Famed as one of the longest beaches in the world, Marina beach is for sure the pride of Chennai city. This 13 km long beach of Tamil Nadu forms the city's east coast from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram.
Located nearby to Kamarajar Salai road, Marina beach is one of the favored destination for beach vacation in India. This enchanting beach is blessed with silver sands, excellent surf and shimmering azure water of Bay of Bengal. Marina is also famous for its wonderful sunrise and sunset views which is truly an enthralling experience. People from far flung visits Marina to behold the spectacular view of sun descending into the turquoise water of sea while enjoying a fabulous evening with their loved ones.
Attractions
Around Marina Beach
Thanks to Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone who has done makeover of Marina beach and makes it one of the prime attractions of Chennai city. The beach is popular for its shops, food stalls, joggers' track, lovers' spot etc.
Marina beach is also dotted with several outstanding statues of Tamil scholars, patriots, and noted personalities. Walk along the beach bordered with a green lawn and cherish these beautiful statues which includes statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Kannagi, Thiruvalluvar, Sir Thomas Munro, Kamarajar, Avvaiyar, Thanthai Periyar and the Statue of Labour which depicts the efforts of a team of laborers who are at strenuous, manual work.
At one end of the beach is Anna Square, which is the last resting place of former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr. C.N.Annadurai. Next to the Anna Sqaure is MGR Samadhi and a beautiful park. This is a memorial for Dr.M.G. Ramachandran, the former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu as well as a Tamil super star. The tomb has an imposing memorial Pillar and an eternal flame.
There are also some old and historic buildings which are situated opposite to the beach, along side the Kamarajar Salai road. Some such buildings are Vivekananda House, Senate House of the University of Madras, Chepauk Palace (now P.W.D office), 19th century Presidency College building, Ezhilagam and the Director General of Police office.
Marina beach is also famous for an aquarium and state run swimming pool. The aquarium has some of the exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. Some artificial fountains, parks and a light house is also built on Marina beach to enhance its beauty.
Best Time To Visit
Marina beach can be visited throughout the year but the ideal time is from November to January. Early mornings and evenings are the best time in a day when you can indulge yourself in various activities on the beach. There is a caution for water sport lovers. As the currents are turbulent in this region, so restrict yourself from bathing and swimming.
Where To Eat
Marina Beach has no dearth for food shops and road side stalls where you can gorge on various kinds of evening snacks, juices, coffee etc.
How To Reach
Chennai is connected to all major Indian cities and foreign countries by means of air travel. It has two airports namely Kamaraj Domestic Airport and Anna International Airport, which are located 20 km away from the main city. Chennai is also well connected to other Indian cities by means of a vast network of railways. Major Chennai Railway stations are Chennai central and Chennai Egmore. This southern city is also connected to other parts of India by network of smooth roads. State-run-buses and private coaches joins Chennai to its nearby cities such as Bangalore (334 km), Hyderabad(704 km), Trivandrum(790 km).
Where To Stay
Ranging from reasonable economic class to luxurious ones, Chennai has hordes of hotels. Even there are lodges where you can cook your own food with the utensils provided. Its advisable to book the hotels in advance as November to January and April to May are peak tourist season.
Beach Resorts/ Hotels At Marina
- The Raintree (5 star)
- Taj Connemara (5 star)
- Savera Hotel (4 star)
- Hotel President (4 star)
- Deccan Plaza (3 star)
- Grand Orient (3 star)
Golden
Triangle Tour in India
