Pondicherry Beaches

Pondicherry Beaches

Any trip to Pondicherry would be incomplete without a visit to its beaches. Though it’s hot and muggy through most of the year, Pondicherry has four main beaches which are fairly popular with tourists and locals alike.

Promenade

The 1.5 km along promenade running along the beach is the pride of Pondicherry. Here one can relax or take a stroll at any tiem of the day. On the sea front are several land marks. The War memorial, the statue of Joan of Arc, the heritage town hall, the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Duplex statue, the old light house, the remains of the old pier and the old customs house, can all be found here. The well furnished tourist information centre is housed in an aesthetic heritage building facing the sea.

Paradise Beach

Located 8 km. from the town, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed from the Chunnambar Resort. Flanked by a quiet flowing creek on one side, the beach can only be accessed by boat.

Serenity Beach

This beach is a ten minutes drive to the north of the town. This virgin beach, with its serene surroundings is an ideal place to laze away.

Auroville Beach

The Auroville Beach as the name indicates is close to Auroville. It is right off the ECR, opposite the road leading to Aruroville. Located around 12 km from the main Pondicherry town, its shallow waters and small waves make it an ideal place for swimming.

Chunnambar Backwaters

Chunnambar is situated 8 km from Pondicherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical paradise is flanked by a quiet flowing creek on one side. You can sail downstream to the sands and pitch up a cozy seaside tent for yoruself or camp overnight at the tree-houses on the banks of the backwaters.

The beach at Chunnambar also known as Plage Paradiso, is located near the mouth of the backwater. The sand is pristine and the water, clean. It’s ideal place for sun bathing and beach sports.

A Short, pleasant cruise into the sea from here could reward you with the memorable sight of playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

Chunnambar Beach and Backwater Resort, a PTDC enterprise, offers boating, backwater boat tours, treks and picnics.

Ousteri Lake

A century – old artificial lake developed by the French on the Pondicherry Vilupuram Road, this scenic place has recently been declared a wildlife sanctuary. A wide range of birds such as Spot-billed pelicans, Eurasian Spoonbills, Darters, Painted Storks, and Black-headed (or White) Ibis, the Common Coot, Purple Moorhen, Little Grebe and aquatic species can be found here. The best time to visit is from October to March. Boating on the lake and other facilities are provided by Pondicherry tourism.