Have you seen the movie, The Life of Pi?
The first part of the movie is shot in Pondicherry or Puducherry as it is now known.
I visited Pondicherry on a trip across southern India that started on the east coast in Chennai (Madras) and finished in Kochi (Cochin) on the west coast. This photo is taken in one of my favourite areas of the town, The French Quarter. Rue Dupuy is one of the tree lined streets crossing the area that is fronted with decaying french colonial buildings…reminders of the days gone by when this was the French capital of India.
Fame at last for this city that is a glorious mix of cultures and religions not seen in any other part of India!
I love to travel! I love exploring the markets, trying new tastes and finding fabulous restaurants so this blog is also about food!
I'd love to think that by sharing my stories, you will be able to add new experiences to your dream trip or simply enjoy the escape with us
Happy travelling.
I have not seen it yet, though I fully intend to. Have you?
Not yet Jan but I’m looking forward to doing so. I loved the book!
I saw the Life of Pi and thought it was wonderful. I would love to go to southern India.
Southern India is so different to the north. I’m glad I’ve seen it but for me, I prefer travelling to other areas of India.
We went to Pondicherry 2 days after watching Life of Pi, coincidentally.
But I think the movie mislead me in terms of what we were going to find in there – I guess because they are showing the Pondicherry of decades back. Now a days, the city is not kept as nicely as I expected. But in your shot it looks indeed very pretty!
Also, I agree with you: the South of India is nicer than the North. I find it more charming, places tend to be better maintained and even people have other vibes. It’s more pleasant to travel in the South than the North, in general. But the North has more of the “culture shock” aspect that many travelers do seek when coming to this side of the world!
Interesting Zara. I also felt the movie depicted a very clean Pondicherry especially the scenes shot in the Muslim Quarter. It was certainly not as I remember it! I also briefly spotted the yellow houses of the french quarter!
The south is eclectic but I do still love the colour and people of the northern areas. Yes, the north has the ‘culture shock’ element but the south still has pockets of this too. Socialism has been good for Southern India. Villages are working as co-ops, the roads are maintained and the literacy rate is high. It is certainly ‘easier’ for visitors to handle! Part of the reason I love India as much as I do is that these different areas offer different things yet together they all complete the complex picture that is India.
Loved the French colonial buildings, and the food! Great break from the real India!
I was totally looking for Richard Parker in the Botanical Gardens!
I can just imagine you looking for Richard Parker, Tash! I think I would have too if I’d been there after the film. For a moment, whilst you was walking down the street in the French quarter, you forget that you are in India, don’t you