My first long drive in South - Team-BHP

MG1558 · 11th January 2008, 08:58

Though this is a little late for this travelogue, it is the first one after we shifted here.

Team - Man, wife and dog
Mission - Pondichery, Mahabalipuram & Chennai
Mode of transport - Swift Vxi

Day-1 (Aug12): Started from Bangalore on Sunday at 7:30am and crossed Hossur easily. Had breakfast in Reliance and headed for Krishnagiri through the scenic road. After taking right for Pondy the road condition detoriated and we had to slow down. There was smooth road for couple of km and then suddenly big potholes all over the place for 50-100 meters. Reached Thiruvannamalai around noon. She wanted to visit the Raman ashram on the way and we spent about an hour there.

Road condition on this sector was good and we could make good time. Gingee fort came up on left - it was really an impressive structure. Wanted to take a de-tour but we were late and wanted to reach Pondy before dark. So Gingee had to wait for next time.

Entered Pondy town around 3:30pm and got lost. Found way and checked in about 4:30 and headed for the beach. Spent the whole evenong there.

Day2: Planned to visit Aurovil. Hotel guy said - go straight on East Coast road - will see a sign board of Aurovil - take left and continue. Kept driving - no sign board in sight. Suddenly we see a stretch of golden beach on right. Asked for Aurovil - we have missed the turn and came much ahead. The beach was inviting enough - postponed aurovil and hit the beach.

By the time we finished, we were wet, sandy, tired and hungry. Returned to Hotel and took it easy - the afternoon heat was too much. In evening visited the Ashram.

Day3: Second attempt to Aurovil. Found the board for left turn- it is on the extreme right side of the road

. The entry inside the golden globe was not allowed - was a bit of a let down. Rest of the day was lazy - true to the Pondy spirit.

Day4: Started around 7am and went to fill petrol. It was CHEAP. Guys you must carry a couple of empty drums when you go to Pondy. Took ECR and was in Mahabalipuram around 9am for breakfast. Checked out the 'spots' there and left for Chennai around noon.

Reached Uncle's place in Mylapore at 1:45pm. The catching-up session lasted till about 5pm. Got out, and tried to reach NH4. Aunt was giving directions to my wife over mobile and I was trying to follow them. Naturally - got lost around Anna Salai. By the time we hit NH4, it was around 6pm - and then - WOW - what a road. Thanks to the old man for this. Kept between 90-110kmph throughout and was home at 10:30pm with two coffee breaks.

Total travel - 1136km, Last day - 565 km
FE - 14.7km/lt with AC on throughout

akroy · 11th January 2008, 13:43

Nice pics!! Which hotel / resort did you put up in Pondy and how was your expereince? How did the dog behave in such long drives?

Abhi

MG1558 · 11th January 2008, 13:53

Hi akroy,

We stayed in a hotel called Colonial Heritage. Its one old French House in old city - in one of the parallel roads to beach road. That was the only hotel which allowed dog.
The dog loves long drive and is used to it - so not much issue. Only need to stop every couple of hours for him to stretch a bit.

dadu · 11th January 2008, 14:20

Nice report, please post details on your stay.

The dog seems to be enjoying the waters, whats his name ??

pjay_in · 11th January 2008, 14:30

Good pics! The report could have been a bit more detailed.

One's first long road trip is always special!

theMAG · 11th January 2008, 15:08

I'm very interested in how comfortable your dog was. I have a German Shepherd and a Swift as well and would love to take him on out-of-state drives but not sure abt how comfortable it would be for him.

Btw- lovely dog.

snaronikar · 11th January 2008, 15:14

Nice pics and doggie too. Also good write up.

sqwall · 12th January 2008, 10:12

Nice writeup.
Great pics, the doggy looks camera savvy.

im_srini · 17th January 2008, 09:56

Hi MG, nice travelogue, & thanks for the Pondy tip... Your dog is cool, had one a long time ago (Sigh !). But unlike yours, mine used to be sick in cars ! Had to stop frequently to let him stretch his legs & walk around. Funny thing was, he absolutely loved riding in 2-wheelers !?!

esteem_lover · 17th January 2008, 10:10

Who is the GSD ? Glad he enjoyed the beaches & the trip.

Nitin · 17th January 2008, 22:20

Nice report. Good to see the doggie travel along..

11th January 2008, 08:58	#1 (permalink)
MG1558 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 22	My first long drive in South Though this is a little late for this travelogue, it is the first one after we shifted here. Team - Man, wife and dog Mission - Pondichery, Mahabalipuram & Chennai Mode of transport - Swift Vxi Day-1 (Aug12): Started from Bangalore on Sunday at 7:30am and crossed Hossur easily. Had breakfast in Reliance and headed for Krishnagiri through the scenic road. After taking right for Pondy the road condition detoriated and we had to slow down. There was smooth road for couple of km and then suddenly big potholes all over the place for 50-100 meters. Reached Thiruvannamalai around noon. She wanted to visit the Raman ashram on the way and we spent about an hour there. Road condition on this sector was good and we could make good time. Gingee fort came up on left - it was really an impressive structure. Wanted to take a de-tour but we were late and wanted to reach Pondy before dark. So Gingee had to wait for next time. Entered Pondy town around 3:30pm and got lost. Found way and checked in about 4:30 and headed for the beach. Spent the whole evenong there. Day2: Planned to visit Aurovil. Hotel guy said - go straight on East Coast road - will see a sign board of Aurovil - take left and continue. Kept driving - no sign board in sight. Suddenly we see a stretch of golden beach on right. Asked for Aurovil - we have missed the turn and came much ahead. The beach was inviting enough - postponed aurovil and hit the beach. By the time we finished, we were wet, sandy, tired and hungry. Returned to Hotel and took it easy - the afternoon heat was too much. In evening visited the Ashram. Day3: Second attempt to Aurovil. Found the board for left turn- it is on the extreme right side of the road . The entry inside the golden globe was not allowed - was a bit of a let down. Rest of the day was lazy - true to the Pondy spirit. Day4: Started around 7am and went to fill petrol. It was CHEAP. Guys you must carry a couple of empty drums when you go to Pondy. Took ECR and was in Mahabalipuram around 9am for breakfast. Checked out the 'spots' there and left for Chennai around noon. Reached Uncle's place in Mylapore at 1:45pm. The catching-up session lasted till about 5pm. Got out, and tried to reach NH4. Aunt was giving directions to my wife over mobile and I was trying to follow them. Naturally - got lost around Anna Salai. By the time we hit NH4, it was around 6pm - and then - WOW - what a road. Thanks to the old man for this. Kept between 90-110kmph throughout and was home at 10:30pm with two coffee breaks. Total travel - 1136km, Last day - 565 km FE - 14.7km/lt with AC on throughout __________________ Cheers, __________ Civic 1.8V - 2008 Swift Vxi -2006 Alto Lxi - 2004 (Sold) Mariti 800 - 2001 (Will never sell)

11th January 2008, 13:43	#2 (permalink)
akroy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,625 View My Garage	Nice pics!! Which hotel / resort did you put up in Pondy and how was your expereince? How did the dog behave in such long drives? Abhi __________________ ------------------------------------ 2003 Bajaj Caliber115 \| 2006 Alto LXi ------------------------------------

11th January 2008, 13:53	#3 (permalink)
MG1558 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 22	Hi akroy, We stayed in a hotel called Colonial Heritage. Its one old French House in old city - in one of the parallel roads to beach road. That was the only hotel which allowed dog. The dog loves long drive and is used to it - so not much issue. Only need to stop every couple of hours for him to stretch a bit. __________________ Cheers, __________ Civic 1.8V - 2008 Swift Vxi -2006 Alto Lxi - 2004 (Sold) Mariti 800 - 2001 (Will never sell)

11th January 2008, 14:20	#4 (permalink)
dadu Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,249 View My Garage	Nice report, please post details on your stay. The dog seems to be enjoying the waters, whats his name ?? __________________ Remember, its a machine

11th January 2008, 15:08	#6 (permalink)
theMAG Team-BHP Support Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bengalooru Posts: 3,740 View My Garage	I'm very interested in how comfortable your dog was. I have a German Shepherd and a Swift as well and would love to take him on out-of-state drives but not sure abt how comfortable it would be for him. Btw- lovely dog. __________________ If you lose your temper, you’ve lost the argument

11th January 2008, 14:30	#5 (permalink)
pjay_in BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mangalore Posts: 123	Good pics! The report could have been a bit more detailed. One's first long road trip is always special!

11th January 2008, 15:14	#7 (permalink)
snaronikar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 2,170 View My Garage	Nice pics and doggie too. Also good write up. __________________ Love your job but Never love your company because you never know when your company stops loving you-NRN

12th January 2008, 10:12	#8 (permalink)
sqwall BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 54	Nice writeup. Great pics, the doggy looks camera savvy.

17th January 2008, 09:56	#9 (permalink)
im_srini BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 283 View My Garage	Hi MG, nice travelogue, & thanks for the Pondy tip... Your dog is cool, had one a long time ago (Sigh !). But unlike yours, mine used to be sick in cars ! Had to stop frequently to let him stretch his legs & walk around. Funny thing was, he absolutely loved riding in 2-wheelers !?!

17th January 2008, 10:10	#10 (permalink)
esteem_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Madras Posts: 5,138 View My Garage	Who is the GSD ? Glad he enjoyed the beaches & the trip.

17th January 2008, 22:20	#11 (permalink)
Nitin Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,813 View My Garage	Nice report. Good to see the doggie travel along..

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