Dear All,
This is my first attempt to write a travelogue in this forum. Kindly correct me in case of mistakes.
We had been planning for a trip (by car of course) for a long time. Though we have made one trip each to Chennai and Shivanasamudra in June, 2009, there was nothing much to write about.
Finally we decided to go to Pondicherry on an extended Christmas weekend. In fact we had planned the Pondicherry trip in January, 2009 but had to cancel at the last moment due to some personal issues.
Start Date: 25-Dec-09
End Date: 28-Dec-09
Members: Me, wife and son
Vehicle: Toyota Innova Diesel G1
Route followed: Bangalore – Krishnagiri – Uthangarai – Chengam –Tiruvannamalai – Gingee – Tindivanam – Pondicherry.
Previous Day Preparations
- Tanked up and got the air pressure checked.
- Reconfirmed the vehicle documents
- Reconfirmed spare tyre changing kit.
- Reconfirmed spare bulb and first aid kit in the vehicle.
Day 1 (25-Dec-09)
The alarm went off at 4:30 AM. We had planned to leave home at 5:30 AM. to beat the Holiday Traffic. Finished off the remaining packing and was ready by 5:20 AM. But our son was very excited with the “GIFTS” that Santa Claus had presented him. Due to this we got delayed by about half an hour. Anyways we set off at 6:10 AM.
We took the Diary Circle route to reach Hosur Road. The traffic was moderate (however we encountered heavy traffic near Electronics City), but were able to cruise at about 70 Kmph on Hosur Road.
The Hosur Road stretch had only moderate traffic.
We reached Krishnagiri at about 7:30 AM. However got stuck near the toll booth for about 20 mins.
The LONG queue at the Krishnagiri Toll Gate
Finally could get out of Krishnagiri toll gate at 7:50 AM. The road after the toll booth was smooth and we were easily clocking speeds above 100 Kmph. This is the dream road for any car lover. Took the left turn towards Chennai and after a drive of about a Kilometer turned right to take NH 66. The nightmare started hereafter. The road condition though was good in patches, but as has been mentioned in many travelogues by our respected bhpians, the road condition worsens when we least expect it. And when we think we have gone through all the potholes, one more appears from no where. I was tempted to drive around 80 Kmph, but after driving in about 2 or 3 potholes, decided to maintain a safe 60 to 70 Kmph.
Reached Samalapatti at about 9 AM. The railway crossing gate was closed but fortunately the train passed off soon and off we went. My wife and son were munching away the snacks at the back seat. I was not very hungry at that time and decided to drive for another hour. Soon passed Uthangarai and decided to break at Singarapettai at about 10 AM. We could not locate any decent eateries, so decided to stop over by the road and finish my share of sandwiches and juice. We set off after 15 minutes.
Reached Chengam at around 11 AM.
Some greenery on the way
I faintly remembered reading somewhere that the roads improved considerably after Chengam, so was tempted to press the accelerator a little more. Decided otherwise after the Left Front wheel hit a pothole. We crossed Thiruvannamalai at 11:30 AM and cruised through Gingee at 12 noon. I really wanted to stop over near the fort, but after glancing at the watch decided to proceed.
When we reached Tindivanam at around 12:30, the roads were crowded and NH 66 was made ONE WAY just before entering the town. We took a detour and joined NH 66 just near the Polo Mint flyover. The ride from hereon was smooth. The stretch of NH 66 from Tindivanam to Pondicherry is being repaired and being converted to 4 lane.
We reached Pondicherry city at 1:10 PM. Drove upto the Rajiv Gandhi Square and took a right turn towards Cuddalore Road. The traffic was moderate. After crossing the Chunambur Lake and Resort spotted the direction board for Kailash Beach Resort. Took the left turn and kept following the directions. After driving for about 2 Kms, we reached a Y intersection. There were no directions at this intersection!!! With a confused mind I approached a local gentleman coming towards me on a bicycle. As soon as he saw me from a distance (may be he observed the KA registered vehicle), he showed me a ‘V’ sign with his right hand. As he came near me I figured out he is trying to tell me the resort is 2 Kms ahead !!!!
We reached the resort at 1:25 PM sharp. Initially they had booked us at their newly constructed block near the Parking Lot. But may be due some cancellations, they accommodated us in the main block itself. After the initial formalities, we checked in our room at 1:40 PM. The room was very spacious and clean.
We were too tired to drive back to the city for lunch, so decided to try out the hotel restaurant itself. The food was sort of OK, but nothing great to write home about.
After lunch, my son enjoyed himself in the children pool for about half an hour.
Son enjoying himself in the pool
After that returned to the room and took a short nap.
A view of the resort in the evening
When we woke up it was almost 6 PM. Freshened up and headed for the beach road. Our plan was to walk down the beach road and have dinner in some restaurant. As we approached the beach road we found that a portion of the beach road was closed owing to the festive season. Parked the vehicle in one of the by lanes and walked towards the beach road.
With son on the beach road
The beach was crowded probably due to the peak tourist season. The weather was pleasant and perfect for a leisurely walk. After strolling for about an hour or so, decided to have dinner.
We entered the Ajanta Sea View Hotel seeking a table in the Roof top restaurant. But was utterly surprised when we were rudely informed that “SERVICE WAS CLOSED”. My watch showed 9:30 PM.!!!!
Next we approached Sea Gulls restaurant. The response was quite similar here too, but got hold of the manager and requested (read pleaded) him for a table for three. After much cajoling he relented. After a quick dinner returned to the hotel.
End of Day 1.