Marina Beach is the most famous beach of Tamil Nadu and is situated in the city of Chennai. The beach is considered to be one of the largest beaches in India and the world over. The beach stretches over a distance of 12 km and has a considerably large width.
About Marina Beach in Chennai :
Marina beach, located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal, is a perfect blend of golden sand, good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea. This 4.5 kms long beach is the second longest beach in the world. This 12-km long stretch was beautified by the fantastic face lift given by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880’s and since then it became one of the important tourist attraction in Chennai.
Tourist Attractions of Marina Beach in Chennai :
Some of the most attractive buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House are located on the beach drive. The new lighthouse is situated at the other end of the beach. There are several statues of Tamil scholars and two brilliant bits of sculpture- the Victory of Labour and the Mahatma Gandhi.
Aquarium – Aquarium is nearby the Marina beach and has some of the most exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. The aquarium lets you peep into the aquatic life from close quarters. The Ice House is situated to the south of Aquarium, used to store ice brought from Great Lakes in North America.
Anna And MGR Samadhis- Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR Samadhis, are the memorials of the most popular, former Chief ministers of the state. This attracts a good number of people everyday.
Mark Of The Legends – The roadside skirting the beach is embellished with a sentinel of statues consisting those of Mahatma Gandhi, local legendary personas like Shivaji Ganesan, Kannagi, Thiruvalluvar, while others with symbolic significance like the Statue of Labour. On one end of the shore is a majestic lighthouse.
Turtles At The Beach – The Neelangarai section of the beach falls under the ambit of conservation efforts for the protection of the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. Lucky ones might get a chance to see them as well, don’t forget the camera in awe!
Frolicking Fish – The venue of the Aquarium house near the shore compliments the ambience well. The exotic fishes and the blue waters feel like a slice of the deep sea itself.
Buildings Of Importance – The Presidency College, University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, P.W.D Office and the Ice House are significant buildings around the beach adding an aura of formal decorum to the whole surrounding.
Beach Activities :
Bathing and swimming can be dangerous here, as the undercurrent is very strong. But still people come for swimming here. In the evenings, the beach turns into a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach. One can even shop around the beach, buying shell and glass baubles to kites and fruit juices. The Marina, is also the venue for important state functions, accommodate a good number of visitors. There are also facilities of pony rides at the beach site, which attract the children’s interest the most.
Stay Back At Marina Beach in Chennai :
Chennai being the capital of Tamil Nadu and a popular tourist destination, be it for sight-seeing or for those coming for treatment to Apollo, has hordes of hotels for every budget and even lodges where you can even cook your own food with the utensils provided. Thousand lights, near Apollo Hospital can be a very economic option. Or forget the hassles, we have the best options stored for you.
How to Reach Marina Beach :
By Air: Chennai has an airport with both domestic and international terminals. Regular flights connect Chennai with the major cities within the country and also with countries like USA, Singapore, U.K, etc.
By Rail: Chennai is well connected by rail with the important towns of India.
By Road: State transport buses and private buses connect Chennai with the major towns and cities within the country.