Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a place I like. Its a nice drive from Chennai to Pondicherry and I feel relaxed just by virtue of being there, amidst people who take life less seriously. And of course, there must be some powerful vibrations from the thousands of people who live in Auroville.
After viewing the developments in Chennai for the last few months, I strongly believe that very soon IT Parks/Offices etc.. will be built at the mid-point between Chennai and Pondicherry and at that point instead of living in Chennai (and paying huge prices, driving through maniacal traffic and raising kids there), people could live in Pondicherry and enjoy a leisurely drive down the EC Road, have a great standard of living, a small-town atmosphere and less traffic, and oh, less taxes, better access to booze, cheap DVD's).
The ideal place would be about 10 kms ahead of Pondicherry on the EC Road.
Of course, the concern would be that Pondy would not have all of the entertainment options that Chennai offers. But seriously, how often do we exploit those options during the week ? Most of the time, IT Pros are so drained that all they want at the end of the day is a beer, some food, TV and sleep - All of which they can get in Pondicherry.
And if the folks who build the residential complex in Pondy can also get the following for residents:
1. Discounted ECR Toll
2. Steep discounts in Chennai hotels for Saturday nights - If they want to spend the weekend there for entertainment
3. Some sort of transportation service (To be used if desired)
, they will have a killer deal !
After viewing the developments in Chennai for the last few months, I strongly believe that very soon IT Parks/Offices etc.. will be built at the mid-point between Chennai and Pondicherry and at that point instead of living in Chennai (and paying huge prices, driving through maniacal traffic and raising kids there), people could live in Pondicherry and enjoy a leisurely drive down the EC Road, have a great standard of living, a small-town atmosphere and less traffic, and oh, less taxes, better access to booze, cheap DVD's).
The ideal place would be about 10 kms ahead of Pondicherry on the EC Road.
Of course, the concern would be that Pondy would not have all of the entertainment options that Chennai offers. But seriously, how often do we exploit those options during the week ? Most of the time, IT Pros are so drained that all they want at the end of the day is a beer, some food, TV and sleep - All of which they can get in Pondicherry.
And if the folks who build the residential complex in Pondy can also get the following for residents:
1. Discounted ECR Toll
2. Steep discounts in Chennai hotels for Saturday nights - If they want to spend the weekend there for entertainment
3. Some sort of transportation service (To be used if desired)
, they will have a killer deal !
Comments
When I visited India a couple of years ago I felt the same as you.
You may also have seen in the India Today International a few months ago that Pondy is rated as a better place to live in that the Singara Chennai and many other states.
It would be the old fox joke.... tired of beer what next :-) better is, be in chennai, work in chennai, enjoy in pondy :-)
didn't know this was the standard Indian IT pro lifestyle..beer etc..
suppose it makes u look cool...