So it was that time again. I usually take short trips with
my yoga friends from Mystic Yoga , from time to time. I was all excited about this trip even before it got
announced officially . Hailing from a punjabi family , you are never expected to go on a holidays that
can be described as “ tranquil”
“peaceful” “holistic” . So as children we usually went to places that were associated
with “fun”. Thus, such holidays were a rare occasion . And in our busy lives ,
we don’t really tend to think of such vacations either. Thanks to Mystic, I have been able to catch
up with myself over the years now . A long weekend in a remote hill station or in the outskirts always helps to refresh
the soul .
Well, besides all the
peace and tranquil mumbo jumbo, I was super excited about the food. A foodie is
always a foodie. And when my friends were busy planning meditation sessions, I
researched on food and shopping scene of Pondi. They talked about the warmth
of the people, I measured the warmth of the pizza oven . They talked about
solar energy, I talked about solar power gelato . Who ever knows me well
enough, I am all about food . I can talk about food all day, all night and
not get bored . Food makes me happy, always .
So the day began at 3
am, when we landed at the Chennai Airport, and to my surprise, where everything, including the café was shut. I MEAN SHUT! So outside the airport we found a
lovely filter coffee stall that came as a blessing post a horrid night flight.
And we were set to hit the lovely Auroville. As per their set format, we don’t
ever stay in the main city. The resort chosen was the Ashoka. We had
beautiful Gazebos on the beach a little
away from Auroville. That day, we got going in the direction of the Aurobindo
Ashram, sat in peace by the shrine and enjoyed tranquil silence of the place. This
was followed by a lovely lunch at one of the iconic colonial hotels of
Pondicherry, Hotel Du Parc. The food
was pretty average, so I’m not really
going to elaborate on it.
This was followed by sitting on the rocks at the promenade.
The water seemed as exited about the next couple of days as we were. There is
something really playful about the Bay of Bengal. It calls you , touches
your little toe and runs back, as you step forward, it moves a little further
backward, and after a few more times, when you least expect, it envelopes all
your senses with its magnanimous presence.
And this is exactly what the waves
were doing. Somewhat theatrical, each waver just lured us and welcomed us to
the contrasting peace of Pondicherry .
The night at the hotel was magical, the sound of the waves singing you to sleep,
was pure healing. Each day began with a lovely yoga session by the beach, followed by soaking in some salty goodness of
the sea and then a beautiful South Indian breakfast at the hotel .
The lunch at auroville will
remain etched in my head for long. A great melange of simplicity,
freshness and a lot of love . Auroville as a town is so so positive. Where
people from so many nationalities live so harmoniously with each other. Just love
those cycles, hammocks, some bakeries, organic grocery stores. Simple happy
life. Even the fruits here taste so good, I guess it's because that’s how
nature wanted them to grow. Organic.
The frequent trips between Pondicherry, Auroville and the
hotel made us stop at various stops. One of them being the Sunday market.
Apparently, they say , there is nothing that is not available at this market.
Mostly second hand stuff, but I did find myself some really cool MODAK moulds, and interesting back scratchers. Also
found the Red Banana or Kerala Banana, that I have never eaten before, and a
tamil cousin of our puchka. The best way enjoy a city is by exploring the
street food .
The trip ended with sunset at
Mahabalipuram. Much to the displeasure of my guide , I was not even slightly
interested in the history of the place . I was busy clicking pics of the food
vendors and tasting their fare . A bonus to this was the Mamallapuram Dance
Festival . A lovely range of performances showcasing Kathak , Bharatnatyam and Odissi . The sunset
, The temple and culture , perfect way to bid farewell .
I didn’t even spare the tea stop at on the way
to the airport . Adyar Ananda Bhawan was a tea and refreshment . I got myself a
bag food of goodies and ended on a sweet note with some Dry fruit halwa .
I fell in love with pondicherry , the minute I read about
the food scene . Some of the highlights of what we ate were as follows:
Zuka :
This baby is pizza heaven . As per the norms of the trip ,
we were vegetarian . You will not complain one bit post a meal at this place . I
am confessing , it’s the tastiest pizza I have eaten in my life . Mind you , I have eaten a lot of
good pizza . The Sauce was perfectly tart , the seasoning was spot on , and the
cheese , oh my , was perfect . A drizzle of chili oil and I was it was “ love at
first bite” . The best was the Pesto Spinach Pizza , The freshness of the spinach
just stole my heart .
I just fell in love with the grocery store . The chocolate
they sell is mainly Mason and Co . But the cheese and the banana chips were
crazy . They also serve some delicious baked goods . The Lemon Meringue Pie was
like music . The tang of the lemon with the contrast of the meringue made me go
silent for a while . They even make brilliant brownies , some of the best I have
ever tasted .
Matri Mandir :
First , the aparajita sharbat , light lavender in colour,
full of floral goodness , and has medicinal properties. The next was the hazelnut
gelato . It was mildly sweet , nutty and made with solar powered freezer .
How cool is that !
This was followed by some curd rice with
rasam and sambhar and the stunning range
of chocolates from Mason and Company .
Sunday Street Market :
I started with some Patti Samosas which were pretty nice and three types of bananas ( I Love Bananas ) The South Indian Cousin of our Puchka ,
Gup-Chup was quite a surprise . The water looked pretty colourless , but was
loaded with flavor , piquant , spicy and had a Kanji like flavor . Simply loved
it .
Mahabalipuram :
Well , the couple of hours at Mahabalipuram were like a
dream come true. Started an thinly sliced raw mango . coated with chili powder
. These were totapuri mangoes , hence ,
the skin was thin and they were semi sweet . Next in Line were the Tapioca
Chips . Oh My God , they were a riot ! crisp and so different from anything I’ve
eaten before . this was followed by tiny gooseberries , they was tossed in a
spice mix and tasted brilliant . I also had some sliced pineapple and smoked
Palm Roots . and is all that wasn’t enough Some Boiled corn. Very fresh and
different from the street food of North or Kolkata . 
I am sure I will visit Pondicherry again , this time alone
perhaps , Need to be a backpacker and click tonnes of pictures . And as I weave
the fond memories of the trip in this story , I long for another few days, a
few more dips in the sea and few more slices of that heavenly pizza . Adios !
