Though quite confused in my head of whether I was going on a holiday or was I leaving a holiday destination , Wellington set amidst the Niligiris is a piece of heaven on earth, we loaded our bag and baggage along with our two fur balls ..our doggies and hit the road .As we started rolling down Gorkha hill we were greeted or I may say stared at by quite a few officers who were still returning back from work .Contrary to the direction where most were going to head for their holidays, south west , we had decided on south east. The day was as good as it could be. Almost like it had popped out from one of the Enid Blyton books.
Our first destination was good old Bangalore , and much to our surprise, despite it being a weekend we weren’t swarmed by the erratic traffic there . Two days of blissful shopping and hogging at all my favourite eating outlets didn’t feel enough. Much to my husband’s amusement I was able to eat almost after every half an hour. ..almost as if my eating capacity was on an overdrive.
Our next chapter of fun and adventure was to unfold at Chennai. So with me driving the car and my husband biking it out we reach home around lunchtime . Oh I almost forgot to let you know Chennai is also my husband’s home town . Our idea of holiday was lots of lazing around without having to bother about stay and food and what better than going home .
The next day ways bright and sunny , though most of you may wonder I why would I mention that , what’s new with a weather like that in Chennai , but the reason I mention it here is because for once with the global climatic change Chennai was actually “COLD”. Thankfully it was not raining and was an ideal day for the beach . We made our way to Pondicherry , the quite little union territory just two and a half hour drive from Chennai .This little sleepy town, still a home to many from across the world , especially the French , was a welcome change from the fast paced life at both Chennai and Bangalore .Apart from shopping at the exclusive Hidesign factory outlet , the various Aurobindo boutiques which showcase some of the most exquisite hand made goodies , candles ,lamps and much, much more ,and ofcourse a visit to the Hidesign cafe is a must . We made our way to Mother’s shrine and paid our respect there, letting the silence and peace fill us till it lasted. The sound of the waves hitting against the shore was too much to ignore and we succumbed to the temptation, retreating at the virgin beach just outside Pondicherry. Because the beach are hardly frequented by tourists they are amazingly clean with white sand and deep blue water greeting you .We were actually able to pick up some of the most beautiful shells from the shore itself. Tried yet happy we made our way back to Chennai . The following two days were spent mall hopping and lazing on the Marina Beach, enjoying sandwiches and corn . How could I resist that !!
The next place on cards was Mahabalipurm. Though I had been there as a kid, the shore line had been altered after the dreadful Tsunami and I was keen on going there once again. The historical structures were as awesome as ever but the highlight was the beach again . The shoreline here dips suddenly leading to high waves at the shore, good enough for surfing . The fresh fried fish and crabs you get at the shore just spiced up the place . Tanned beyond recognition despite having caked ourselves with all the possible sun tan lotions we headed back home with just one break , Dakshinachitra , a centre for living art and culture with emphasis on the tradition of South India . An amazing place for children to try their hands at Pottery, glass painting , leaf painting and much more.
After spending another two days at home with our punch line being “Lazing around” we hit the road one more time and this time home bound . As I had mentioned in the beginning my confused self still did not know whether I was going on a holiday or ending one.
