Having returned from the Hassan region, just a couple weeks earlier, we decided it was time to resume our travels within India and see as much as possible. This time, the destination would be Pondicherry, a 6-7 hour drive east, through the Eastern Ghats. Pondicherry is a former French colony, and we were hoping for some good French food once we got there.
Heading east from Palm Meadows is definitely nicer than going west. We didn't have to contend with an hour of driving through the city before reaching the open road. After leaving at 8AM, in about minutes, we had passed the girls school and officially entered Tamil Nadu. There we got on a toll-road and I could hardly believe we were still in India. Wide and fast, with just the occasional person/goat/cow walking on the road. Now that was traveling! Murthy seemed to enjoy the 'open road' as well, and I think we determined the top speed of an Innova with 3 adults, 3 kids, and too much luggage to be just over 140 kmh!
Unfortunately, that road went to Chennai, and we had to turn off to get to Pondy. This new road was definitely not as nice. I think some of the potholes could have swallowed the Innova whole! The drive through small villages was definitely more exciting however, and the passing sights kept us entertained.
About halfway there (at noon), we stopped in a town called Thiruvanamallai, home to a very large Hindu temple and a pilgrimage point for many Hindus. In fact, back in December, our maid and driver's wife had come here for the Shiva festival. With Murthy as our tour guide, we first went and were blessed by an elephant. Zach was a bit concerned!
Then after walking through some of the buildings, the girls attracted a crowd, which proved to be a great opportunity for Heather to take pictures. Here's a cute little girl!
Pilgrims come dressed in red sarees. There were some families, but it seemed to be mostly women who came. After a couple hundred pictures, it was time to get back in the car and head further east, through the mountains. For those of you keeping track, it is now 1:30 pm.
If you were expecting snow covered peaks, then these 'mountains' would have disappointed you. We mainly saw granite hills, many with forts on top, as pictured below.
Finally, at 4:15pm, we and checked into the hotel/resort called the Kailash. It was run by a nice Frenchman and looked to be rather relaxing, but dinner didn't start until 7:30pm. After getting settled in our room (ocean view means further away from the ocean - up the hill) we went down the path to see the Bay of Bengal, and let the kids RUN!
This coast was devastated by the December 26, 2004 tsunami. According to an article, over 30000 people were homeless in the territory of Pondicherry.
The shores are filled with local fisherman, and their families will come to the ocean to dig clams, and play. Here's a picture of their big smiles.
Finally, at the end of the day, our family on the coast. We had survived the drive and got to walk in the ocean. Tomorrow we were heading into Pondicherry itself.
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