Tamil Nadu is the southernmost eastern state located along the Bay of Bengal and is popular for its congenital good looks, particularly, the chromatic beach sites and translucent skies. The beaches of this state possess their own charisma, which if not visited renders your journey incomplete and discontented. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, offers you some of the renowned appealing beaches of world that are a perfect holiday destinations along the coastal belt of southern India.
Chennai holds the largest beach in the world called the Marina Beach, which attracts the offers an amazing glittering seafront due to which is called the ‘Pride of Chennai’. For solitude seekers, the Covelong beach is perfect as it away from the hustles and bustles of the city. Elliot’s beach is famous for Tamil movies shootings and offers you a clean and serene atmosphere, previously was the site of relaxation and sun bathing. Another center of relaxation and tranquil environs is the VGP Golden Beach Resort at a 20-minute run from the Chennai City. Next frolicking beach shore is at Mahabalipuram located at approximately 60 km south of Chennai. Many more to the list, in a nutshell, the interesting beaches of Tamil Nadu are not worth missing, especially, the rides on motorized boat or wind surfing.
Be sure to include this amazing joy trip along the limitless coastal track adorned with wet sand soaked by the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Let’s take a look at the beaches of Tamil Nadu.
Marina Beach
Known as the longest beach stretching 12 km long, Marina Beach is a major crowd attractor. Sparkling sand, nice waves, and a crystal-clear azure seawater will transform you into a beach lover, if you are not so. Its amazing seafront is the gift of Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880’s.
Awakening with the perfect view of sunrise, the daytime can just be spend in the lap of the nature by a walk through, lying on sands, or making sand castles; as bathing and swimming are risky due to strong undercurrent. At the time of striking sunset, the beach pulls maximum crowd, as the wet grounds are now ready with varied entertainment stuff and is long enough to accommodate countless delicious food stalls along the shore.
The beach site is a center to hold many state functions. Further, you can even opt for shopping around the beach where the local sellers wares ranges from shell trinkets, kites, and to juices. Augmenting your excitement, there are pony rides at the beach site for small and big ones. Listed below are the attractions here.
Places to Visit near by Marina Beach
Beautiful Buildings
These include University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office, Ice House storing ice of Great Lakes in North America, new lighthouse, statues of Tamil scholars, Victory of Labor, and Mahatma Gandhi statue on the beach drive.
Anna and MGR Samadhis
These are the memorials of the popular, former Chief Ministers of Chennai on the beach. A popular belief holds that your wish asked at the Anna Samadhi is always fulfilled.
Mahabalipuram Beach – The Port of Pallavas
Known as Mamallapuram and famous for its shore temple located at 60 km south of Chennai, this city was a port of the Pallavas in ancient times. Pallavas have erected many splendid monuments that are divided into four categories namely, the open-air bas-reliefs – sculptural panels, caves, temples, and monolithic chariots (Rathas, sculpted in situ from single rocks representing chariots used in temple processions). Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna Mandapa are the popular panels near the heart of the town, while the magnificent shore temple seem to rise over the waves located at the rear of a defending breakwater.
Along the beach; a crocodile farm, snake venom extracting site, schools of art and sculpture, and varied resorts are the pullers throughout the year. Listed below are the attractions here.
Places to Visit near by Mahabalipuram Beach
Dakshinachitra
This is a heritage centre on the way to city from Chennai. The traditional artisans and folk artists perform in the reerected period arrangements of 19th century homes and streets of the Southern States of India – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Arjuna’s Penance
This is the largest bas-relief in the world and is entitled as the Pride of Mahabalipuram. Measuring 27m x 9m, it is a giant whaleback shaped rock depicting images of the entire creation – gods, demigods, men, beasts, and birds.
Five Rathas
Each made in a different style, these are the five monolithic shrines. Also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, the four of them are carved from a single rock.
Tiger’s Cave
Near to the sea but a serene place, this is an open-air theatre famous for its cultural programs. It is located at a distance of 4 km north of the main monument complex.
Shore Temple
Among the oldest temples in south India built in the early 8th century AD, this is a worth watching work of the Dravidian style. Heavily lit at night, they offer a beautiful view after sunset.
Reaching Mahabalipuram
By Air
Chennai is the closest domestic and international airport.
By Rail
The near railway stations are Chengalpattu at 29 km and Chennai at 58 km. After reaching here, one has to go through road.
By Road
Regular buses from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Chennai are there for you. Other option is to take a taxi.
Rameshwaram Beach
One of the most sacred spot and pilgrimage center of South India, the town of Rameshwaram is actually an island located off the mainland enclosed by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. The longest erected bridge ever created on the sea in India links the island.
According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Shree Ram revered Lord Shiva before attacking Lanka to protect his abducted wife, Sita from Ravana. It is believed that Lord Shree Ram built the mythological bridge from here to Sri Lanka and that also minimized the Tsunami effects in 2004. A holy place for Vaishnavites and Shaivities, this island is one such revered town without visiting which the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is incomplete.
Acacia shrubs, coconut palms, and pines enclose the island on which its famous temple remains in pride. The tranquility and shallow surf invites you for swimming and sunbathing. In fact, this is the only beach in the area preferred for day and night swimming. The generous sea beholds the rare aquatic life and coral reefs. Algae, starfish, sea cucumber, crabs, sponges, frolicking dolphins, and the sea cow can be seen here. The period from January to March is the preferred time to go to Rameshwaram. Listed below are the attractions here.
Places to Visit near by Rameshwaram Beach
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The main attraction and a good example of the Dravidian art, it took 350 years to give the present look to the temple. Parakrama Bahu, the king of Ceylon, built the sanctum sanctorum from polished granite stone; while Sethupathis ruling during the 12th century erected the corridors, two Gopurams at east and west entrances, and other vast structures. The chief deity is Lord Ramanathswamy and his emblem, the Ramalinga, which is believed to be installed and sanctified by Lord Rama and Sita themselves.
Dhanushkodi Road
This is a thrilling drive around the clear sea and backwater lined with swaying bulrushes from where you can have splendid view of the sunset.
Reaching Rameshwaram
By Air
The nearest airport is Madurai located at a distance of 167 km well linked by the flights of the Indian Airlines from Bombay, Calicut, and Madras.
By Rail
Rameshwaram is the nearest railway station that is connected directly to Madras, Madurai, Trichy, and Coimbatore.
By Road
Regular bus services to Rameshwaram are available from Kanyakumari at 320 km, Karaikudi at 149 km, Madras at 666 km, Madurai at 167 km, Ramanathapuram at 55 km, Sivaganga at 136 km, Pudukottai at 188 km, Tanjore at 248 km, Tuticorin at 180 km, and Tiruchendur at 209 km.
Kanyakumari Beach – The Hodgepodge of Hues
At the end of India’s land, Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost tip where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal unite offering a unique beach spot.
Also known as Cape Comorin and an important pilgrimage centre, the town is famous for its never-erasing scenes of sunrise and sunsets, particularly on full moon days.
The long stretches of multi- hued sands are an inviting change here. However, being rough in nature and dangerous, the beach does not actually welcome anyone to sunbathe on its soft sparkling sands or in frolicking waves. Due to this, there is also an artificial wall along it. A caution is proclaimed to the people to avoid going ahead of the rocks. Despite this, if someone tries to go off the limit, an observant police officer instantly and strictly scolds him or her.
A lighthouse on the beach is an ideal place for you to have a panoramic view. Further, another specific feature of this beach is that varieties of shells are sold here. Listed below are the main attractions here.
Places to Visit near by Kanyakumari Beach
Vivekananda’s Rock
This is a giant stone emerging from the sea on which it is believed that Swami Vivekananda had meditated. Currently, it beholds the statue of Vivekananda as a tribute to him. This should not surprise you if somebody tells you that Kanyakumari is a popular stop for Vivekananda’s devotees. As a result, many Bengalis do reside here welcoming you with a few Bengali hotels and restaurants.
The Triveni Sangam
Triveni means three and Sangam means the meeting point. Clearly understood, this is the confluence of the three major water pools. Carrying religious significance, this is the place where people bath by stepping down into the water in a type of a lagoon formed by sequential rocks between the lands. While bathing and jumping around, people are slightly beaten by the remnants of waves washing the rocks.
Other Places
Gandhi Mandapam and Kanyakumari Amman temple are other worth visiting sites.
Reaching Kanyakumari
By Air
The airport at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala is the closest one situated at 87 km from Kanyakumari.
By Rail
The Chunnambar Beach is the last stop of the broad gauge track of the Southern Railway. It can easily reached from Chennai, New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Tirunelveli.
By Road
The Chunnambar Beach stop is linked very well to all the major cities in South India. Bus services run from Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, Coimbatore, Udhagamandalam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Covelong Beach
This is a serene beach situated away from the hustles of the busy Chennai city and on the way to Mahabalipuram. Offering a nice breathing space and opportunities for wind surfing and swimming, the beach is the perfect picnic spot on the weekends in a picturesque environs. The beach as actually a port built by Saadat Ali, Nawab of Carnatic. In 1746, the French General Labourdonnais landed with his horde here. In 1752, it was taken by Clive, which was then destroyed.
A small fishing settlement separated from the mainland, the beach is reachable by the canal running from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. Attractions at this beach are an ancient Catholic Church, a Mosque, and the Fort, which form an amazing view from the resort. A five star hotel of the Taj Group named Fisherman’s Cove can assure you a luxurious stay in Covelong.
Reaching Covelong
By Air
Chennai at a distance of 60 km is the nearest airport.
By Rail
Chennai is again the closest convenient railway station.
By Road
The beach is at a distance of just 1 hour from Chennai and 20 minutes from Mahabalipuram. You can cover this distance by regular buses from Mahabalipuram and Chennai. Other alternative is to hire a taxi from Chennai or Mahabalipuram.
Elliot’s Beach
If you are looking for a picnic in clean atmosphere within Chennai, this beach is the perfect place for you. Located in Besant Nagar, you just have to follow the road along the coast from Marina towards south to reach the Elliot’s beach. It is popular haunt for younger generation now a days where you can spend some few hours of refreshing and soothing yourself.
Lined with fast food corners, shopping stores, and some shrines, all this just add to you entertainment. Before 40 years, the beach was the all-time favorite visit of foreigners for sun bathing. Listed below are the attractions here at the end of the beach.
Places to Visit near by Elliot’s Beach
Velankanni Church
This is a small church throng by many pilgrims, although the actual church at Velanganni is not small is size.
Ashtalakshmi Temple
This temple is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi (also written as Laxmi – the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity). As compared to other South Indian temples, this one is quite different in style and structure, as it is a modern age erection. It is so modern that it is not even 20 years old.
State transport buses and private buses can take you to Chennai if you are in one of the major towns or cities in the country. To reach this beach, you can catch an auto rickshaw.
Muttukadu Beach
A favorite picnic spot situated at a distance of 36 km from Chennai and famous for backwater and estuary, the Muttukadu Beach is a perfect destination for trips on motorized boats and wind surfing. You can choose to take either a pedal boat or a rowboat for taking a leisurely ride. Apart from boating, you can also involve yourself in angling. The Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation offers a Boat House that provides all the facilities conducive to boating and wind surfing.
Mandapam Beach
Located at a distance of 18 km from Rameshwaram, Mandapam is the mainland connected to the holy island of Rameshwaram and the doorway to numerous little islands. The small town is adorned with a calm beach offering the scenic sight of sun, sand, and surf.
Kurusadai Islands
An ecological haven off Mandapam and known for inborn beauty, these myriad islands are remarkable for coral reefs and rare varieties of aquatic life such as dolphins. However, it is mandatory to acquire permission from the Fisheries Department in Chennai to go to these islands for holiday destination or any other reason.
Pulicat Beach
This is a brackish shallow beach that is formed by the meeting of the backwaters. The Pulicat Beach is situated at a distance of 60 km from Chennai on National Highway No.5. Pulicat Lake and Buckingham Canal on the northern end of the state forms a perfect picnic site on the weekends. Attractions here are a catamaran ride on the waters, a Bird Sanctuary, and a Dutch cemetery built in 17th century on the shore.
Sadurangapattinam Beach
Situated at a distance of 16 km from Mahabalipuram, Sadurangapattinam is a small fishing settlement that offers a beautiful beach. The only attraction near the beach is a fort in ruins made by the Dutch folk and contains tombs of 16th – 17th century.
Pichavaram Beach
Situated at a distance of 16 km from Chidambaram and 75 km from Pondicherry, Pichavaram possess a myriad of islands scattered across a huge stretch of water and enclosed with lush green trees. Ranked as one of the most wonderful picturesque site having bountiful and diverse tourism property, the most thrilling aspect here is the tremendous scope of water sports due to its backwaters. A worldwide famous attraction here is the healthy mangroves.
Vattakottai
Located at a distance of 6 km from Kanyakumari, this is a spherical and tranquil beach that overlooks the sea. Bounded by bountiful coconut trees, the beach is a wonderful picnic site for relaxing and refreshing in front of calm waves and in wet sands.
Poompuhar
Located at a distance of 40 km from Chidambaram, this place holds the confluence of the River Cauvery and the roaring sea. Due to this confluence, it was called Puhar, which later was made Poompuhar due to its intense beauty. Also previously known as Kaveripoompattinam, this port town offers a superb beach with serene water for bathing.
You accommodation is taken at the Poompuhar tourist complex, which is established based on the details given in the Tamil epic Silpathikaram.
