Plage Paradiso island or paradise beach is an isolated beach from the main land by the Chunnambar backwaters about 7kms south of the picturesque town of Pondicherry town. The real name of the beach is Chunnambar beach but its popularly known as the Paradise island/beach due to the beauty of the island.
With its vast coastline, turquoise sea water and clear sky it will give a unique impression of being in a different world altogether. Adorned with the white sand, this famous and highly sought after beach is always swaying with cold sea breeze. The sand of the paradise beach is extremely soft and grainy - and a walk along the entire beach is amazing.
How to Reach:
You can hop into a local bus or hire a auto-rickshaw to reach the Chunnambar Boat-House from Pondicherry.
To reach the island you have to take a ferry across the backwaters, which takes around 20-30 minutes.
There is a small entrance fee for the boat ride and also a fee for still and video cameras. The ticket issued comes along with the return ticket.
The beach is open from 9AM in the morning to 6PM in the evening and ferries are operational for the same hours.
Facilities available at the Boat House:
The Boat-House is equipped with some cafe/restaurant and a rest room. There are few shops as well which sell mementos, T-Shirts and Post cards. Also, the boat-house offers some fun-rides like merry-go-round and bouncing castle for the children to indulge in fun activities while parents are waiting in queue for tickets.
Parking Space is ample here in case you want to go with your own vehicle.
The Ferry Ride To the Island:
Part of the fun is in reaching the beach through the backwaters which comprises thick green mangrove forests. Specially after the monsoons, the backwater is fresh and green. You can spot a lot of birds while on the ride and photography enthusiasts would relish the opportunity to get some great photos here.
The Island Fun:
The flat beach is excellent for taking an exhilarating fun-bath. However, the currents in the water are strong, so it is advisable to not go deep into the water.
You can have some fun tossing beach ball and frisbees.
Paradise beach is a great spot to reach early morning and get a view of the sunrise on the eastern coast. You can spend hours sitting on the beach and enjoying the waves. A variety of water sport facilities are available here as well - enthusiastic tourists can try a hand at fishing as fishing rods and nets are easily available on rent.
Know It:
There is no such provision for any kind of accommodation and people can stay on the island till 6PM .
Food and Liquor are not allowed inside, hence be prepared to shell out quite a bit for food and drinks if you are planning for a whole day fun at the island.
There are a few shacks along the main entry to the beach, and you can get fresh coconut water and some simple snacks.
There are a few huts where you can keep your stuffs without any person allotted for vigilance.Changing rooms are also aren't great but provides for a quick salty shower.
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Boats doesn't operate from July to October during the monsoon.Best time to visit is from November to March.
Photo Credit: Outlook Traveller and Google
