The southern sojourn

So when I was struggling to get my bearings straight on the Indian timeline, a dear friend who now lives in Chennai asked me to visit her. After the initial inertia from mom dad about the ayodhya verdict, its implications etc (which proved out to be nothing thanks to all of us maturing) they conceded :D


So off I went to Chennai for a refreshing visit to a dear friend. This was going to be my first visit to a city situated so down south in India. So my excitement kind of knew no bounds. But the hot humid airs of chennai made sure I kept myself in check. After a day's rest we embarked on an adventure reserved for every non-Rajni fan. A show of his latest flick Enthiran, in a huge theater amongst hooting, cheering crowds. What an experience! And what a movie! It is truly god level. With so many layers including the artificiality of Mrs. Bachchan, I loved it. Note to self : do not deprive yourself of such stuff in the future!


The next day was marked with visiting the real Chennai. So friend and me ventured in the killer humidity to T nagar, the market place of chennai. It seemed to me as if the entire Chennai had gathered there. We went to Pothys and did some sareee shopping. After that we visited the big daddy of Big Bazaar, the Saravana stores. Walmart guys should take a look at it before thinking of opening their branches in India. What eh spectacle this 7 story shopping store was! After such tiresome activities the time came to quench our hunger. And only typical south Indian food could do it. So we went to Murugan Idli. They serve the bestest, softest idlis I have ever eaten in my life. With 4 different equally tasty chutneys and sambhar. And seeing my liking my friend made sure that we visited them almost everyday to try all the stuff from their menu :D


Next day we visited Besant Nagar beach. A nice place to chill away from the city hustle bustle. I tried my hand at balloon shooting and got 5 on 8 targets :D

backwaters on way to Chunnambar beach

Then came the weekend and the much awaited trip to Pondicherry. Not at all overhyped. Its serene beaches and quieter townships (the french colonies) left me wanting for more. Next time I am planning a minimum 7 days trip to this place. We visited the Promenade beach and the lovely Chunnambar beach. 
Due to time constraints we could not visit Auroville. Btw we had a tough time finding a good place to eat in Pondi, as we reached pretty late. Then our driver suggested Anand Bhavan and we found it to be a really decent place to hog. Plus the fact that its situated right in the middle of the market place and french colonies made it our hang out spot for the day and half that we were there. And its on these same street side shops that I bought an H&M cotton top for Rs. 150, after much haggling though. Neha you were so right about H&M clothes! :D


On our way back to Chennai we visited Mahabalipuram. A world heritage site with amazing architecture. It was worth wrapping up a bit early in Pondi to catch Mahabalipuram. A must visit once again!


And oh on my last day in Chennai, we visited a 7 story gold jewellery's shop just for fun. No offence to anyone but MY GOD! south Indians and their love for gold! I am still amazed.


And so my impromptu southern sojourn came to an end. It was fun. I hated Chennai weather due to its humidity but loved the food and the chaos. And its always a pleasure to visit old friends and be a part of their life. So am thinking where to plan my next trip :D any suggestions ?


~nightflier


P.S. somehow I am not able to transfer pics taken from my mobile camera..would have been a better post with few local pictures.