Mayiladuthurai – Pichavaram – 60 km
From Mayiladuthurai, an easy ride led us to Pichavaram. The
countryside was flat and peppered with rice paddies and we reached
historic Chidambaram early. It turned out to be another chaotic town
graced with a famous Nataraja temple complex dedicated to Shiva.
We didn’t stay long, as Ernest was somewhat templed-out.
A little side track ran from Chidambaram to the tiny fishing village of
Pichavaram, situated along tidal canals. The state-run restaurant had
a few rooms which made it convenient to explore from. By afternoon,
I rented a rowboat (and skipper), and we spent the two hours before
sunset cruising around the backwaters and through the mangrove
swamps.
Stopping and exploring weren’t what Ernest wanted to do. Still, he
reluctantly joined in the activities, which created a vibe I found
stressful and tiring.
Pichavaram – Pondicherry – 95 km
Ernest decided to go his own way, without all the temple stops and
rowing through mangrove swamps. I guessed these activities were as
stressful to him as they were to me—dragging him along and trying
to keep an upbeat mood.
My ride to Pondicherry was relaxed, as the weather was perfect and
the route flat and scenic. A massive calm usually envelopes me when
I cycle solo and the ride was enjoyable and affirmed why I was still
cycling.