Chunnambar Boat House is where the backwater side of Pondicherry begins. Run by the Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation (PTTDC), it sits on the banks of the Chunnambar river at Nonankuppam, on the Cuddalore road about 7–8 km south of the town centre. From its jetty, boats carry visitors down the calm backwater to Paradise Beach on the sandbar where the river meets the sea.
Most people come here only as the gateway to the beach, but the boat house is a pleasant spot in itself, with a wide view over the water and a relaxed riverside feel. For families with young children, the boat ride is often the highlight of the day.
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What you can do here
- Boat to Paradise Beach: the main service, a return trip to the sandbar beach. Your ticket covers both ways.
- Speedboat rides: a faster, pricier option when available.
- Backwater views: watch fishing boats, egrets and kingfishers along the river banks.
- Snacks and rest: there are basic refreshment counters at the boat house and more stalls near the beach jetty.
Timings and ticket prices
At the time of writing, boats leave from about 9 AM, the last boat to Paradise Beach goes at around 4 PM, and the last boat back is at around 5:30 PM. The official PTTDC tariff lists the regular boat at ₹300 per adult and ₹150 per child, plus 18% GST, which comes to about ₹354 per adult. Speedboat rates are higher.
Timings, fares and the kinds of boats running change with the season, and services can be suspended in bad weather. Check the PTTDC booking site or call the Tourism Information Centre on Goubert Avenue before you go. Online booking for boat rides is offered on the PTTDC site.
Best time to visit
Arrive close to opening time. Queues build quickly after 10:30 AM, especially on weekends, public holidays and during the December–January holiday season. Mornings are also cooler on the open water and on the beach.
November to March has the most comfortable weather. The north-east monsoon, roughly October to December, can bring rough conditions and cancellations.
How long to spend
If you are going on to Paradise Beach, allow half a day in total: travel from town, the ticket queue, the boat, two to three hours on the beach and the return. If you only want a look at the backwater, an hour is enough.
Practical tips
- Life jackets: wear one for the whole ride and check that children’s jackets fit properly.
- Tickets: keep your ticket safe; you need it for the return boat.
- What to bring: water, sunscreen, a hat and a small bag. Leave valuables in the hotel.
- Footwear: slip-on sandals, easy to take off on the sand.
- Parking: there is a car park at the boat house. Our drivers wait there while you go to the beach.
- Cash: useful for snacks; card and UPI acceptance can vary.
Nearby places
The Arts and Crafts Village at Murungapakkam and the archaeological site of Arikamedu are both on the Ariyankuppam side of the river, a short drive away. Eden Beach at Chinna Veerampattinam is another sandy beach nearby that you can reach by road. For a different kind of water, Ousteri Lake west of town has a boat club and birdlife.
Visiting on a tour
The boat house and Paradise Beach are part of our heritage and beaches tour and family holiday. We time the drive so you arrive early and avoid the worst of the queue. Message us on WhatsApp for a plan built around your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chunnambar Boat House?
At Nonankuppam on the Cuddalore road, about 7–8 km south of central Pondicherry, on the banks of the Chunnambar backwater.
What are the Chunnambar Boat House timings?
At the time of writing, boats run from about 9 AM; the last boat to Paradise Beach leaves around 4 PM and the last return is around 5:30 PM. Check locally, as timings change.
How much is the boat ride at Chunnambar?
The PTTDC tariff at the time of writing lists ₹300 per adult and ₹150 per child plus GST (about ₹354 per adult) for the regular return boat to Paradise Beach.
Can I book the Chunnambar boat online?
The PTTDC website has a boat ride booking option. Tickets are also sold at the counter, but queues can be long on weekends.
