Pondicherry: 3 Offbeat Things To Do In And Around The French Capital of India.

Irrespective of how many times you go to Pondicherry there is always something new to explore. This is our 4th visit to Pondicherry and we decided to explore in a different way.

Apart from the usual favorite, our list will take you to unique, offbeat and things you probably didn't know you could do in Pondicherry.

1.A day trip to Pichavaram- The Pichavaram Mangrove Forest in an underrated attraction in Pondicherry. It is just a few hours away from the main city

We took a cab from Pondicherry which had cost us 2,000 INR but one can also take a state-operated bus till Chidambaram. From Chidamabaram, the private buses go to Pichavaram at a frequency of 15-30 mins.

Boating here operates from 8 am to 5 pm. And one can select between motorboat and rowboats which takes you inside the mangrove forest. The channels get smaller as you row We chose to take the motorboat as we wanted to go deep inside the forest and had limited time. The boat operator also gives information about the forest and could also help you spot some birds if you get lucky. You can also ask the guide to stop if you want to get pictures.

2. Try pottery- There are various pottery classes available in Pondicherry as well as Auroville. There are plenty options to choose from. we chose a 2 hour workshop as we were short of time. You can choose from molding sessions to make-your-own-mugs or a 6 month long pottery course

The master potter will help you make basic pots, bowls and plates on the wheel and you can also take them home.

3. Cycle in the city-The best way to discover white town is to cycle. Explore the French architecture, streets covered with bright buildings and bougainvillea. The entire French colony can be covered in two wheelers. There are number of places in Pondicherry who rents bicycle in MG Road and Nehru Street and in white town too. Cost of renting cycle for the entire day is around Rs100