Auroville | Pondicherry

When my cousin mentioned about the marathon in Auroville last year, I immediately displayed my willingness to join. I signed up for 10KM run. During the month of December and January, I practiced for the run - in Bangalore and Surathkal. 

However, when the date approached, my cousin could not join due to an injury. I did not want to do it alone either. But in December last year, when I had met my friend Surya, I had mentioned about the run to him. He had told me that he would register before going to his Vipasana session. We never spoke about it later, so, I decided to check with him. It so happened that he had booked it the very next day and was coming to Auroville. I was happy to have a company and continued with the plan.

I reached Pondicherry on the morning of 7th Feb. Since the check-in time was at noon, I used their common restroom to freshen up and left my luggage at the reception before heading out to the beach. I had Pongal for breakfast. I also stopped at a local bakery to have an almond croissant. At the hotel, I did an early check-in. 

I had carried my laptop. So, I arranged for a class as I was free in the morning. Surya joined me at noon. He had arrived the previous day and was staying in Auroville. During his visit to collect the bib and T-shirt, he enquired about going inside Matrimandir. Normally one needs to apply at least a week in advance. With some talking, he managed to find free spots for Monday. Normally, a few visitors cancel at the nth moment. I decided to join him. 

We went to Surguru spot for lunch. He had meals there. I did not want to eat more rice that day. Two scoops of Pongal that I had had that morning had still not digested.  So, we next headed to Bread and Chocolate where I had a tasty Mariachi wrap made of chickpea flour, stuffed with baked beans, sour cream and roasted vegetables. It was yummy. 

After resting for sometime at the hotel, we headed out again in the evening. This time to Andhra Tiffins. This hidden gem became our favourite spot in Pondicherry. The food here is very good. I tried Paddu and their rose milk. They also serve Adai. We decided to come there the next day to try Adai. I tipped the server - a young boy and he smiled with joy. 

There were two ancient temples near by. There was an arangetram in progress at Sri Vedapuriswarar Sivan temple. Next to it is Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple. Both temples have beautiful ponds inside the premises. The idols in the main shrine are impressive as always. 

On our way, we found a shop selling some unique items. Looking at my curiosity, the owner gave me samples of everything he had - A soup made of Mudavattukal Kizhangu that is good for joint pains, Black rice Ganji with peanut chutney and a kheer. It was kind of him to do that. 

We headed to the rock beach and sat there for a while. The beach was crowded that evening. The cops were asking people not to take swim. They even hit few boys who were refusing to come back. 

Surya and I have a lot to talk all the time. We never run out of topics. So, our conversations continued despite the chaotic scene that surrounded us. 

Next morning, we got ready by 5:30AM and left to Auroville. Surya was doing the half marathon and he had to be there before 6AM. When we reached there we saw that people did not appear to be in a hurry as this was not a race. Starting togehter did not matter here. I had to wait there till 7AM when my run began. 

The track went through the village of Auroville which is filled with trees. The entire place was covered in mist. I finished my 10K in 1H 17mins. I was 13 minutes faster than my usual time. 

I had some oranges, watermelon and water to prevent dehydration. Surya and I took our pictures in front of the "Finisher" board and headed back. They had arranged breakfast but it was crowded. So, we headed to Bread and Chocolate instead. I had some Sourdough bread with poached egg and a tropical smoothie. They were delicious. 

Back at the hotel, I finished a class and we headed to Andhra tiffins. The server was happy to see me again. His face lit up with a broad grin. I had a tasty meal with Pappu and other side dishes. The chutney powder they have is absolutely delicious. Promising him that we would return in the evening for Adai, we left. 

However, in the evening the place was closed. They have the afternoon off on Sundays. Maybe the boy forgot about it. So, we headed to Seagull hotel and picked a nice spot on the balcony, watching the beach. I had come to Pondy with my friend Aman a few years ago. Thanks to him, I now know the happening places in Pondy. 

The following day, we rode to Auroville and joined their daily visit to Matrimandir. We were taken to the inner chamber. It was a long process with several stops. Inside the chamber, I meditated for some time.  I was in a perfect mood to concentrate. It was a nice AC chamber with a sunlight coming in from the top and a glass globe in the middle. 

Outside the mandir is a banyan tree. I found the tree very beautiful and its shade gave me lot of comfort. I realised once again that my best meditative state is while I am in nature. I think end of the day, everything comes back to the same - Connect with nature. The rest of it is nothing but a need for a sense of community. To me, they are just noise. 

We had breakfast at a cafe near visitor centre before heading back. We dropped of the rented scooter in town and headed to the bus station where we boarded a Chennai bus (Via ECR). Next stop - Mahabalipuram. 

This short trip to Pondy was wonderful. While I revisited some places I had been to last time, I also discovered something new. This is how revisiting a place must be, isn't it?