Pondicherry
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Pondicherry to Tharangambadi
I woke early to explore the beach and backwaters that were close to the hotel I was staying at just outside Pondicherry. Paradise beach is next to an extensive network of backwaters. It was great to arrive just as the sun was rising and the mist was clearing from the backwaters. Locals were out fishing and the estuary was teeming with birdlife. I watched a beautiful white bearded kingfisher diving into the water just next to where I parked the bike. A large fishing community stretches along the beach. I watched as the last of the night fishing boats arrived back on shore and observed the other fishermen prepare their…
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Pondicherry, Auroville and Gingee Fort
I set off early to see the Aurobindo Ashram which was established in 1926 by a french lady called Mirra Alfassa who is known as ‘mother’ by her followers at Aurobindo. In 1968 she established an international township called Auroville. The township now has over 2000 residents from all around the world exploring alternative sustainable ways of living in harmony with the planet. The ashram is also a recognised research and educational centre. Visitors are allowed to visit the grounds of the ‘Matrimandir’ which is a large globe in the centre of the grounds and a focal point for the community and meditative practices. It was interesting to walk around…
