Calm is the norm

Puducherry is one of the a lot of accepted day-tripper destinations in South India.

There's something about sleepy Puducherry orPondicherry that draws me to it over and over again!

For most peopleone visit is enough to look around and soak in the atmosphere of thislaidback former French colony. For me, every visit only makes my heartgrow fonder.

Culture mix
The beauty of Pondicherry lies in theway it straddles two distinct cultures with ease.Walking down thestreets, be prepared to be surprised as you hear native Tamiliansconverse in French. Ask their names and expect to be even more surprisedbecause names like Brutus Vivek are not uncommon. It amazes me how Frenchand Tamilian cultures have come together and coexisted so well.

TheSri Aurobindo ashram is probably the most visited piece of real estate inthe city. Years go by, but the ashram remains a place of universalacceptance and abundant peace. A few minutes spent there will soothe yournerves. Walk across to the Manakula Vinayagar Koil to visit the templededicated to Lord Ganesha or just go there to see Lakshmi -- thetemple elephant.

Both, the temple and ashram are located in theFrench quarter of Pondicherry -- the part of town thatstillhas magnificent French style villas, and where street names begin with"Rue"meaning street or road in French.

Magnificent doorways peeping out from under a curtain of bougainvilleain full bloom welcome you instead of a regular gate. With imposing walls and long windows with grills, it's impossible to take apeek inside.

Busy promenades
As evening sets in, theseaside promenade comes alive, crowded and full of vendors. I prefer awalk by the sea in the mornings.French cuisine is well known theworld over, but here, even that has been influenced by the local culture.It's known asFranco-Tamilian cuisine.

People visitPondicherry for many reasons. Whatever it is that draws you to the city,you will leave a calmer and rejuvenated person. There's something inthe air. It's hard to describe, but a pleasure to experience.

HT Image