The Chennai-Pondicherry Link

Work took me to Pondicherry. That was in 1996.
I have maintained that link ever since.

I believe that Chennai and Pondy, now Puducherry, must be in link. What do you think?
More so with the scenic East Coast Road that makes it possible for us to cover the 160 kms in just over two hours.

I have known many Enfield riders ( of the MadBulls club) who make this trip as if they were going across Madras to meet friends. I mean, drive down in the morning, drive back the same day.
If you are one of those who has done this trip, you should share your experiences here.

I believe that Pondy is the best getaway for people in Chennai.
And some of us who love both places, are promoting it in a subtle manner.

We floated the first of the ideas last weekend. My musician friend Siddhartha Baja of 'Freedom Jam' fame (Bangalore) hosts 'Sec-Sat' in Pondy. A space for bands form all over who play music of different genres. The event is held every second Saturday of the month, hence Sec-Sat! Admission is free ( If you know of bands who wish to play the email is - pondyjam@gamil.com)

Last weekend, we tied in a Heritage Walk on Sunday morning. Another friend, Ashok Panda of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) organised the event. We had four people on the walk, two from Madras! (fee - Rs.100)
The walk took us through the old quarters of the French, the Tamil and the Muslim communities and ended in Bharathi Park, which INTACH has nicely renovated.

For us, who conduct the heritage walks through Mylapore, Fort St. George, George Towne and other places in Madras, the Pondy experience was unique. (by the way, if any of you have been on our walks in Madras, do let us know your experiences - we have a few new trails coming up after summer!).

Unique because there were hardly any souls on La Bordainnais Street or Suffren Street and as we walked down Kazy Street in the Muslim quarter we were transported to a different age.

Ashok says he wishes to have a yoga session in the Bharathi Park on Sunday at about 7 am. So the Pondy package for Chennai can get bigger and better.

How would you rate this package?
Drive down to Pondy on Saturday and reach by 5.30 pm. Take a boat ride at Chunnambar ( close to Pondy town) to take in the sea and the palms. Refreshed, check out 'Sec Sat' concerts at 7 pm or go shopping. Hit a bar or a restaurant at 9 pm. Party.

Try out yoga at 7 am or skip it for the heritage walk at 9 am. The walk takes 90mins. The rest of Sunday is yours!

If this package works, then a Chennai - Puducherry link would have got stronger! And if there are some bright sparks with an entrepreneurial streak, here is a business idea to explore. (You don't have to pay us any commission!).