24TH Weds. En route to and arrival at Pondicherry

Pondicherry (or Puducherry) is a former French colony which was under French rule till 1954 and French influence on the culture is obvious here with many street signs in French and Indian and policemen wearing the  traditional French kepi (hat) . 

We got here early and our room wasn't ready so we went for a wander for an hour.   Its very, very hot/humid today so we had a look around a local museum which was nice and cool.  Photography wasn't allowed inside.

Last night we decided that we'd like to extend our stay in Pondicherry from one night to two and Joshy organised it for us (at nearly £30 per night cheaper than we'd have done it - good to have Indian 'mates).   This will shorten our time in Chennai but at this stage we think we prefer to be in a quieter town.

We plan to head out later this afternoon/evening when its cooler and get a proper feel for the place.   There's a lovely promenade along the sea/beach which is pedestrianised at night and some 'beach' markets which weren't open this morning.   

A few pics taken through the car window this morning  on the road to Pondicherry ...

Doggy enjoying the ride (and smells)

Sorry for yet another bullock cart - I love these!  Joshy pooh-poohed it a bit because its a modern, non traditional cart.   The traditional ones have large wooden wheels rather than these modern 'car' tyres.

En route today we stopped at another local farmers market ... it was a small one but they're always good for a photo or two!

Betel leaves - chewed by the locals.   Its a vine type creeper related to pepper and is believed to have medicinal benefits

I don't know what these fruits/vegetables are ... although they are pear shaped they are the size of small pumpkins

We're staying at Le Dupleix in Pondicherry

our room is the one on the first floor at the end of this terrace overlooking the courtyard dining area.  The two sections you can see are the areas of our balcony where I'm sitting now watching a group of French visitors enjoying a very  prolonged lunch ... they are on the lobster course now (none of that Indian muck for them it seems)!

The entrance - the hotel is 18th century and has lots of traditional tiling/woodwork and glass. 





The first room we were shown to was lovely - huge four poster bed etc., but it was on the top floor (no lift) and David wasn't happy with all those stairs.   So we were shown another room which is a tad dark but very quirky and its on the 1st floor so a nice compromise re. steps and view. 

The Reception Manager showed us both rooms and told us the history of the place, the materials used in the decoration and was obviously very proud of 'his' hotel.

No four poster in this room but still a very large bed and antique furniture.   There is a separate hallway/entrance with lots of room for our cases and the huge bathroom is behind the wood/glass panelled section off the bedroom area.

Best of all .... taxes are lower in Pondicherry.   The room has a minibar with bottles of Bacardi (60ml) for only £2.     First 'proper' drink for 3 weeks ... I'm getting fed up with beer!

outside dining area in the courtyard in the shade of the mango tree

The balcony is quite shallow but more than adequate and I've enjoyed sitting here and catching up on the Blog posts (no internet at last hotel).   The Bacardi slipped down nicely!