A Taste of Puducherry 2009

As the gravity let go of me in the capital of the country, my travel plans took flight. From the New Delhi airport to down south, Chennai I slept like a log on the 6 a.m. flight. The flight touched down at around 11 a.m. and after collecting my material wealth I headed off to find the Taxi driver.“Hello, aap ka naam kya hai?” I asked, there came the retort like a bullet, “No Hindi…” i.e. - Welcome to Chennai. The name by the way was Thyagraj.
So began the journey to the quaint little town called Pondicherry aka Puducherry. The ECR road to Pondy seemed like it knew where it was taking me, and a chai by the way side coupled with some kurkure only enhanced the hospitality.
From the coconut trees to the sheep and cows grazing in the lush green it was quite all …ah! India. Soon my feet were acquainted with the streets of Puducherry and my ears with the sounds of the Bay of Bengal. I was on Beach Road on which the hotel, The Promenade is located. Just a few blocks away is a little white square building with arches and a hangover of the French Empire if only in name – Le Café. The grilled chicken is a must try and the wait…well lets just say the pace of the city is all pervasive.
Well I am a woman and you must be wondering where is the Shopping??? Well it’s right here starting on Beach Road. A little shop called Pudumai adjacent to the hotel which sells practically everything you’d like to call souveneirs from Pondy. From incense sticks and cones, to scented candles, handmade papers, and leather bags it’s all quite colourful.
From the shop to the Sunday Pondy Market on Kandi street which is fifteen minutes away (practically everything is!) and shopping for clothes at well lets just say throwaway prices…to walking around MG Road there’s so much to do and yet so little.
Monday morning began with the blues but this time with those of the Bay of Bengal. After a hearty buffet breakfast it was now time for a revolution, that of a cycle wheel. From Mission Street I rented a bicycle at 40 Rs a day and soon got pedaling.
The afternoon was spent going to the Aurobindo Ashram which is a peaceful retreat with the local women and children selling souvenirs around it. After the bargaining and the buying I headed off to the sister hotel called Le Dupleix. This is more like a royal hideout with royal swings, Venetian blinds and a huge Mango tree.Well a holiday is really about unwinding so I happily surrendered to the ancient art of ayurvedic massages at Shree Varma. P.S. only attempt the massage if you are not too attached to your clothing cause there’s not of much of it involved.
Dinner, after a long bicylcle ride to the Church – Sacred Heart of Jesus and a temple, was at a restaurant called Asian House. The place is run by Anandha Inn and a good starter to order is the shredded lamb. The real deal is the chicken sizzler which is totally a 10 on 10 and what’s more comes with a complimentary Pondy wine…ah! A treat for the taste buds.
Tuesday morning saw me strolling down for the buffet breakfast and then heading of to Auroville which is 10 km away from Pondy. At Auroville the visitors centre has three shops, a book shop, a café, and a matrimony mandir (closed for Sunday Afternoon Public) .
The café at Auroville seems a little low key but don’t let the looks fool you. The mushroom lasagna and other specialities are absolutely mouth watering and energize you well in the 1 to 1:30 ‘shop closed for lunch break”. The shops again are full of colourful items and I would be surprised if you don’t pick up a thing or two for that little corner in your house.
After some Cheese and wine shopping from Farm Fresh, the bags were packed for the journey home.
I was soon at the Chennai Airport, had a quick club sandwich at the ITC run restaurant called Flights of Fancy where I sat thinking about how necessary these real flights are to rejuvenate the flights of fancy that sometimes just need a runway.
To quote, William Henry Davies:
What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows. No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beauty’s glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.
Sanchita Johri