I set out on a journey to discover the East Coast Road from Chennai to Pondicherry while riding my trusty bike. The journey began at 6 a.m. with the promise of thrilling things to come and the fresh morning breeze.
The Bay of Bengal's serene surroundings were my first stop on the ride, which also passed past small villages and a variety of beautiful greenery. I couldn't help but be in amazement of the East Coast Road's splendour and the welcoming nature of the people I encountered as I rode along.
I travelled for around 15 kilometres before reaching Auroville, a special community where residents come from all over the world. The town is well renowned for emphasising sustainable living and is proof of the strength of communal living. I spent some time looking about the community and researching the principles that Auroville upholds.
The journey continued in the direction of Pondicherry, a city known for its French culture and architecture, from Auroville. With its stunning colonial architecture and tree-lined streets, which are what give Pondicherry its distinct appeal, I felt as though I had entered a whole different planet as soon as I arrived.
The French Town, where I spent several hours exploring the twisting streets, appreciating the beautiful architecture, and enjoying in some delicious French cuisine, was the highlight of my trip to Pondicherry. I enjoyed spending hours at a time in the charming little cafés and restaurants that were sprinkled all through the town, taking in the calm and laid-back atmosphere.
The Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, a well-known Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was the next destination on my itinerary. The temple is well-known for both its unique architecture and the numerous legends that surrounding it. I spent a lot of time visiting the grounds and learning more about the temple's significance since I was interested by the legends and myths surrounding it.
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a magnificent church located at the heart of Pondicherry, was my last trip. One of Pondicherry's oldest churches, it is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows and Gothic architecture. I was immediately taken by the atmosphere of calm and peace that filled the church as soon as I walked inside, and I took some time for silent thought while enjoying the surroundings.
In conclusion, my bike ride from Chennai to Pondicherry was an existence adventure that passed through some of the nation's most stunning and significant locations. This ride provided something for everyone, from the peaceful environs of Auroville to the French Quarter in Pondicherry and the spiritual landmarks that dot the region. I highly recommend doing the bike ride from Chennai to Pondicherry if you're looking for a journey through time and culture.