Taj Connemara happens to be a second home in Chennai on my many business and leisure trips to this city. Chennai has been a stopover for many trips to Pondicherry that holds a special place in my heart. The sun and the sea, the warmth and the energy, the French influence on the architecture and the people combines together into a complete delight. Pondicherry has many great places to stay and eat. Amongst some of my favorites are Del Orient, Promenade, Dupleix and the Park Guest House. The Park Guest house is an austere choice compared to the others but has its own charm. The ashram and the Samadhi are a great way to immerse oneself in the powerful energy centers in the region. With the Matri Mandir, a golden globe of a massive structure designed in a futuristic way and Auroville, a few kilometers away makes Pondicherry and ideal base for long and short days.
Auroville of-course has its own guest houses run by Aurovillians. Tineke's Center guest house has some fond memories with Italian chef making oven baked pizzas every evening for dinner. Dining and organic shopping options are many in Auroville. Fruit extracts and incense are quite popular at Solar kitchen and visitor's center. A hibiscus fruit extract called 'power group' is known for its revitalizing properties. A trip to Pondicherry and Auroville is incomplete without a mention of the mother and Sri Aurobindo, beings of the highest order who lived and practiced their yoga here and brought integral yoga to the world. Their presence is still felt here. I have felt rejuvenated from almost every visit to this lovely fun in the sun place! En route to Pondicherry from Chennai, is the Taj Fisherman's cove, a beach cottage resort in Mahabalipuram. I remember a birthday spent at fisherman's cove which is worth remembering.
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| Taj Connemara, Chennai |
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| Matrimandir, Auroville |
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