breakfast at Anand Bhawan and Vijay made sure I ate everything with hand even the Vada (the salty doughnut :P). It was easy though but just that I never tried it before. We hit the East Coast road where we drove for about 4 hours before we reached Pnodicherry- the place I ahve been dying to see.

Pondi: French Architecture: One of my favourite



Pondi: The Church at the Roadside




Bay of Bengal unlike Arabian sea is very wild and untamed the beaches are rocky and the roar of the sea is 100 times louder. The delightful French architecture is simple, well defined, mesmerizes and is full of color. Most government offices are next to the rocky beach, I wanna get into a govt job their ( anybody listening). We went to see this church along the same road in pink and cream color and amazing idols of Mother Mary and Jesus. We sat there for quite sometime I was admiring the structure the colorful panes in the windows and Vijay was offering his prayers. We halted at Auroville beach which was my first encounter with Bay of Bengal huge waves hitting against the shore.The actually washed foot wear of lot of people in front of me. But I was busy admiring the full moon The sand is grainy and has lot of sea shells. Finally we bid adios to the city.

Truly a nice weekend getaway yet Kerala still top my chart.

God's Own Country in its True Sense

In the true sense this rice grain shaped, sleepy state is truly blessed with the grace of god. Innumerable churches each an epitome of architecture, hills guarding all the natural beauty the state has to offer,Greenery that's just never ends, umpteen groves of coconuts , banana, rivers brimming with water, virgin beaches and above all the roaring clear blue sea everywhere you see. A state which boasts the highest literacy rate, may that's the reason they are so polite and humble. in spite of language barriers they still try to help you out of the way.


I may not be the first one to visit this part of India but am truly awed by the cultural bonanza and the simplicity of the locals towards the tourists(for I visited Kanyakumari as well)!


I can't think any dull moment I had travelling awestruck with nature's bonanza. Or the amount of help extended by strangers to two gurls, be it the auto driver who waited for us while we happily went for backwater ride and then by the house boat guy who made sure we were enjoying the beach within the safe distance yet getting drenched ...... or the guy who ensured we boarded the right bus, just to begin with ....



One the most memorable trip I have been on with one of my very close friend, to a destination which has made it to my favourites in one go. Am truly on a holiday after along time ...more destinations to come, now tomorrow am going for a live Kathakali Performance!!!!