Boating in Pondicherry: backwaters, a bird lake and the open sea

Where can you go boating in Pondicherry?

The main places for boating in Pondicherry are Chunnambar boat house on the backwaters south of town, Ousteri Lake to the west, and the harbour lagoon, where Pondy Yacht Club runs sailing trips. Pichavaram, for rowing in the mangroves, is a longer day out to the south.

• Chunnambar boat house: busy, family friendly, motor boats and ferries down the backwater to Paradise Beach. Best for a fun half day.
• Ousteri Lake: a quiet lake that is partly a bird sanctuary. Best for birdwatchers and a calm hour on the water.
• Pondy Yacht Club: small sailboats for 4 to 5 guests, in the mangroves or out on the bay. Best for couples and small groups.
• Pondy Ocean Park, near Paradise Beach: pedal boats, a ferry boat, speed boats and traditional coracle rides. Best for families with children.
• Pichavaram: rowing boats through the mangrove channels. Best as a full day trip.

What is boating like at Chunnambar boat house?

Chunnambar is the classic Pondicherry boat ride: a government run boat house on the backwater about 8 km south of town, with boats down the river to Paradise Beach and short cruises at the river mouth.

The Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation runs it, and Puducherry Tourism lists Chunnambar boat rides on its own online booking page. The ferry to Paradise Beach runs from 9 am to 5 pm, and smaller speed boats are available at a higher price. Tourists can also take a short cruise out to sea, where dolphins are sometimes seen. Puducherry Tourism suggests January to March as the best time to visit.

It gets crowded on weekends and holidays, so arrive early. We cover the ferry, the beach and what to bring in our Paradise Beach and Chunnambar boat house guide.

Is there boating at Ousteri Lake?

Yes. The Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation runs boating at Ousteri Lake, west of town, and boating ends by around 5 pm.

Part of the lake is a bird sanctuary and a wetland of national importance, which limits how far the boating can expand. That is exactly why it is worth doing: no jet skis, no music, just reed beds, waterbirds and the slap of water on the hull. Boat types and fares are set at the boat house, so check on arrival, and go early for the best light and the most birds.

There is more on the birds, the seasons and the drive in our Ousteri Lake guide.

Is there a sea cruise or sailing trip in Pondicherry?

Yes. Pondy Yacht Club runs sailing trips from the harbour: a 45 minute mangrove sail for ₹1,770 per person, a 1 hour Bay of Bengal short sail for ₹2,360, and a 1.5 hour long sail for ₹3,540, all per person with taxes included.

The club's sailboat takes 4 to 5 guests, so it feels private rather than packed. On the longer sail, weather permitting, the club sails in front of Pondicherry town, which gives you the seafront from the water. Along the way you may pass fishing boats, and the club says dolphins are sometimes spotted.

Searching for a sunset cruise? Remember the coast faces east. The sun rises over the sea here and sets inland, so a morning sail gives you the light on the water. Book ahead, as the boat is small and trips depend on the weather. The club also runs kayaking and paddleboarding, covered in our water sports guide.

Is Pichavaram worth it for backwater boating?

Pichavaram is the most striking boating on this coast: rowing boats through narrow mangrove channels where the roots arch overhead. It is a longer drive south of Pondicherry, so treat it as a full day rather than an add-on.

If you have only a morning, Chunnambar or Ousteri make more sense. If you have a whole day and want the backwaters at their wildest, go to Pichavaram and pair it with the temple at Chidambaram. Our Pichavaram mangrove forest guide covers the boats, the season and the route.