Next day morning would seem odd for most. The huge assortment of art journals and magazines were being studied us four like we discovered some great treasure. Once a while, we would remind ourselves that we were in Pondy for new year fun and here we were doing it all wrong, or maybe it was a great way to end the soon to be gone year or even better to say begin the new year in an art gallery. In fact we were so enthralled by reading few articles out, even after our breakfast at the hotel restaurant below, were were back to the books. We also made sure we got some nice snaps clicked of a huge canvas painting in 'our' room. There was a small art museum in the ground floor with several kinds of art and paintings. It was time well spent.
In the afternoon, we set out towards Goubert Avenue for lunch. We headed for the Hotel Ajanta sea view and after waiting for a table to get free, all four us got loaded with sea food and beer. The crabs were best here. How some two hours went off, nobody knew. We were full and we were drunk. Walking out of the hotel, four us went towards the port stretch of bridge built for the port. At times, one or two of us tripped down because of the rocks and also because were a bit high but still in control.
The scene was getting amazing as time passed. More people were being seen in the shore side and all along the Goubert Avenue as the sun was going behind the horizon. The life size statue of Sir Francois Dupleix, Bapu, Joan of Arc, the spirit of people all around, the waves hitting the rocks all seemed to be enjoying and witnessing this evening to their hearts content.
When it was completely dark, we were sitting facing the sea and trying to look farther ahead towards even though nothing much was visible, trying to locate a small fishing boat or a sea vessel lying stable far far away. We didn't speak much around this time. And yet we could hear the chaotic noises of all kinds of people who, like us, had come down here to witness the new year celebrations. Security was also kept well in mind the administration there. Roads along the main points had a few cops watching over. Sadly, they were not to enjoy the night but to be despondently answering to their duty of policing.
Some time around 8 to 9 pm, in the sea shore we saw some magnificent display of fireworks from about half a mile where we were sitting. It lasted for a good half an hour or so. After that ended, we were thrilled to see the same happening again, this time near where we were. This also continued for good long minutes. Then the same was done at a third place ahead of us. All that time, there were one or two fire trucks standing by, in case there might be an emergency. This whole event was so spectacular, all us were super charged. It was surely one of the best of new year eve for me. Slowly and unwillingly we traced back our way to the hotel getting back through the MG road.
The evening itself was so sufficient and eventful out there by the beach, when we were back at the hotel, there didn't seem to be much of a happy mood or even anything such at there. It was calm and silent like the previous night. Not much ado about it. It was somewhat queer. But none of us were bothered much as all the three went to bed long time before the watch could mid night. I was awake listening around outside for a while but I too couldn't resist the heavy eyes and was fast asleep to realise any outcry or merryful exchange of those three words, even if there was any in the hotel.
"Happy New Year 2007" - hopefully someone or the other said that to us in our dreams or in their own heart far far away.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Gingee Fort and Thiruvanmalai Temple
It was new year day and we were returning back from Pondichery, we decided to halt at two places for sight seeing on the way. Gingee fort in Villupuram was first of them, which was just about 25-30 kms from Pondy. There were two forts - Rajagiri and Krishnagiri, also called as Raja fort and Rani fort. The alternate names suggest who it was meant for in those times. We had already planned to go to the topmost one and there were heading towards Rajagiri fort; this was also called the "Troy of the East" by the British because it was supremely fortified with the added advantage of being 800 ft high.
But we were not alone. There was a horde of people all around the place as tourists. Most we figured out were from nearby places. It was just about nearing noon then and the heat was already in its extremes. We stuffed ourselves with whatever packed food we were carrying and bottles of mineral water. On the way to the entrance, there were boards and inscriptions with historical information about the fort. The initial entrance was an unpaved path which more or less appeared like a field with a clean ambiance. To reach the top were a flight of steps made of large rocks mostly cut out or laid appropriately. There was a small lake also visible which was kind of a catchment area for the rains. As we went up, R was getting out of breath somewhere half the way and sat down to relax. But from that point on he did not want to go ahead. As he also had to ride all the way back to Bangalore and there was no alternative driver amongst rest of us, we agreed with him. Whimsically, we named that part as 'Randeep point' by his name.
From there, the three of us then stopped at a couple of more spots to view the cannons, some nice viewpoints, etc. Finally reaching the top, we were in high spirits to have overcome our fatigue. At the top, there was another catchment area under a huge rock which was drinking water source for many already present there when we reached. It was like a cave about 2 meters under the rock where you walk down and suddenly feel a mysterious cool breeze and a small pool of water in the dark. Some local kids were excited to have been photographed by us.
By the time we left from Gingee fort, it was already about 2 in the afternoon. Thiruvanmalai temple at Villupuram was our second stop. They were attractive from far away where anybody can see the high rise tower roofs in glowing white. Here we visited one or two temple, got a few snaps taken and then left for good. A few kilometers before reaching Krishnagiri, we halted for some more relaxation and stretching. We were back in Bangalore in good heart. It was already dark and we headed for our homes. Our new year journey shall be cherished for quite some time.
But we were not alone. There was a horde of people all around the place as tourists. Most we figured out were from nearby places. It was just about nearing noon then and the heat was already in its extremes. We stuffed ourselves with whatever packed food we were carrying and bottles of mineral water. On the way to the entrance, there were boards and inscriptions with historical information about the fort. The initial entrance was an unpaved path which more or less appeared like a field with a clean ambiance. To reach the top were a flight of steps made of large rocks mostly cut out or laid appropriately. There was a small lake also visible which was kind of a catchment area for the rains. As we went up, R was getting out of breath somewhere half the way and sat down to relax. But from that point on he did not want to go ahead. As he also had to ride all the way back to Bangalore and there was no alternative driver amongst rest of us, we agreed with him. Whimsically, we named that part as 'Randeep point' by his name.
From there, the three of us then stopped at a couple of more spots to view the cannons, some nice viewpoints, etc. Finally reaching the top, we were in high spirits to have overcome our fatigue. At the top, there was another catchment area under a huge rock which was drinking water source for many already present there when we reached. It was like a cave about 2 meters under the rock where you walk down and suddenly feel a mysterious cool breeze and a small pool of water in the dark. Some local kids were excited to have been photographed by us.
By the time we left from Gingee fort, it was already about 2 in the afternoon. Thiruvanmalai temple at Villupuram was our second stop. They were attractive from far away where anybody can see the high rise tower roofs in glowing white. Here we visited one or two temple, got a few snaps taken and then left for good. A few kilometers before reaching Krishnagiri, we halted for some more relaxation and stretching. We were back in Bangalore in good heart. It was already dark and we headed for our homes. Our new year journey shall be cherished for quite some time.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Beach visit at night
That night before sleeping, I got a mood to experience the night time sea, especially after knowing that the sea was just 10 kms walk from where we stayed. P also got interested. Leaving the other two in the "ashram", we two set out.
We had to walk through a silent but well inhabited lane. It was a small village in fact. Most of the people already had their lights off by then while one or two were enjoying the breeze outside before going to bed. Those few didn't bother much as to who we were as they might have got used to tourists moving around the place very often. In fact we came across a group of foreign hikers near one house or maybe it was some inn or lodge. Then I noticed one female hiker splitting up from the group and disappeared into one of the small meandering roads.
On our way, we saw few newly constructed small houses beside the lane. These were built as relief work for those who had lost their homes and family in the Tsunami disaster that hit most of the southern shores on 26th December 2004. We proceeded slowly towards the beach side. It wasn't much of an eye appealing sight. This part of the beach was used by the fishermen which was apparent from the smell of sea fish all around. There were also few rowing boats and
rafts with fish nets around which were scattered some dead small sea fishes.
We went near the waves. P went in to feel and get his feet wet. He was overjoyed. I have seen beaches a lot but the feel of being there at night is totally different. Its only you and the sea and not any other soul to disturb your peace. We could see the strong halogen lights far away in
the distance along the coast. It created a wonderful view. Also just about a kilometer or so from this place was another private beach & resort whose lights dimly illuminated the place where we were standing. We two then got onto one of the boats anchored in the sands and clicked few snaps. It felt very peaceful being there listening only to the waves and no other artificial noise. We sat on the boat edges and just listened to the silence. I could have slept there itself feeling the nature. But all good things have to come to an end, if they are to be cherished. Being filled too much of feel good factor, we decided to get to bed. That night I had a sound sleep.
We had to walk through a silent but well inhabited lane. It was a small village in fact. Most of the people already had their lights off by then while one or two were enjoying the breeze outside before going to bed. Those few didn't bother much as to who we were as they might have got used to tourists moving around the place very often. In fact we came across a group of foreign hikers near one house or maybe it was some inn or lodge. Then I noticed one female hiker splitting up from the group and disappeared into one of the small meandering roads.
On our way, we saw few newly constructed small houses beside the lane. These were built as relief work for those who had lost their homes and family in the Tsunami disaster that hit most of the southern shores on 26th December 2004. We proceeded slowly towards the beach side. It wasn't much of an eye appealing sight. This part of the beach was used by the fishermen which was apparent from the smell of sea fish all around. There were also few rowing boats and
rafts with fish nets around which were scattered some dead small sea fishes.
We went near the waves. P went in to feel and get his feet wet. He was overjoyed. I have seen beaches a lot but the feel of being there at night is totally different. Its only you and the sea and not any other soul to disturb your peace. We could see the strong halogen lights far away in
the distance along the coast. It created a wonderful view. Also just about a kilometer or so from this place was another private beach & resort whose lights dimly illuminated the place where we were standing. We two then got onto one of the boats anchored in the sands and clicked few snaps. It felt very peaceful being there listening only to the waves and no other artificial noise. We sat on the boat edges and just listened to the silence. I could have slept there itself feeling the nature. But all good things have to come to an end, if they are to be cherished. Being filled too much of feel good factor, we decided to get to bed. That night I had a sound sleep.
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