The only 'ugly' picture in this thread is the 3rd pic, of myself!.
Yes, Pondicherry is as clean as the pics depict!.Actually, in India, metros and towns are going through a catharsis.Gone are the old days of haphazard development and slackness towards civic sense.The 'new' India is quite impressive and i've been as shocked as many others who visit and those who see pics and cannot quite comprehend.
Infact, for eg, in Madras, the maintenance of the city has been handed to a french company that maintains Paris and a few other cities in France!!.Most of the new national highways are being built by Halliburton and other foreign firms.So on and so forth...
Pondicherry was the only french colony in South Asia till 1954, when it was annexed by India and was designated a Union territory.Today the French still continue to visit and live here and have residency rights as those indians born here do in France!.The most famous son of this small paradise recently, is Hollywood director M.Night Shyamalan of 'Sixth Sense', 'lady in the Water' and other movies, none of which i like!.
A bottle of indian brand beer 750 ml costs Rs38.00, a glass of wine Rs.10-20 at a bar, imported beer(Corona, Budweiser etc) Rs 54.00, indian brand scotch (Royal Challenge, Director's Special etc) Rs.250.00 for a 1 liter bottle, imported not more than Rs.500.00, the average apartment rent Rs.2000.00/month for a 2- bedroom walk up, hotel rates range from youth hostels for Rs250.00 to a 3-star hotel room for Rs1200.00 with cable, central a/c and internet facility, 5 star Rs2500 and up.There are numerous european style restaurants, some ultra chic and some bohemian.Ofcourse all kinds of indian restaurants too serving local to other indian region foods.
Auroville is located here and many of the world's celebrities from actors, politicians and others have homes in this township.Pondy as the locals call it is a fun place to visit.I hope one day, all of you can.
Thanx for the comments.
