DAILY PHOTO: Aayi Mandapam

Taken on October 6, 2019 in Pondicherry

Built at the behest of Napoleon III to honor a prostitute whose well provided water to Pondicherry for many years.

There are many versions of the story. The gist of the one I read is that this lady-of-the-evening was stunningly gorgeous and — as a result of all her customers and shrewd financial planning — she was rich. When the King came by he was angry that she had a nicer house than him, and so he had it burnt down. However, by volunteering to build a  well of unparalleled output and hygiene for the people of the area, she put the King in a rough spot in which he could neither have her executed nor force her into his harem.

DAILY PHOTO: Venkataramana Temple, Gingee

Taken in October of 2019 near Gingee Fort

DAILY PHOTO: Sunrise through a Ship of Clouds

Taken on October 7, 2019 in Pondicherry (Puducherry)

DAILY PHOTO: Under the Banyan Tree, Auroville

Taken on October 6, 2019 at Auroville

DAILY PHOTO: Kalyana Mahal [Marriage Hall], Gingee Fort

Taken on October 9, 2019 at Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu

DAILY PHOTO: Old Lighthouse, Pondicherry

Taken on October 5, 2019 in Pondicherry.

DAILY PHOTO: Gingee Fort Grounds from Three Elevations

Taken on October 8, 2019 (Dussehra) at Gingee Fort.

DAILY PHOTO: St. Mary’s Minor Basilica

Taken on September 29, 2019 in Bangalore.

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DAILY PHOTO: Ganga Mahal Ghat, Varanasi

Taken in October of 2015 in Varanasi (Benares)

DAILY PHOTO: Rocky Tops, GHNP

Taken in June of 2015 in Great Himalayan National Park