INDIA'S BEST COLLEGES, INSTITUTES and UNIVERSITIES
Puducherry is one big time warp ' I realised it within half an hour of reaching. Even before one begins to admire the beauty of this coastal paradise, one senses the freshness in the aura of this spiritually healing haven. Known for its virgin beaches and French influence, exquisite cuisine and pocket friendly markets, Pondy, as it is fondly known, is an amalgamation of the richest heritage, culture, societal influences and spirituality. My choice for the weekend promised to be an enthralling journey already!
A wonderful drive from Bengaluru, Pondy is hardly six hours away from the Garden City. The drive is the stuff of urban legend with negligible traffic, and a highway perfectly laid out through some verdant vegetation. Trees line up the highway the entire course, making the journey all the more pleasant. Once in Pondy, the options for lodging are plenty. From a variety of up-market hotels to the renowned Ashram guest house, one could choose to take a breather anywhere.
My first stop after checking into Sea View guest house was at the cycle stand where I rented a bike for making this trip even more adventurous, memorable and eco-friendly. Most hotels here would hand out a map of the city to you for easy access to all major tourist spots. The first place I pedaled to was the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the hub of spiritual idyll. Known to be the richest ashram, the place is thronged by foreigners and people from all walks of life and most diverse cultures as well. The beach wasn't crowded and not too far either. Witnessing the vastness of the Bay of Bengal in its full glory was a treat in itself. The sea breeze was welcoming as always, whispering sweets nothings to the evening and bringing a smile to most faces watching the sun kiss goodbye. I had to tear myself away from the divine scene before getting back to my sea-facing guest house to indulge in a healthy cup of organic tea and a slice of my favourite cheesecake at Le Caf'. The caf' is open 24x7 and is more often than not overflowing with customers. Watching the waves hit the rocks and drifting away, melting back into the ocean, was my ideal way of being one with nature.
The next morning I woke up early and joined the flock of early risers for a brisk walk at sunrise. After a sumptuous breakfast at Le Caf' again, I cycled to Puducherry Museum. The museum has one of the rarest collections of bronze and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, and an interesting assortment of artifacts excavated from Arikamedu, including a collection of 200- year-old beads made from glass and precious stones, on display. Having showered attention on the exquisite museum's details, I was ready to unwind with a relaxing stroll at the Botanical Gardens situated south of New bus stand. The French greens greeted me with over 1500 different types of plants and beautiful topiaries all along the boulevard. Nature sure has its ways to revitalise you with its sheer peacefulness' and so it did in Pondy. My last stop was at the Chunnambar Backwaters, a short drive into the suburbs of the city, where the pristine beach and its crystal clear water felt like a privilege. As the waves washed over my feet, I felt my toes dig into the sand, seemingly in the melancholy of the last few hours at this paradise port. Next to the mighty sea, it is always easier to appreciate the larger scheme of things. The laissez-faire life!
DESTINATION DOSSIER
STEERING THE COURSE
Puduchery is a perfect hideaway for a weekend. It's easily approachable from major cities in the south. Although a small town, Pondy provides for all connectivity and directions required by the traveller.
COSY CORNERS
Accommodation is the easiest at Pondy, with luxurious options such as The Prominade and the Le Dupleix. It also provides for pocket friendly options such as the Sea View guest house, and the one at the Ashram.
THE 'SEASON'ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW
Hot and humid all year round, winter ' November to January ' is a good time to visit. 'SAVOUR' FAIRE
If one pedals around like a true enthusiast, you are bound to be hungry frequently. Savour the typical spicy South Indian vadai, rasam, rice and pickle. Also relish the exquisite taste of French delicacies, sinful cakes and thick shakes at the Le Caf'.
GET TO WORK
A visit to Pondy is incomplete without a speed boat ride at the Chunnambar Backwaters and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The religiously inclined can chose from the Manakula Vinayagar Kovil, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanniga Parameswari Temple, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jamai Mosque, Kuthbha Mosque etc. Bharathi park is an option too.
WHAT'S THE WORD
One may feel more at home if you know your way around French and Tamil, although the locals are mostly cordial. Being one of the most literate towns, people are courteous and helpful.
KEEPSAKE COURTESIES
Host to one of the finest architecture and design, this culturally rich town offers ' surprise surprise ' some brilliant Madhubani Paintings at really affordable prices. Then grab some shell souvenirs to decorate that living room back home.
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Best Colleges for Vocational Courses in India
When foreign shores beckonPuducherry is one big time warp ' I realised it within half an hour of reaching. Even before one begins to admire the beauty of this coastal paradise, one senses the freshness in the aura of this spiritually healing haven. Known for its virgin beaches and French influence, exquisite cuisine and pocket friendly markets, Pondy, as it is fondly known, is an amalgamation of the richest heritage, culture, societal influences and spirituality. My choice for the weekend promised to be an enthralling journey already!
A wonderful drive from Bengaluru, Pondy is hardly six hours away from the Garden City. The drive is the stuff of urban legend with negligible traffic, and a highway perfectly laid out through some verdant vegetation. Trees line up the highway the entire course, making the journey all the more pleasant. Once in Pondy, the options for lodging are plenty. From a variety of up-market hotels to the renowned Ashram guest house, one could choose to take a breather anywhere.
My first stop after checking into Sea View guest house was at the cycle stand where I rented a bike for making this trip even more adventurous, memorable and eco-friendly. Most hotels here would hand out a map of the city to you for easy access to all major tourist spots. The first place I pedaled to was the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the hub of spiritual idyll. Known to be the richest ashram, the place is thronged by foreigners and people from all walks of life and most diverse cultures as well. The beach wasn't crowded and not too far either. Witnessing the vastness of the Bay of Bengal in its full glory was a treat in itself. The sea breeze was welcoming as always, whispering sweets nothings to the evening and bringing a smile to most faces watching the sun kiss goodbye. I had to tear myself away from the divine scene before getting back to my sea-facing guest house to indulge in a healthy cup of organic tea and a slice of my favourite cheesecake at Le Caf'. The caf' is open 24x7 and is more often than not overflowing with customers. Watching the waves hit the rocks and drifting away, melting back into the ocean, was my ideal way of being one with nature.
The next morning I woke up early and joined the flock of early risers for a brisk walk at sunrise. After a sumptuous breakfast at Le Caf' again, I cycled to Puducherry Museum. The museum has one of the rarest collections of bronze and stone sculptures from the Pallava and Chola dynasties, and an interesting assortment of artifacts excavated from Arikamedu, including a collection of 200- year-old beads made from glass and precious stones, on display. Having showered attention on the exquisite museum's details, I was ready to unwind with a relaxing stroll at the Botanical Gardens situated south of New bus stand. The French greens greeted me with over 1500 different types of plants and beautiful topiaries all along the boulevard. Nature sure has its ways to revitalise you with its sheer peacefulness' and so it did in Pondy. My last stop was at the Chunnambar Backwaters, a short drive into the suburbs of the city, where the pristine beach and its crystal clear water felt like a privilege. As the waves washed over my feet, I felt my toes dig into the sand, seemingly in the melancholy of the last few hours at this paradise port. Next to the mighty sea, it is always easier to appreciate the larger scheme of things. The laissez-faire life!
DESTINATION DOSSIER
STEERING THE COURSE
Puduchery is a perfect hideaway for a weekend. It's easily approachable from major cities in the south. Although a small town, Pondy provides for all connectivity and directions required by the traveller.
COSY CORNERS
Accommodation is the easiest at Pondy, with luxurious options such as The Prominade and the Le Dupleix. It also provides for pocket friendly options such as the Sea View guest house, and the one at the Ashram.
THE 'SEASON'ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW
Hot and humid all year round, winter ' November to January ' is a good time to visit. 'SAVOUR' FAIRE
If one pedals around like a true enthusiast, you are bound to be hungry frequently. Savour the typical spicy South Indian vadai, rasam, rice and pickle. Also relish the exquisite taste of French delicacies, sinful cakes and thick shakes at the Le Caf'.
GET TO WORK
A visit to Pondy is incomplete without a speed boat ride at the Chunnambar Backwaters and the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The religiously inclined can chose from the Manakula Vinayagar Kovil, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanniga Parameswari Temple, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jamai Mosque, Kuthbha Mosque etc. Bharathi park is an option too.
WHAT'S THE WORD
One may feel more at home if you know your way around French and Tamil, although the locals are mostly cordial. Being one of the most literate towns, people are courteous and helpful.
KEEPSAKE COURTESIES
Host to one of the finest architecture and design, this culturally rich town offers ' surprise surprise ' some brilliant Madhubani Paintings at really affordable prices. Then grab some shell souvenirs to decorate that living room back home.
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Best Colleges for Vocational Courses in India
An array of unconventional career options
A language that divides
Ragging rights and wrongs
Indian universities and higher education institutes seem to be caught in a time warp teaching things
Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU): Students' Unions can not be banned
The hunt for hostel and paying guest (PG) accommodation for students
Role of Media in the moulding of youth
No comments:
Post a Comment