Wonderlust in Tropics: A Diary from Paradise Beach Puducherry

Chunnambar Boat House

It is famous for its river side destination that offers the path to the untouched Paradise Beach through the water route.

One of the most favorite site to be visited by the tourist.

Chunnambar Boat House is located more towards the south of Pondicherry (Puducherry) along the Cuddalore Road.

What it offers:

It offers the blend of relaxation and adventure at the same site making it a favourite spot for tourists seeking both tranquility and excitement.

We took the tickets for Paradise beach from here and after few minutes of waiting we board a boat and it took us to the most amazing route. The most peaceful stretch of water where the river meets the sea and on the other side we encountered a serene stretch of mangrove-lined backwaters, the lush green trees, calm water and the chirpings of birds make it a whole package of Paradise.

Our boat riding was so smooth and relaxing with minimal waves as it was an estuary and not the open sea.

How to reach:

To visit Paradise Beach you must have to come Chunnambar Boat House first which is 7-8 kms south of Puducherry ( Pondicherry) city center.
From here get yourself a ticket and with the help of boat, through the water route it could hardly take 15-20mins to reach Paradise Beach.

Jot Down: There are no direct roads to Paradise Beach; access is only via boat or trekking from other side of area and it could be close for some safety reasons and rough terrain. [ Avoid using this route specially during night ].

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3fHrmG8meFHUiKx76

Sandbar

After 15-20mins of riding the boat we reached the narrow sandbar that separates the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Chunnambar River on the other.

And this sandbar is the Paradise Beach — a long, clean, beautiful, away from all the sounds, in-between the Chunnambar River and the sea is the stretch of golden sand.

Best time to visit:

It is wise to visit it during cooler months between October to March as the weather could be pleasant and breezy, ideal for beach activities.
Clear skies make it perfect for photography and relaxing by the sea.
Tourist services and boat rides are fully operational during period of time.

What Makes the Route Unique

• The route gives the feel of traditional backwater cruising. [ small though but unforgettable ].

• It is only accessible by water, so there are no roads or direct land access to Paradise Beach.

• The contrast of calm backwaters and rough sea waves at the destination is visually and atmospherically stunning. [ It seems like it directly comes in front of us from our childhood Art book ].

Arrival at Paradise Beach

As the boat reach the dock on the river-facing side of Paradise Beach, we step off and landed on the beach.
After a short walk through a wooded area to reach the beach proper, which opens up directly to the Bay of Bengal; for us it was an open heaven door experience.

The calm river water on one side and the running sea waves on the other which is only separated by the sandbar.

Standing in between this I wondered nothing is impossible in this world when it comes from Lord’s creation House.

Things to do in Paradise Beach

• Activities like swimming to nearby shore with posters instructions kept in mind.
• Sunbathing: complete the vitamin sea deficiency with D.
• Beach game: indulge yourself with your partner or family to beach games, it could be making castle or ball games. [ though we made a funny castle, I was completing with a 4 year old unknown child ].
• Photography: Capture the beauty through lenses, so that it would last forever in memories through virtually. Click lots of photographs with your loved ones you will regret if you don’t.
• Watersports: If you are interested then should definitely go for the Watersports. They have area for jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat riding, parasailing, speed boat riding and others. [ I would like to suggest to go with the purpose of exploring the area and its beauty, later on if you like the vibe and want to go further with the sports its upto you ].
• Listen to the instructions properly before any water sports.
• Always wear life jacket whenever you do any Watersports. [ It doesn’t matter how good you are at swimming ].
• Return timing of the last boat should be kept in mind.
• Hydrate yourself well and have little snacks in-between.
• Reapply sunscreen.
• Must try beach side local foods in the Paradise Beach.

Things you must take with you:

• Broad spectrum sunscreen.
• Caps/hats/umbrella or carry thin body cover.
• Swim wear: either wear it inside your clothes or change it there, they have closed shacks to change.
• Take extra pair of clothes and towel to change after Watersports or sea activities.

• Take wet clothes cover.
• A pair of slippers.
• Bandage [ just in case if you get a cut or abrasion].
• Tripods or Camera: to capture and freeze the most memorable moments of Life.

Things not to do:

• Avoid going to restricted area or the area where people are not present.
• Listen the instructions of lifeguards.
• Avoid poking outside the boat while on a way to Paradise Beach.
• Avoid removing life jacket while on boat.
• Avoid recklessly throwing packets or plastic bottles put them directly into bins.
• Don’t go towards the rage waves or the deeper side of the shore.

Our experience:

We spent hours near the beach, making castles then laughed at our creation. Later on we walked along the shore line holding hands with no words in-between and at that moment silence had become our own language.

With every squeeze of the hand, every glance, every shared smile was enough at that moment.

On the other side the sky had golden hue which appear above the horizon and the waves rolled in rhythm it felt like the Earth itself breathing.

The barefoot walk the wet sand beneath the feet, the tide brushed up playfully, soaking the ankles as if it, too, wanted to be part of our story [And it did become].

The time didn’t pause at that moment but it did get stretch long enough for us to realize love isn’t always the grand moments or loud declarations, but sometimes it’s just a quiet walk at the water’s edge or a long drive to understand the love you shared.

Hope you also get your joy, hope and love through your journey.