Boating in Pondicherry: your options

If you are looking for a boat ride in Pondicherry, you have more choice than most visitors expect. The town sits on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, with backwaters and a lake close by. Each kind of boating gives a different day out, so it helps to know what to expect before you choose.

Backwater boat rides and the boat to Paradise Beach

South of the town, the backwaters at Chunnambar are home to a government-run boat house. From here, boats run along the backwater to Paradise Beach, a sandy beach on a strip of land between the backwater and the sea that is reached by boat. The ride itself is short and the focus is the beach: people go for the sand, the sea view and a few hours away from town. Boats run during the day, so plan it as a morning or afternoon trip, and check on arrival what is running that day.

Boating on Ousteri Lake

Ousteri Lake, on the western edge of Pondicherry, is a large freshwater lake known for its birds. Boating here is calm and slow, on still water, and suits nature lovers and families who want a quiet hour on the water. Bring a hat and water, and go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is cooler and the birds are about.

Cruises on the sea

A sea cruise is the most complete way to spend time on the water in Pondicherry. Instead of a short ride, you spend a couple of hours on the open sea on a larger vessel, with seating, shade and food on board. A cruise is also the boat ride that works best in the evening, when the backwater boats have stopped and the town lights come on along the shore.

MV Hayathi is a luxury catamaran that runs breakfast, lunch and dinner cruises from Pondicherry. A catamaran has two hulls, which gives a wide, steady deck with room for tables and for walking around. Guests choose between an open-air upper deck and an indoor deck.

Which boat ride should you choose?

• For a beach day: the boat from Chunnambar to Paradise Beach.
• For birds and a quiet hour: boating on Ousteri Lake.
• For a meal on the water, a celebration or an evening out: a sea cruise.
• With small children or older parents: a larger, steadier vessel with seating and shade is the most comfortable.

Safety on any boat

• Wear the life jacket the crew gives you, and keep children close.
• Listen to the safety briefing before the boat leaves.
• If the weather turns, follow the crew's decision: boats do not sail when it is not safe.
• Carry water, sun protection and a light layer for the breeze.