Glimpsing India's colonial past through the window that is Pondicherry, leaves one intoxicated like the swaying coconut tree found in every corner of this South-Indian, sea-side retreat . The humdrum in Tamil and French, the aroma of freshly baked Croissants mingling with the spiceful Paniharam, the Holy Cross mounted above the Dhwajastambham at the Church of Sacred Heart Of Jesus-They all make the mix of Tamil and French cultures acutely heard, felt, and seen all around!
Besides it's multicultural atmosphere, the close proximity to Auroville has paved way for rapid globalisation.
Founded by the Mother of Auroville, Mirra Alfassa, in collaboration with Sri Aurobindo, the township serves as a symbol of human unity beyond creed, nationality, and such. As an illustration, the Golden Orb or Matrimandir stands on a foundation containing sand brought in by followers from 124 countries. Owned by the residents of Auroville from around the globe, ventures like organic farms and food outlets, handicraft stores, venues appropriating renewable energy etc., are a source of fulfilling professions for locals from the nearby villages! Volunteering at the Buddha Garden to help with weeding raddish, repotting, learning about innovative farming practices like smart irrigation, gathering sweet organic produce such as the formerly despised pungent papayas, and finally relaxing in an eco stay is a sure way to soak in Aurovillian bliss. This sacred platform for research thrives on the philosophy that independent and collective progress in life are interdependent. One of the main projects undertaken is to cultivate a green belt all around. In addition, the Mother's initiative of assigning virtues to the flowers growing here, reminds one and all of the important lessons to imbibe in life. Here's one of my favourite:
Vibing with the breeze and eventually drifting away on a boat to the Mangroves around the many estuaries near Pondicherry brings time to a brief still-Just what one needs before bidding good bye to this weeny piece of heaven.
----------------------------------------xoxoxoxo-------------------------------------------
DIY ITINERARY
Pondicherry/Puducherry being a union territory comprising of Karaikal in Tamil Nadu, Mahe in Kerala, and Yanam in Andhra Pradesh, it is a well-known tourist destination. Here is a list of things that you must absolutely not miss on your trip. Enjoy!
DAY 1
i. The Rock Beach
Listen to the ocean hum the morning raga as the sun rises spectacularly over the Bay of Bengal!
ii. The Promenade
Simply go on a stroll along this impressive esplanade by the sea-front or dine with a view at Le Cafe! Don't miss the old lighthouse and street-art.
iii. The Gandhi Statue
Here the Father of the Nation is said to be concealing a secret tunnel that leads to the Gingee Fort, also called the 'Troy of the East' by the British for the many times it served as a defence post in Indian history.
iv. The French War Memorial
This is a tribute to the then inhabitants of the French colony who lost their lives in WW1.
v. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayakar Temple
Legend has it that the idol of the Elephant God miraculously reappeared at the site every time after it was immersed in the sea by the French resident who owned the property. And thus, he is said to have sanctioned the construction of a temple dedicated to Vinayakar on a piece of land, earlier reserved for a mansion!
vi. Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Aurobindo Ashram
vii. Try the many theme cafes.
Cafe Coromandel, Cafe des Arts, and La Chocolateria are my personal favs!
viii. Get lost exploring the streets of India's very own French Riviera!
DAY 2
Spend the entire day in Auroville.
i. Volunteering at the Buddha Garden
The raddish crops we volunteered to weed out, to stop pests from spreading to the other plants on the mixed-crop bed, were all fed to the farm hens, which in turn supply abundant natural fertilizers to the organic farm. Sustainability is so splendid!
ii. Matrimandir
iii. Riding through the streets of Auroville
iv. Downing some refreshing organic drinks like the Spirulina or Kumquat at the Naturellement cafe!
DAY 3
i. Arts and Craft Village
Save your entire holiday shopping budget for the handiwork of the local community of skilled artisans here. How exquisite are these Ganesha idols carved into empty coconut shells!?
ii. Wills Boat House
Book your boat ride here and simply cherish the sightings of the Great Egret, the Terns, the new Lighthouse, the fishermen at work, and the Mangroves.
iii. Arikamedu
En route, the boat stops at this historical site speculated to have been a trade center in the East as early as 2nd Century BC, and used for trade with the Romans.
Comments