I have always enjoyed reading various travelogues here on TBHP, but never really taken the effort to actually sit down and write one myself. Well, here goes my first effort towards writing one.
It had been ages since we actually took a holiday, savoring time just for ourselves, and doing nothing in particular. With the Dasara hols approaching, we thought this was our chance. The intention was head to some place near Bangalore, and to which the roads were actually roads, and not craters with tar patches. The initial round of searches brought Yercaud into the line of sight. It seemed pretty convenient, and there were a few travelogues on the forum itself, telling us what it was we needed to expect. To add to the fun, there was also a TBHP Tri State meet which was planned along the same time. Talk about co-incidence!
Spoke to Rajan (Patchyboy) who was the organizer and came to realize that owing to popular demand, the plan for the meet was to be there on Saturday, and back on a Sunday. IMO, among the most saddening things in life is to go back to work immediately after returning from a trip.
Things suddenly didnt seem to be on track. Spoke to Riju following this, who suggested Pondicherry. Another round of searches among the travelogues, and it seemed worth looking at. Road conditions were a concern, going by some of the reports, but a rather recent log from Akroy didnt really mention any particular bad stretches. Spoke to a couple of colleagues at work, who confirmed that roads were relaid, and nothing to worry. The location was thereby finalized.
Next step was deciding on a place to stay. With the long weekend meaning there would be a strong influx of visitors to Pondy, we had to decide and act quick. Once again thanks to Riju who told me where to look for info, and some places were shortlisted. However, upon enquiry, many of these places were already booked, or else quoted sky-high rates. A friend who had been to Pondy in the not-so-distant past suggested a place called Ajanta Beach guest house. According to him, it was safe and also not too expensive. (Contact # 0413 2338898). A search on the net threw up some comments which we were later to realize was quite apt. However, they did have rooms within our budget, and the venue of our stay was also decided.
Woke up early at about 3AM, and completed what was left of the packing. Started out from home at about 4AM. The route we were to take was
Bangalore-> Krishnagiri-> Tiruvanamalai-> Gingee-> Tindivanam-> Pondicherry.
I am not going into the details of the route such as where to turn and look for what as they have been explained in rather detail in the other travlogues. Refer Dadu's and Akroy's travelogues for more info. However, be warned about the lack of proper road directions and road signs. Knowing Tamil would be an added bonus in asking for directions, and also reading boards written in Tamil. Between my wife and myself, she can read a bit of Tamil, while i can speak it, so life was easy.
We breakfasted in Tiruvanamalai at a decent looking restaurant which served the usual dosas, vadas and the likes. Food was tasty, and we were amazed at how much we devoured. Feeling extremely satisfied, tipped the old waiter generously and proceeded with our journey.
Soon the sun was up in all its glory and there was no other option but to use the air-conditioning. This was the starting of our friendship with the red hot ball of fire through this trip.
Gingee Fort
We took a few breaks along the way just to feel the air, and also to stretch our legs. It was a delight to watch the villagers carry on with their daily chores in their fields.
Roads were a blessing, with no major traffic and no crazy speedbreakers which we have now come to expect almost anywhere having stayed in Bangalore. Villages through which we passed had sensible folk who respected the right of the highway, and didnt bring about the need for any screeching tyres and frantic pumping of brakes.
We reached Pondicherry limits at about 11AM, a good 7 hours since we started, clocking speeds of a max of 110kmph, and sticking to the usual 80-100kmph self-imposed limits. The breaks in between also added up to the total time taken. For a change we had decided to enjoy the journey, rather than revel in the time in which we had completed a trip, which was the practice earlier.
Entering Pondicherry we were amazed by the change in the road conditions and also the general neatness of the place. What however struck me even more was the crazy two-wheeler traffic. I thought i had seen it all having been in Bangalore and other major cities, but no, this was even crazier! As you approach a junction, be prepared for a couple of two wheelers to come jumping out of nowhere, and even taking turns which could put Rossi to shame, all this sans helmets or any sort of protection. This led me to conclude that probably two-wheelers here didnt come with brakes and hence the above behavior. Needless to say, i exercised the brakes of my car to a large extent here.
Our hotel being situated on the Beach road, finding it was no major task. All you had to do was listen to your ears and follow your nose to guide you. Pondicherry as such is not difficult to get around, and getting hang of the streets and finding your way is rather easy. Reaching the hotel we were offerred a room which was priced at Rs900/- (no taxes applicable) for dual occupancy, with A/C. Another choice was a sea-facing room meant for 4, which came at Rs.1700/- for 24 hours. We decided on the latter.
Hotel Ajanta Beach Guest House View from our sea-facing balcony
The room had just been vacated by some others earlier, and hence was still being cleaned as we reached. It was sea facing alright, but not as we had thought it would be. Nevertheless, it was really hot, and we decided to get some rest, before we decided to explore the place.
With the A/C chiiling the room, and tired out from the sun's onslaught,we took a nap......
To be Continued.