Chennai | The Scintillating Beach Story

The scintillating beaches in Chennai pretty much define the metro city. Boasting a lengthy coastline, the city is replete with gorgeous beaches, lush green vegetation and heritage monuments. The beaches in Chennai are famous worldwide for their gorgeous views, golden sandy shores and clear blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. Depending on your mood and wish, you can visit the mainstream beaches in Chennai like Marina and Elliot for water sports, amazing crowd and lively spirit; or you can choose to saunter down the shores of any of the hidden beaches. These hidden gems include the likes of Santhome Beach, Covelong Beach; where you can retire from the pell-mell of the city and spend some quality time in peace all alone or with your loved ones.

Marina Beach

The shaanor amour-propre of Chennai, the famous Marina Beach, has been acclaimed as the second-longest beach in the world with a white sandy foreshore that looks as though extending to infinity. You could take a walk along the Marina beach with your near and dear ones or even all alone and enjoy the cool evening sea breeze along with a hot plate of crispy sundal and murukku. Watching the sun crawl upwards into the sky or even disappear into the ocean from the beach, is an awe-striking and enchanting experience.

Elliot’s Beach

A beach showcasing beauty, calmness, serenity and everything that signifies nature at its best, Elliot’s beach cannot be forgotten by anyone who has visited it once. Located towards the south of Marina Beach, an incredibly calm and tranquil place, it does not offer much activity hence. Among the beaches in Chennai, Elliot’s beach is one of the best for those uninterrupted long walks along the shore. Moreover, the site is perfect for the ones who want to soak their feet in the splashing sea water and lose themselves entirely in the arms of nature.

Covelong Beach

Covelong Beach or Kovalam Beach is another beautiful beach situated around 40 kms from Chennai in the village of Kovalam. Apart from various water activities like surfing, jet skiing, boating, the vicinity of the beach is also famous for fishing. It is even the primary occupation of the villagers living here.

Thiruvanmiyur Beach

Located in the neighbourhood of Thiruvanmiyur, Thiruvanmiyur Beach is one of the isolated and peaceful beaches in Chennai. Popular for beautiful sunrise and sunset views, the beach is mostly frequented by nature lovers, romantic couples or solitude seekers.

VGP Golden Beach

Considered as one of the cleanest and beautiful beaches in Chennai, VGP Golden beach is one of the most sought after destinations in the area by family and friends. This mesmerising beach is an appealing part of the Bay of Bengal, with its smooth and silver sand situated on Marina, the second longest beach in the world.

Pebble Beach

Situated at a distance of 1 km from Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, Pebble Beach is one of the smaller beaches in Chennai. Due to its location, it receives relatively lesser number of visitors. However, the beach offers an extremely peaceful and serene environment where you can spend some time in solitude.

Kasimedu Beach

Kasimedu Beach is comparatively lesser known among the beaches in Chennai. It is not just a recreation spot but also an important fishing harbour. With vast expanse of the blue sea and brown sandy shores, you can also find several fishermen at work with their huge fishing nets and boats. Besides, the fisherfolks also sell their spoils at the shores; you can buy fresh fish here. Volleyball is another popular activity at the beach.

Neelankarai Beach

Neelankarai Beach is an untouched gorgeous beach located in the small locality of Neelankarai in South Chennai. The highlight of the beach are the innumerous turtles that can be found on the shores. People usually visit it to watch the turtles or to walk along the lengthy coastline touching the beautiful blue waters of the sea.

Nettukuppam

Nettukuppam is the northernmost tip of Chennai and has a beach which is yet not tarnished by encroaching crowds. It is a solitary retreat for those who seek to enjoy the raging sea up close but in a peaceful environment. The place is an ideal place to spend quiet time as it is still not on the radar of the maddening tourist crowd.

Akkarai Beach

The sandy coastline begins from Ennore in the north extending south into Uthandi, leaving one to choose from more than just Marina and Elliot’s beach. With nicely constructed walkers’ paths, convenient seats, adequate lighting, lush green areas and children’s playgrounds proposed for select beaches in Chennai initially, there is more to look forward to when you clock in some time for fitness.

Mahabalipuram Beach

Also known as Mamallapuram by locals, the Mahabalipuram Beach is situated at a distance of 58 km from the Chennai city in Tamil Nadu. The beach lies on the shore of Bay of Bengal and comprises of some rock-cut sculptures which are pleasing to the eyes. It is also famous for caves, massive rathas, chariots and temples which offer a great spot for holiday. The Mahabalipuram beach is a perfect place to relax and give yourself a break from the deadlines and work pressure on a daily basis. People from near and far flock to the beach especially to enjoy the natural sunbathing offered by the beach. The windsurfers and swimming lovers are bound to have an amazing time at the beach for they are seen doing just that on the shores of the beach.

Santhome Beach

The southern part of the Marina Beach is known as the Santhome Beach. With immaculate clean sands, azure blue waters and gorgeous sweeping views of the sea, Santhome Beach is a one among the most visited beaches in Chennai. You can also find several eateries and sports activities at the beach.