Friday 18 April 2014

P for Pondicherry

Do you ever, when you read a book or see a film, dream about going to that exact place? I do. My vivid imagination can take me on a spin and wander off to the weirdest places. I dreamed about traveling to the foot of Ngong Hills with Robert Redford when I saw Out of Africa, I was totally on that Beach with Leonardo, and I was strolling the alleyways of that little village in France with Meryl Streep in Julia&Julie.
But by all means: sometimes I also think: Never. Ever am I going to go to that place!

When I first read Life of Pi, this name came up. I had heard it before and the uniqueness had made me curious. And then, reading about it - even more. Pondicherry. The place Pi lived in India before he left with his family for a new future in Canada. Now, let me just say that my dream destination is not being alone on a small boat with a tiger.. Going to Pondicherry on the other hand... Yes. That I would like to do.
Life of Pi

Pi in Pondicherry

Very moving scene from the film. Pi and Anandi at the pier, Pondicherry
Pondicherry is on the south-east coast of India, and is often described as a quiet little town. I have never been there (but want to go) - so you may or may not trust my words on this..:-) It's history as a French Colony is visible with boulevards, colonial heritage buildings, street signs in French and the cuisine. And it has a coastline with beautiful beaches and piers. (from where Pi left on the ship)

It seems to me that Pondicherry, (fondly called Pondy), has an intriguing mix: French colonial heritage (some buildings from the 18th century), Tamil culture and a touch from many nationalities - all in a small but varied town. I have been told that the town is built based on very organized city plans, and you can find clean streets, churches, temples, and gorgeous houses painted in cream, yellow, pink and grey with vivid flowers - a beauty for the eye.

There are quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south of the town, and Pondy seems like the perfect base if you want to explore the whole area.. (f.ex if you, like I do, would like to visit Tamil Nadu). It is close to Chennai, and there are a lot of options for your stay like: beach resorts, heritage hotels, high class hotels or neat Ashram Guest Houses (perfect for the spiritual seeker). Whether you are interested in history, culture, spiritual inspiration or shopping- you might find something in Pondy! And for you foodies and beach lovers - yup, for you too...   




Peaceful Pondicherry - I would like to Give time a Break (their slogan) and I do hope to visit one day! Not in the far future. Seems like a good place to be. If you have similar plans please do check out: the website of Tourism. Pondicherry.

So, from party- ing with the Olympic Gods yesterday, to strolling in Pondicherry today... We sure travel fast and wild, dear reader? And it doesn't stop here.. Tomorrow we are off to yet another dream destination.. Q... here we come!

***********************************
1-30 April I participate in the A to Z blogger challenge, and this post is written as a part of that. My theme for the challenge is Dream Destinations. I hope you had fun coming along. Please stay tuned for a new destination tomorrow:-) 
Go to atozchallenge.com

49 comments:

  1. It looks like such a lovely little place to explore! ♥ I hope you get to go someday!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have been to Pondicherry and can relate to all the pics. Yes, it is a picturesque place on the sea side living under the aura and blessings of Sri Aurobindo and Mother...Do visit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great, I want to go even more now:-) Thanks for sharing Jayanta:-)

      Delete
  3. O this is so good, Eli :) Come, come to Pondicherry, I'll show you around :) It is indeed a heavenly place. I love living here, though to be correct I live just a few miles away from the town of Pondicherry, in rural Tamil Nadu, but I lived very close to the Ashram for about 5 years. A perfect choice for P, I would say ;)

    Beauty Interprets, Expresses, Manifests the Eternal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Beloo:-) So happy to have a friend in Pondicherry!! Yay:-) That would be awesome:-)

      Delete
  4. pondicherry is so peaceful ..well written 1. nice insight into the city.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I've been planning to visit this town for the last 20 years. Haven't managed it yet. :(

    Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2014, My Latest post

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

    ReplyDelete
  6. It does look like a beautiful place and first time I saw on Life of Pi. I have been wanting to go to Hawaii since I saw this George Clooney movie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha - great Amelia:-) Thanks for following my dear friend:-)

      Delete
  7. Pondicherry was so beautiful and clean when I was just 8 years old and had gone there but these days it has deteriorated a lot

    P for Petrified-Random Thoughts Naba

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks great, I'd love to go. I'm always years behind in films, so I've not seen Life of Pi - didn't enjoy the book - but the scenery might now be an incentive!

    Anabel at Anabel's Travel Blog

    ReplyDelete
  9. Pondicherry (Puthucherry) is a place that beckons me...

    ReplyDelete
  10. Indeed Pondicherry is a beautiful place and I really enjoyed my stay there when i went with daughter and husband... Aurobindo ashram also one of the place of interest is highly place of learning and int apart from other historical places
    http://ashalifeishope.blogspot.in/2014/04/proud-be-proud-of-self.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that's great to hear:-) U made me wanna go even more now:-)

      Delete
  11. I have always wanted to go to Pondy as well. I loved Chennai...but we didn't go that directions...darn! (http://www.reflectionsenroute.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe next time Corinne?:-) Thanks for following:-)

      Delete
  12. Oh Eli, I've been to Pondi before n loved it all except the heat. In cooler weather let's go there together and meet Beloo and wander the place and laugh,chat and do yoga together :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YES, Sunila - I am in! That would be awesome - a true dream destination in company with some wonderful ladies:-) Can't wait :-)

      Delete
  13. Eli! M loving ur travel adventure and for sure, I am raring to visit Pondi:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay - Vishal - so happy u are coming along:-) :-)

      Delete
  14. I've been to Pondicherry twice and it is a heavenly place! Do give time a break Eli and visit soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that's great Aditi! So happy you liked it - hope to visit soon:-)

      Delete
  15. It is close to my place and I have visited often.The pictures are great and indicate the uniqueness of the place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aaaa- awesome! Thanks for sharing - can't wait:-)

      Delete
  16. I so, so want to visit Pondicherry, but my husband isn't as enthusiastic :). I've also heard lots about the quaint streets and great food and street shops - can't wait to visit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great:-) - hope you get to go also:-) Hugs your way

      Delete
  17. Pondi is so top of my to-visit list. Thanks for this reminder Eli.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great Tulika, hope you get to visit also:-) Hugs

      Delete
  18. Thanks Eli for this destination...wow.....you added a lot to my knowledge about Pondicherry....I'd heard about it but now I feel like visiting this place during my home visit....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your kind words:-) All the best

      Delete
  19. Now this is one place that I HAVE visited :) Pondy is as you said a mixture of Tamil and French culture and that is reflected in the architecture and cuisine. I loved the Promenade, the clean and serene beaches and of course Sri Aurobindo Ashram :) Lovely place to visit for a relaxed vacation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, that's great Prasanna:-) You make me wanna go even more now, sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

      Delete
  20. I hope you do visit Pondicherry one day. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there..loved the french influence in the town.The people were so welcoming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that sounds great:-) Thanks for sharing. Happy to see you here.

      Delete
  21. I have visited Pondicherry and want to go back there someday soon, Eli. I think you will really like it - especially the Ashram.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great - maybe we can go together Corinne?:-) Thanks fore sharing:-)

      Delete
  22. I want to visit so many places, envy those who have been to these amazing destinations. Thanks for this beautiful glimpse into Pondy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks dear Sulekkha, always so happy to see you here:-)

      Delete
  23. What a charming place, this Pondicherry. Even the name makes me smile! ☺ Thanks for the tour.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Debbie - so happy you liked it dear:-)

      Delete
  24. This is one of my dream place, always wanted to visit the popular ashram there, been so many times to tamilnadu, but never succeeded in reaching this place, loved the post and the pics. hope will reach some time in my life with my family ! Thanks for sharing !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, me too - so we share that dream then:-) Maybe one day..:-) Thank you so much for your kind words Angela:-) Hugs

      Delete
  25. Pondy used to be my weekend getaway place. So many beautiful memories attached to it. It's very different from other Indian cities, maybe because of French influence and architecture.

    ReplyDelete

Dear reader, I love comments! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave one:-)