Marina Beach - Chennai

Location : Marina Beach

Marina Beach of Chennai is a popular destination. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Stretched along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal for about 12 km, Marina Beach is bordered by St. George Fort in the North and Besant Nagar in the South. Marina Beach is a popular picnic spot since the 1880s. Famous for its long stretch of silver sands and blue sea, Marina Beach provides a clear view of sunrise and sunset. The side drive of the beach is fringed by palms and casuarinas which provide shade. The lighthouse, situated at the southern end of the beach, provides panoramic views of the city of Chennai. Marina Beach has become a centre for activities like wind surfing, fishing, sun bathing, kit flying and beach volley ball. But the strong current of water makes Marina Beach unsuitable for swimming. The Marina Beach drive is home to popular landmarks of the city like the Senate House, Ice House, Anna Square, MGR Memorial, etc. Marina Beach also has an Aquarium, artificial water fountain, a swimming pool and a park. The park at Marina Beach is very popular as it has sculptures of many leaders and celebrities like Mahatma Gandhi, B.G. Tilak, Bharathidasan, Tiruvalluvar, Kamaraj, Swami Sivananda, Sir Thomas Munro, the Statue of Labour, Thanthai Periyar, etc.

 

Marina Beach with its 12 kms long stretch is the longest beach in India and is considered as one of the longest beaches in Asia. Located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal, it is also Chennai's major tourist attraction today. Viewing the sun set and sunrise from the beach is a mesmerizing experience. Marina Beach is often the venue for important state functions.

With its natural sandy walks, the Marina beach is a major attraction for tourists visiting Chennai, who can enjoy a leisurely evening or morning stroll along the Marina . Tourists can even shop and eat at the stalls lined on the beach, with local vendors selling things such as shell, glass baubles, kites and fruit juices. One can also enjoy pony rides at the beach site. There are many beautiful statues of Tamil scholars, patriots, and noted personalities on Marina Beach.

In proximity to the Marina beach is the aquarium, which houses some of the most exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. Some beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House are also located on the beach drive.

Mahabalipuram - Tamilnadu

Location: Right on the Coromandel Coast next to the Bay of Bengal

Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram is located right on the Coromandel Coast next to the Bay of Bengal. It was a well established sea port during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty, and has flourished accordingly.

This city was actually the 2nd capital of the Pallavas. It was originally named after the rude, cruel, and arrogant King Mahabali who was killed during a fierce battle by Lord Vishnu at that location. It was named by the people more out of gratitude that the heartless king was killed there than out of respect upon his death for his leadership.

During the rule of the Pallavas, new styles of art and architecture were pioneered. Mahabalipuram is where they tried and then exhibited their new artistic and architectural creations. As a result, the area is brimming with rock-cut caves and numerous temples. In fact, this region is often referred to as an open museum. Some of the temples were even carved out of one enormous rock rather than simply constructed out of rock. Not much pillaging has occurred here over the centuries, since the wealth of the Pallavas was never flaunted, so the temples are well preserved.

The architecture is not the only draw for tourists in this city. The area is also nestled in an especially impressive setting. Beautiful white sandy beaches are plentiful, as are the casuarinas trees that are found in abundance there. Mahabalipuram is also known for providing a fantastic shopping experience. Exquisite local handmade crafts are readily available in the local shops.

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State: Tamil Nadu
District: Kancheepuram
Famous for/as: Heritage, Beaches
Languages: Tamil, English
Best Season: Oct - Mar
Weather: Summer 21 to 41°C, Winter 17 to 33°C
Altitude: 12 m
Pincode: 603104
STD code: 044