Boat House in Pondy (Pondicherry)
Pondicherry (Pondy) is famous for water activities and adventure sports. Boating is the crowd favourite, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from kids to elders. Pondy has many boathouses, each providing a different experience for tourists. Following is the list of boathouses in Pondicherry.
- Pondy Marina Boat House
- Chunnambar Boat House
- Wills Boat House
- Ousteri Lake Boat House
1. Boat House in Pondy Marina
Boathouses in Pondy Marina cover the mangrove forest in the backwaters of the Gingee River. Tourists will be shown the mangrove forests, harbour, and Arikamedu during the boating session. Usually, boating will last 60 minutes. Evening sessions are preferred to witness the sunset in the mangrove forest.
Whatsapp for mangrove boating bookings: +91-7604942994
Mangrove Boating Cost: Rs.500 per person for 60 min
Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm (All Days)
2. Chunnambar Boat House
Chunnambar Boat House is the famous boathouse in Pondy. It is the most sought-after destination for tourists. You can reach Paradise Beach only through the Chunnambar Boat House. You can access Sandunes Beach or Eden Beach on your own, located on either side of Paradise Beach. Chunnambar Boat House offers different boat options. It is located on the backwaters of the Chunnambar River; the boating experience gives Kerala vibes, with coconut trees on the northern end and resorts on the southern end.
Entrance Fees: Adults: Rs.15 per person (Above 10 Years), Kids: Rs.5 per person (4-10 Years)
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (All Days)
Boating costs vary from Rs.300 to Rs.4000 depending on the type of boat (Motor or speed boat) and the number of people.
3. Wills Boat House in Arts and Crafts Village
Wills Boat House is located in Arts and Crafts Village, Murungapakkam, around 15 minutes from the White Town. It is situated on the banks of the Gingee River. Wills Boat House has the famous Mangrove Trail with wooden paths. You can get glimpses of mangroves nearby and check the animals associated with mangrove forests. Boating in the Gingee River covers the mangrove forest, famous Arikamedu ruins and the harbour. You can explore the arts and crafts village while visiting the Wills Boat House. Arts and Crafts Village exhibits the local artisan’s crafts in different stalls. You can see the making of crafts right there and buy the crafts.
Timings: 9.30 am to 6 pm (All Days)
Boating costs: Varies from Rs.1800 per boat (Max 6 people) to Rs.2400 per boat (Max 6 people)
4. Ousteri Lake Boat House:
Ousteri Lake, known for boating, is eight kilometres from Pondicherry City. The Ousteri Lake, which the governments of Tamilnadu and Pondicherry share, is 410 hectares in Tamilnadu and 390 hectares in Puducherry.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has designated this lake as a wetland of national importance as part of its National Wetland Conservation Programme. Currently, approximately 189 species of birds call it home (2020). It is also recognised as one of Asia’s ninety-three central wetlands by the Asian Wetland Bureau. The lake will come alive in the middle of the migratory season, from mid-October through March. Most birds visit during the migration season, which is also the ideal time for you to go.
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (All Days)
Boating costs: Rs.180 per person for long Trips and Rs.100 per person for short trips
