Marina Beach

Sprawling over a distance of 13km, Marina Beach is the longest natural city beach in India and the second longest in the world after Miami. It runs from Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south. It’s best to visit the beach either at early morning or dusk, when the sandy stretch is cooled by sea breeze. During the evenings, it transforms into a popular hangout for Chennai residents and the sands get choked by the innumerable feet of discerning visitors. Anyone who visits Chennai for the first time makes it a point to breathe in the air of Marina Beach Chennai. Amidst statues and memorials of political leaders, there are numerous food stalls selling snacks such as boiled peanuts and fried fish, shops and joyrides. From here, the joy of watching the sunrise and set is indescribable and breathtaking. The surrounding palm trees beckon you for a slow and relaxed walk along the beach.
People also opt for a horseback ride along the shore, but swimming and bathing in the sea is generally not advisable due to the turbulent sea waves. However, one thing is for sure, and that is, once you have been to this beach, the experience of being there will linger for a long time and compel you to return for more. Besides having a good time on the beach, you can also see the historical monuments built at the junction of pathway stand. Statues of heroes from Tamil culture, Annadurai and MG Ramachandran memorials, Indo Saracenic buildings, monuments of Tamil scholars, patriots and famous personalities including Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose. The statue named Triumph of Labour by Debiprasad Roy Choudhary is another great attraction of Marina Beach. There’s also an aquarium close to the beach which houses really attractive aquatic creatures and amazing sea and fresh water fishes. It renders an opportunity to get acquainted with these living beings, and it also makes a serious onlooker appreciate the wizardry of the Almighty Creator. If you go down south, you’ll come across the Ice House, which was used for storage of ice brought from great lakes in North America at the time of British rule. The best time to visit Marina Beach is during the months of November to February, when it is neither too hot nor too humid. The palm trees and casuarinas ensure a steady supply of cool breeze and sufficient shade for the visitors to rest their head for a nap. Recluse types, love birds and families often seek out the Marina beach for spending their free time. When you are here, make sure you savour murukku, sundal, ice-cream and other South-Indian snacks and you’ll be happy and content.