At the entrance to Pondicherry (a city about 160 km south of Chennai), where the French influence is still strongly felt; a vestige of the European presence prior to India's independence. The Life of Pi is set here and many of the scenes in the movie released last year were filmed here as well.
Colorful flowers on the street of the French Quarter - free from shops, stalls, and general clutter that line the streets of the rest of India
Within Pondicherry, there is a town called Auroville that can really only be described through their mission statement: "Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics, and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity." The Matrimandir (the gold building in the photo) is in the middle of town and serves as a spiritual center.
The serene pathway leading to the Matrimandir through town
In front of the carefully manicured - though difficult to see in the hot, pre-monsoon conditions - landscape surrounding the Matrimandir (hiding behind the trees on the left)
A tree whose branches send down new roots as it grows larger to plant new trunks and stabalize the monstrosity
I thought I would end with some more nice flowers - it is rare to see much color in the country during the hot, dry months of March-May
I love your photos! Especially that tree that sends down new supports as needed. And also, Madeline, you look so cute and happy!
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