When it comes to the importance of scenic beauty, many people would think of the west coast of India for beach tourism, meanwhile, the east coast of the country is home to many beautiful beaches less known to the traveler. Tamil Nadu has many attractive places to be visited and one of them is Chennai; a big city which has many beautiful beaches which are lively with fun and entertainment. Since India has a long coastline, you can get all types of hotels including hourly hotels in Chennai near these main beaches. Try planning the next summer holidays to visit the beach towns of Chennai and be in for a delight.
Here are the best beaches in Chennai
1. Marina Beach
Marina Beach is officially recognized as one of the longest urban beaches in the world. There are many kites, sellers of kites, cricket matches, bazaars and families having picnicking on the day. Here the sunset or sunrise is a must to watch. The promenade can be compared to a carnival since there are children’s rides, food trucks with snacks, as well as joyful people of all ages. Even though one can walk along the coast to take a closer look, swimming is prohibited because of very active aqua zones. There is sun, sea, and walking. It is great for relaxing and to feel the mood of the place.
2. Elliot’s Beach
Elliot’s Beach, one of the cleaner ones in Chennai, lies in the fashionable Besant Nagar area. A popular entertainment area for the youths and the families it becomes a densely crowded place particularly in the evening. The place is clean, especially the beach; the promenade offers cuisines from elegant and smartly furnished cafés and restaurants. Including the famous still and beautiful Ashtalakshmi Temple, and the sacred Velankanni Church. Almost every house has flowers, and there is a beautiful Schmidt’s memorial of the Dutch sailor who saved the life of a girl.
3. Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach situated on the east coast road commonly known as ECR is one of the most beautiful beaches near Chennai. The beach has features such as swimmable water quality, long clean sandy beach, and many food sources. Here the seclusion is ideal for one major activity and that is surfing. Surfers are those people who can be observed either when they are riding waves or when they are waiting for a wave of their choice. One is the annual festival of Covelong Point that is more of a music festival accompanied by a food festival. There are also schools for surfing for those who wish to learn how to surf.
4. Thiruvanmiyur Beach
Thiruvanmiyur or Tiruvote beach is one which is quite and relatively tidier then Elliot’s Beach. It is more of a local secret where people go for strolls either in the morning or at night. There is a cheerful ambience, people jogging, running, families with children are strolling along the calm sandy beach. There are food stalls that sell sumptuous foods that can fill your hungry stomachs and the school has a paintball club for added excitement. This particular beach is not very crowded and it can provide a good time.
5. Santhome Beach
Santhome Beach is located at the southern end of the Marina Beach close to the older area of Mylapore. Yes, it is very quiet and not as dirty as Marina. The beach is ideal for young couples, friends and individual visitors who prefer watching sun set. Several restaurants close by guarantee that you can get something to eat before going for a walk along this tine sandy beach.
6. Sadras Beach
Sadras beach is a less crowded beach situated to the rear of Sadras Fort which has a touch of dutch architecture of Chennai. It is even more secluded than Cox bazaar, and that makes it perfect for those who want nothing better than to be idle and sunbathe or swim in the Bay of Bengal. It is either to visit the fort or get into the water for some swimming. Various types of snacks are available near the beach in the food stalls which are very tasty. It is thus the right place to rest and recover.
7. Palavakkam Beach
Palavakkam Beach gives the taste of early 80’s style beach tourism. It is broad, uncluttered and there is no business pressure; you can just sit on a bench and look at the sea. It is among the best beaches in Chennai, suitable for a quiet time near the sea.
8. Kasimedu Beach
Kasimedu Beach is considered local, people love it here for the beautiful pier, colorful boats, and, of course, the sea view. Many families, juveniles, and occasionally fishermen with home-made fishing lines can be noticed at this place. This is a suitable location for a rest and to digest the atmosphere of the city without loud advertisements.
9. Akkarai Beach
Akkarai Beach located nearby the East Coast Road is comparatively less crowded and peaceful than other beaches of Chennai. It is not as vigorous as in Marina or other beaches with cafes, but it is perfect to be in touch with the sea without the company of noisy tourists. It is a beautiful beach devoid of a lot of people, and the sand and sea are clean hence suitable for a holiday.
Other Notable Beaches
There are many other fine beaches for one to explore along the coast of chennai. There are also other beaches that one could visit namely the Neelankarai Beach, the VGP Beach found inside the VGP amusement park, the Pebble beach found near the Thiruvanmiyur Beach. Thus each of the beaches has something special and experienced to offer.
Conclusion
Chennai is a coastal city and owns a long sea-shore implying it has many beaches to visit. Depending on your choice, whether you like active beaches with many tourists or those, where you can start a meditation, Chennai provides for everyone. Forget the west coast this holiday and come and relax at the sandy shores of Chennai. Are there any other good beaches in Chennai that you are aware of that are not on this list? Speak your mind in the comments section below.