Pondicherry

– A Tranquil, Soothing Time On The Paradise Island

By Meera

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Just like Goa, the French styled city of Pondicherry too is known for its pristine and crystal-clear beaches. But one does not see the same jostling crowds on its golden white sands and beaches.

Therefore, a visit to Paradise Island should not be missed if you want to forget the world. The beach is in fact, located right at the mouth of the Chunnambar backwaters. This place is considered a paradise as it is flanked by a creek on one side and dark mangroves on the other side.

View from ferry

Once you disembark from the boat at the jetty and cross a small ticket checking post, you enter a large verdant park where you can sit and rest for a while. From here, one has to walk a bit to reach the beach - treading the soft white and clean sands. On one side of the golden beach is a small cafeteria, catering hot and cold beverages.

 

In my experience of traveling around the world from Pacific to Indian to Atlantic Ocean and seeing many beaches, the one on Paradise Island is one of the cleanest beaches that I have seen. Maybe, because this island is accessible mostly through a boat and it is a thirty-minute ride from the town through the Chunnambar backwaters.

View from ferry

Once on the beach front, you can just relax to soak in the beautiful and stark golden view. But since the sea waves are very strong here, the life guards do not let any tourists or youngsters beyond a certain point. I just sat and watched the waves getting higher and higher and if you can relax in one corner, this view is enough to sustain you for two to three hours. Walking on the soft and grainy sands, it made me forget all my stress and unwanted memories.

 

The currents in the water are so high that it is not at all safe to go deep down the water. To be very frank, I could hardly see anybody venturing. People were either gazing at the sea peacefully or playing on the sands with their kids. If you get restless or hungry, there are a few shacks along the main entrance to the beach, and you can get fresh coconut water and some simple snacks. 

 

This beach is unlike the ones in Goa where you get anything. Don't expect any vendors or street food. It is good for views and if you reach early mornings, you can get a view of the sunrise on the eastern coast. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the beach and gazing at the foamy waves. A variety of water sports facilities are available here but on a weekday, one does not see much activity.

The Beach

Sitting in the shade of bamboo shelters on the beach is the best thing to do here as even in winters, the sun is harsh and one sweats a lot. Although Pondicherry has a warm climate throughout but October to March is considered as an ideal time to visit. But for a Bengalurean, even these months are pretty hot and humid.

 

However, this erstwhile French town has different charms in different seasons. It is better to relax and immerse your feet in the white sands and send your gaze to the land’s end. Now my advice is if you want a peaceful and quiet time, then head to Pondicherry and not Goa which is full of international tourists.

 

When the state tourism department’s resort – Chunnambar   Backwater and Beach Resort is open, then one gets to play a variety of water sports. Apart from this, the tree houses in the resort get you a clear view of the river joining the sea in different hues at different times. But for me, it was the red ball of fire that sunk gradually in the shimmering waters that remains locked up in my memory ever fresh.

 

Another advice, please remember to visit this tranquil island either in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not harsh, otherwise you will have to hide yourself in the numerous shades that dot the white sands of Paradise Island. 

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