Rider on the Storm

24 - 29 December 2007 We spend a few days in Bangalore doing the Brigade Road and all the malls, pubs and restaurants but the roads leading out of the city tempt us. So one fine morning we drive off towards the east – destination Pondicherry. The road from out side Bangalore to Krishnagiri is a dream come true and we travel at almost the speed of sound. From the Krishnagiri, I take the NH66 and till day I rue the decision. It is an elongated pot hole almost 55 kms long. Our souls and the suspension is saved only when we reach Thiruvanamalai. Mount Arunachalam towers over this sacred town, which is home to the ashram of the greatest saint of the twentieth century – Raman Maharishi. He lived and preached here. His ashram exists here which is as always teeming full of foreigners. The ancient intricately carved temple of Thiruvanamalai stands testimony to the rich heritage of this region. A quick stop to take pictures is all we manage and then speed off. We stop at a way side dhaba for foo