PROMENADE-PONDICHEERY -TRAVEL IN MY MEMOIR If somebody asks me, I’ve very little time to spend in Pondicherry –where should I go? My answer would be, to visit Promenade, where you can see maximum attractions in the shortest possible time. The ambiance of Promenade will be a memorable experience”. I stayed in this city for two days. On both the days I came to Promenade, in the evening, and enjoyed the charm and beauty of its ambiance. The sea side is studded with black stones, ending at a road of red gravel, bounded by stone. It’s a typical French pattern.Just one step below is a walking lane, pitched by stones with sitting benches. We (me and my wife) took a stroll from the north side to the south side. We started our walk from the Gandhi Mandapam.The statue of Mahatma Gandhi whispered the message of Non-violence and communal harmony in my ear.We moved forward and reached near Lee Café restaurant –it was calling me and telling –come-come-take some rest here –I’ll satiate you with tasty mouth-watering snacks and smart coffee.
Before Le Café many small vendors are selling Bhelpuri Chats and many other items on makeshift carts.It reminded me of the Bhelpuri, Panipuri vendors of Juhu and Chaupatti of Mumbai.
Then moved forward and reached the Statue of Dupleix at the southern end –The statue was weeping in its shabby condition with iron-rusted; motley spots on the pillars- The Statue said “I’m Dupleix of France. Once upon a time I was Governor of this beautiful city. Many of its monuments and buildings are my contributions. Please, at least keep my statue clean”.
At the extreme end there was a signboard – depicting Please keep Pondicherry clean, but lots of littering was there.Rubbish was thrown here and there. I became a little sad because it’s very shameful for us and those travelers throwing rubbish here and there. Then we descended a little down and took a rest on a black rock, enjoying, watching, the rising and falling sea waves, forming white foams, and touching rocks. A cool breeze was refreshing our bodies and mind. Looking on the other side of the road, you get a glimpse of the French War Memorial, the old lighthouse, statue of Ambedkar many Important Govt. buildings, the French quarter, Tourist information centers, hotels, and many more.
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