Take only memories, leave only footprints!

             

      When I was single I would be complaining about not finding the right man to spend my life with , when I found one and happily married, I fondly recollect the memories and the luxury of doing all the things I used to do when single. Travelling being one of them. Though a lot of the travel I did was mostly impromptu plans and to escape the monotony of a corporate job. Eventually I loved experiencing new places, new people, food and my " me time". For that matter even taking off alone to Hauz Khas Village (Delhi) just to cover that one shop or spot I didn't, the last time I visited, is literally the person I am. Any new place and food fascinates me. I have travelled quite a bit with my friends and those memories are cherished even today and will be etched forever. So make the most of singlehood, I say! I had met some new friends through another rafting trip. They were not very close friends but good travel companions. So one fine day, we made an impromptu plan and headed to Chennai, South India on a cold Delhi winter morning and landed on a hot and humid Chennai December for a vacation in Pondicherry.

                   
      To reach Pondicherry you have to book a Taxi or private cab which takes about 4 hrs to reach from the airport. The Pre paid Taxi services were economical, comfortable and safe too. We headed for our hotel straightaway which was located in the famous French colony.
     
      The French colony of Pondicherry is a small town built in a classic French architecture and with its unique old world charm. There are many hotels and motels available for lodging, ranging from budget to luxury. I had pre booked a budget hotel with basic amenities and facilities and it suited our pockets well. The colony itself is a one whole day tour with many restaurants serving Italian and fresh sea food along with the choicest of wines. The sea side was a place to swear by. There was a long walkway alongside the sea and glittery small restaurents on either side. The view is breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. In between it is extremely hot so early morning or sunset is the best time to visit.

A local fruit vendor

     

French architecture at the colony

The other most significant place of visit is the" Matri Mandir" or Auroville ashram which in itself is an experience of a life time. Since we were highly recommended to visit this temple by our hotel staff, we made our bookings for the next day. It took us approximately 2 hrs by car to reach the premises of the mandir. Upon reaching we had to do some formalities like registration, buying food coupons, viewing a short documentary on the history of the temple. It was then that we realized this temple had an inbuilt Ashram which was spread across hundreds of acres of land. To book a stay at the Ashram was almost a 6 months of waiting time. This Ashram is a complete detox stay where not only one has to meditate, eat simple food, wear simple clothes but also it is a complete 'No Gadget' zone. So if you are looking for a get away from the hum drum of a busy life and desire complete peace, this indeed is one of the places to visit. We had our lunch at the huge cafeteria which was right at the entrance before one embarks towards the Matri Mandir. Food is cooked and served with a smile by the volunteers of the Ashram who belong to diverse nationalities. It was mostly European and South Indian cuisine and simply outstanding in taste. The walk to the termple was a midst a man made forest. There waas silence throughout. Nobody spoke much. I guess everyone was soaking themselves in nature. The temple from the outside is a huge golden globe with carvings. No camera's or cell phones are allowed here. Infact there was no connectivity at all. The interior of this meditation temple is something that can only be felt and never explained in words. Light came through a small hole of the huge rooftop, illuminating the entire room with a light so heavenly in feel. There was pin drop silence. We sat there for some time and left in a state of trance.

An Italian eatery in the French colony

We walked through the lanes alleys visited some of the beaches too. Beach lovers will be disappointed as there wasn't a beach worth taking a Sun bath. Nevertheless we had a good time. What else do you expect with three women trotting all alone discovering the place with a new perspective. We interacted with the locals, mostly in sign language and broken English. Everybody spoke Tamil hence language may pose slight discomfort. But a traveller is always prepared for anything travelling throws at them.

We spent 4 days in Pondicherry taking in all the beauty the place had to offer and still wanted more. So just in case any of you are thinking about travelling in Winters then Pondicherry in Chennai is the place to be!