Chunnambar Boat House
Sail into joy with boat rides and beach vibes.
The Chunnambar Boat House (sometimes called Paradise Boat House) is a waterfront park on the Chunnambar River, about 8 km south of Pondicherry city on Cuddalore Road. It’s a favorite family spot for boating and beach fun. The boat house area is managed by the Pondicherry Tourism & Transport Dev. Corporation (PTTDC), and the facility includes a parking area, play areas, and restaurants. The highlight is the ferry/boat rides to a sandy riverside beach known as Paradise Beach.
At the boat house, you’ll see dozens of colorful boats docked along the mangrove-lined backwaters. From here you can choose various activities:
Boat ride to Paradise Beach
The most popular excursion is the ferry trip to Paradise Beach Island. It’s a short 10–15 minute ride by motorboat. Once on Paradise Beach (a quiet, soft-sand beach on the river’s edge), you’ll have about 4 hours to play in the sand, splash in the water, or try beach sports like volleyball. (Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent.) Make sure to take life jackets for the whole family. The ride back leaves by late afternoon (around 5:30 PM) to avoid darkness.
Water sports and fun
On Paradise Beach, water adventures abound. Kids and adults can enjoy banana boat rides, kayaking, jet-skis, or even a rain-dance area. There are other rides on dry land too (ATV bikes, trampolines, etc.) that may be open in peak season. Even if not doing the beach excursion, the boat house itself offers small boating (rowboats/paddle boats) right on the river for kids.
Houseboat cruise
Another unique experience is hiring a traditional houseboat or large ferry to cruise through the backwaters. The tour glides past rice paddies, coconut groves, and sleepy villages – you might even spot birds or (rarely) playful dolphins.
Treehouse and camping (resort activities):
The PTTDC-run resort near the boat house offers a “treehouse” and bonfire experiences for an overnight stay. (Contact Pondicherry tourism in advance if interested.) For families looking for adventure, there are areas to set up a tent and camp on the riverbank. Even a simple picnic by the shore is lovely under the coconut palms.
Kids’ playground and snacks
Back on land, there’s a small play area for young kids with swings and slides. Food stalls and a sit-down restaurant serve Indian snacks and continental dishes, so you can grab juice and samosas before heading out. The beachfront resort also has extra amenities like kiosks and changing rooms.
Chunnambar Boat House operates daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Note that Paradise Beach ferry rides typically stop by 4:00 PM (last return by 5:30 PM), so plan accordingly. The entry fee to the boat house area is quite low (about ₹15 for adults, ₹5 for children over 4) – this lets you use the grounds and playground. (Separate fees apply for the boat ride and any activities like water sports.) According to tourism sources, the best months to visit are September through March, when the weather is pleasant and the river is calm. Avoid the monsoon season (June–August) when boating can be closed due to heavy rains.
Tips: Bring swimsuits and quick-dry clothes if you plan to go to Paradise Beach – you’ll get wet! Also, wearing water shoes is helpful on the rocky river edges. Carry towels and sunscreen. If your kids are sensitive to the sun, go early or late in the day. On busy weekends, the boat house can get crowded, so arriving early means a better spot on the boat and more time on the beach. Finally, keep valuables locked in your car or with someone – the park is safe but open. Overall, a visit to Chunnambar Boat House is a must on your family itinerary: the boat adventure combined with beach time makes for endless fun and relaxation.