The sandy beaches of Pondicherry

Last week I travelled to Pondicherry for an official work. I was put up in a hotel hardly 100 m away from the beach so I planned to make use of this opportunity to have an early morning view of the sea. Next day early morning after a brief struggle with my laziness I pulled myself out of bed to head to the sea. It was 5:30 am when I started from my room and in 5 minutes was facing the mammoth Indian Ocean. Sea was not so violent and the sound of the waves was soothing. I could feel as if it was calling me in but thanks to my fear I dared not ventured into the sea. Also because of the boulders and stones kept on the shore people rarely venture in to it.

 Contrary to the Pondicherry weather the breeze was cool and pleasant. The scene was breath taking as the sun had just arisen and the rays were golden red. Though humid the air was fresh. I was not the only one appreciating the beauty of the early morning sea there were more than a hundred people. People could be seen up to 1 km stretch of the beach.

True to the image a Podicherry there were a few French too. The French are so closely knit into the fabric of Pondicherry that if one were to think of it weaving it without them the fabric would loose its sheen.

Some of the fishermen were returning from the sea with their prized fish. Some people were having a brisk walk while some were running. Some were simply sitting while some were doing yoga. Some could be seen sipping coffee at the only beach restaurant which opens very early in the morning. For some it was the only time when they meet their buddies. The morning visit to the beach seemed to be an important part in the lives of these people.

The only disturbance was the persistent caw of a large number of crows.  They were feeding over the scraps and leftover food from the dustbins that were open.

There was a board which read that Pondicherry is not the same when you litter, to make the visitors aware of the cleanliness that they should maintain.

 There were a few coconut water vendors too making a quick buck, I also tasted a little sweet coconut water that too without straw exactly as many south Indians prefer. The water might have spilled over my clothes a little but I liked the style.

By 6 30 am I was feeling the palpable heat of the sun and I left for my hotel.