4.1 / 5

Marina Beach

📍 Marina Beach, Tamil NaduView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to February

⏰ Open Hours:Open 24 hours

🏄 Things To Do:Enjoy horse riding, fly kites, savour local street food, and take long walks along the beach.

💰 Budget:No entry fee

🧳 Traveller Types:Solo travellers, families, photographers, nature enthusiasts

🎯 Known For:Being the second longest urban beach in the world, offering stunning sunset views and hosting the annual Chennai Marathon.

🚉 Distances:4.7 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, 17 km from Chennai International Airport, 6 km from the city center

📸 Photo Opportunities:Lighthouse, statues of Tamil legends, sunset views

🍲 Nearby Dining:A multitude of street food stalls serving local delicacies

🛍️ Shopping:Nearby markets for silk sarees, jewellery and handicrafts

💡 Tips:Avoid visiting during summer afternoons due to high temperatures. Be aware of strong currents while swimming.

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Marina Beach: A Complete Guide to Chennai’s Iconic Beach

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a beach that stretches for miles and miles, with golden sand, blue water, and green palm trees? A beach that offers you a variety of activities, from sightseeing and dining to shopping and partying? A beach that has witnessed some of the most important events in India’s history and culture? If yes, then you should definitely plan a trip to Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Marina Beach is a natural urban beach that runs along the Bay of Bengal for about 13 km (8.1 mi), making it one of the longest and most crowded beaches in the world. It is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Chennai, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a cultural experience, Marina Beach has something for everyone.

In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Marina Beach, covering its history, attractions, nightlife, shopping, and tips. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to enjoy this amazing beach and make it your next destination.

History of Marina Beach

Marina Beach has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. It was developed by the British governor of Madras (now Chennai), Sir Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff, who wanted to create a promenade along the coast for the residents of the city. He named it after the Italian word “marina”, which means “shore” or “coast”.

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Marina Beach soon became a center for social and political events in Madras and India. It hosted many public meetings, rallies, protests, and celebrations that shaped the course of Indian history. Some of the most notable events that took place at Marina Beach are:

The first public demonstration of the Indian National Congress in 1887, led by Annie Besant and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

The first public appearance of Mahatma Gandhi in Madras in 1919, where he addressed a huge crowd of supporters.

The funeral procession of C. N. Annadurai in 1969, which was attended by over 15 million people, making it the largest funeral in history.

The funeral procession of M. G. Ramachandran in 1987, which was also attended by millions of people and caused a stampede that killed over 50 people.

The tsunami that hit the coast of Tamil Nadu in 2004, which killed over 200 people and damaged many buildings and structures along Marina Beach.

The jallikattu protests in 2017, which saw thousands of people gathering at Marina Beach to demand the lifting of the ban on the traditional bull-taming sport.

Attractions of Marina Beach

Marina Beach offers you a plethora of things to see and do, from enjoying the natural beauty and scenery to exploring the nearby places and attractions. Here are some of the activities you can indulge in at Marina Beach:

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Watch the sunrise or sunset:

Marina Beach is famous for its spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset, which create a magical atmosphere and a stunning backdrop for photos and videos. You can witness the changing colors of the sky and the sea, and feel the breeze and the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Walk or jog along the shore:

Marina Beach is ideal for walking or jogging along the shore, as it has a wide and long stretch of sand that is smooth and clean. You can enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the waves, and burn some calories while you are at it. You can also join the morning or evening walkers’ club, which organizes group walks and exercises at Marina Beach.

Play or relax on the sand:

Marina Beach is a great place to play or relax on the sand, as it has plenty of space and facilities for recreation and leisure. You can play games like cricket, volleyball, frisbee, or kite flying, or build sand castles, sculptures, or art. You can also relax on the sand with a book, a magazine, or a music player, or take a nap under an umbrella or a palm tree.

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Swim or surf in the water:

Marina Beach is also a good place to swim or surf in the water, as it has moderate waves and currents that are suitable for beginners and experts alike. You can swim in the designated areas that are marked by flags and guarded by lifeguards, or surf with your own board or rent one from the nearby shops. You can also take surfing lessons from professional instructors who operate at Marina Beach.

Take photos or videos of the scenery:

Marina Beach is a perfect place to take photos or videos of the scenery, as it has a beautiful and diverse landscape that includes sand, water, palm trees, statues, monuments, buildings, and people. You can capture the essence and charm of Marina Beach with your camera or phone, and share your memories with your friends and family.

Places To Visit Near Marina Beach

Apart from these activities, you can also visit some of the places near Marina Beach that are worth exploring. Some of these places are:

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Government Museum Chennai

Kapaleeshwarar Temple:

A 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, located in Mylapore. It is known for its Dravidian architecture, colorful gopurams (towers), sculptures, and festivals.

Government Museum:

A museum complex that houses various galleries and exhibits related to art, archaeology, history, zoology, botany, and geology. It is one of the oldest and largest museums in India, and contains rare collections of paintings, sculptures, coins, manuscripts, and fossils.

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Semmozhi Poonga (Botanical Garden):

A botanical garden that showcases various species of plants, flowers, trees, and herbs from different regions and climates. It is spread over 20 acres of land, and features themed gardens, waterfalls, ponds, and fountains.

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Fort St. George:

A 17th-century fort that was built by the British East India Company as their first stronghold in India. It is now a museum that displays artifacts and relics related to the colonial era, such as weapons, uniforms, maps, and paintings.

Santhome Basilica:

A Roman Catholic church that was built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It is one of the three churches in the world that are built over an apostle’s tomb, and has a Gothic style architecture, a stained glass window, and a relic chamber.

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Marina Lighthouse:

A lighthouse that stands at a height of 46 meters (151 feet) and offers a panoramic view of Marina Beach and Chennai city. It is one of the few lighthouses in India that are open to the public, and has an elevator that takes visitors to the top.

What To Eat at Marina Beach & Where?

No visit to Marina Beach is complete without tasting some of the delicious food options that are available at Marina Beach. Some of these food options are:

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Street food stalls:

The most popular and affordable food option at Marina Beach is the street food stalls that line up along the beach road. They offer a variety of snacks and dishes that are hot, spicy, crispy, and tasty.

Some of the items you can try are sundal, bajji, murukku, vada, samosa, idli, dosa, pongal, biryani, fish fry, kothu parotta, ice cream, and more.

Seafood restaurants:

Another popular and slightly expensive food option at Marina Beach is the seafood restaurants that serve fresh and tasty seafood dishes. They offer a variety of fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, squids, and oysters that are cooked in different styles and sauces. Some of the restaurants you can try are Marina Seafood Restaurant, Fisherman’s Fare, Bay View, and Kayal.

Cafes:

A third and more relaxing food option at Marina Beach is the cafes that offer hot and cold beverages, snacks, desserts, and light meals. They are perfect for chilling out with your friends or family, or enjoying some music or books. Some of the cafes you can try are Cafe Coffee Day, Barista, Starbucks, and Writer’s Cafe.

You may also like to check out: The coastline of Chennai

Nightlife of Marina Beach

Marina Beach is not only a place to enjoy the day, but also a place to enjoy the night. Marina Beach has a vibrant and lively nightlife that offers you various options to have fun and entertainment. Here are some of the nightlife options at Marina Beach:

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Pubs, clubs, bars, and lounges:

If you are looking for some music, dance, drinks, and entertainment, then you can head to some of the pubs, clubs, bars, and lounges that are located near Marina Beach.

They offer a range of genres and styles, from rock and pop to jazz and blues, from live bands and DJs to karaoke and comedy. Some of the places you can try are The Leather Bar, The Flying Elephant, Blend, Q Bar, and Illusions.

Safety precautions:

While visiting Marina Beach at night, you should also take some safety precautions to avoid any trouble or danger. You should avoid dark or isolated areas, carry a flashlight or a whistle, stay in groups or with locals, and follow the rules and regulations of the beach authorities.

You should also be careful of your belongings, avoid strangers or suspicious people, and drink responsibly.

Alternative ways:

If you are not interested in the conventional nightlife options at Marina Beach, you can also try some alternative ways to enjoy Marina Beach at night. You can watch the stars or the moonlight, listen to the waves or the breeze, read a book or a magazine, or meditate or relax on the beach.

You can also take a night walk or a bike ride along the shore, or visit some of the nearby places that are open at night, such as cinemas, theatres, or malls.

Shopping at Marina Beach

Marina Beach is also a place to shop till you drop, as it has a variety of shopping options that cater to different tastes and budgets. You can find anything from souvenirs and handicrafts to books and clothes at Marina Beach. Here are some of the shopping options at Marina Beach:

Souvenir shops:

The most common and cheap shopping option at Marina Beach is the souvenir shops that sell various items that are related to Marina Beach or Chennai. You can buy things like keychains, magnets, postcards, mugs, t-shirts, hats, and bags that have pictures or names of Marina Beach or Chennai. You can also buy things like shells, corals, pearls, and starfish that are collected from the sea.

Handicraft stalls:

Another popular and affordable shopping option at Marina Beach is the handicraft stalls that sell various items that are made by local artisans and craftsmen. You can buy things like paintings, sculptures, pottery, wooden carvings, metal works, and leather goods that showcase the art and culture of Tamil Nadu. You can also buy things like jewelry, accessories, toys, and dolls that are made of beads, stones, clay, or cloth.

Bookstores:

A third and more intellectual shopping option at Marina Beach is the bookstores that sell various books and magazines that cover different topics and genres. You can buy books on history, culture, religion, politics, or literature that are related to Chennai or Tamil Nadu. You can also buy books on fiction, non-fiction, romance, thriller, or comedy that are written by local or international authors. You can also buy magazines on travel, lifestyle, fashion, or sports that are published by local or national media.

Clothing outlets:

A fourth and more fashionable shopping option at Marina Beach is the clothing outlets that sell various clothes and garments that suit different styles and occasions. You can buy clothes like sarees, salwar kameez, kurtas, or lungis that are traditional and ethnic wear of Tamil Nadu. You can also buy clothes like jeans, t-shirts, skirts, or dresses that are modern and western wear. You can also buy clothes like swimwear, beachwear, or sportswear that are suitable for Marina Beach.

Accessory stores:

A fifth and more trendy shopping option at Marina Beach is the accessory stores that sell various accessories and items that complement your clothes and outfits. You can buy accessories like sunglasses, hats, scarves, or belts that protect you from the sun or add some flair to your look. You can also buy accessories like earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or rings that enhance your beauty or express your personality. You can also buy accessories like watches, wallets, purses, or backpacks that are useful or convenient for your travel.

Nearby Markets & Malls

Apart from these shopping options, you can also visit some of the nearby markets and malls that offer more variety and quality of products. Some of these markets and malls are:

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T Nagar:

A market area that is famous for its textile and jewelry shops that sell sarees, gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls at reasonable prices.

Pondy Bazaar:

A market area that is popular for its street vendors and hawkers that sell clothes, shoes, bags, electronics, and cosmetics at cheap prices.

Spencer Plaza:

A mall that is one of the oldest and largest malls in India that houses over 400 shops that sell branded and imported products, such as clothes, shoes, accessories, books, and gadgets.

Express Avenue:

A mall that is one of the newest and most modern malls in Chennai that features over 200 shops that sell premium and luxury products, such as clothes, shoes, accessories, books, and gadgets. It also has a multiplex cinema, a food court, a gaming zone, and a hotel.

How To Reach

Marina Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chennai, and it is easy to reach from different parts of India by various modes of transportation. Here are some of the best ways to reach Marina Beach Chennai from different parts of India:

By air:

The nearest airport to Marina Beach is Chennai International Airport, which is well connected to major cities in India and abroad. The airport is about 18.6 km away from the beach, and you can take a taxi, a bus, or a metro train to reach the beach from the airport.

By train:

The nearest train stations to Marina Beach are Chepauk, Thiruvallikeni, and Lighthouse, which are connected to Chennai Central railway station by local trains. It usually takes 3 to 10 minutes from Chennai Central to one of these stations. Chennai Central railway station is well connected to other cities in India by regular trains. You can check the train schedule and availability on the IRCTC website.

By bus:

The nearest bus stop to Marina Beach is Marina Beach Bus Stop, which is served by several city buses that run across Chennai. You can check the bus route and timings on the MTC website. You can also take a long-distance bus from other states to Chennai, and then take a local bus or a taxi to Marina Beach.

Marina Beach is a wonderful place to visit and explore, as it has so much to offer to its visitors. It is not only a beach, but also a historical, cultural, and recreational destination. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the diversity of people, and the vibrancy of life. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a cultural experience, Marina Beach has something for everyone.

Also check out: Differently Abled Gets Temporary Beach Access in Chennai’s Marina Beach!

We hope that this article has given you a complete guide to Marina Beach, covering its history, attractions, nightlife, shopping, and tips.

We hope that you have learned something new and interesting about this amazing beach, and that you are inspired to visit it soon. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for reading and have a great day!

Marina Beach Reviews

We opted for MRTS and reached Lighthouse station and walked towards the longest natural urban beach in the country and one among the whole world. There were lots of statues and government offices on either side of the road. our plan was to visit the lighthouse which is only open to public in recent times.Ashwin informed that in his overall lifetime he alsonever had chance to visit the lighthouse.we felt so lucky to climb up and watch the whole city and beach.The beach runs from near Fort St George in the north to the Foreshore Estate in the south, a distance of 6.0 km make it one of longest natural seashore in the entire planet.The British colonisers built a long promenade and road near their trading post and made it more organized and encouraged the urban culture to develop Madras as a city in British India.After independence, one by one Govt of Tamilnadu built so many monuments and statues for Tamil poets and Great personalities and remembers their contribution to the Land of Tamizh. It was delightful to experience Chennai from a such a great height, the view of University of Madras, Chennai port was very clearly visible from the Lighthouse. The University building was an elegant example of Indo Saracenic style of architecture.it was developed by 19th-century British architects combining all the elements of Indian architecture with Western gothic, all the public government buildings used this style. we started the walk from one end up to MGR Memorial, Dr.MGR, an actor turned politician the great man who was honoured by Bharat Ratna by Government of India for his great skills in administration and social services.Still, people believe his watch is ticking inside the memorial, it was really a funny incident always happening at the memorial.The Cooum river breaks this long beach and there's a memorial for the war heroes who fought in Second World War for Britain. On the way back we went to the city centre in Mylapore, made me realise that the city has two dimensions If native Chennai people and the posh and rich influential people. The sodium lamps across the poor streets were reallytenebrous, reminded me about some gangster movies from Tamil films . The slang was really different from literally written Tamil, they have an intense fisherman village style of speaking that's very hard to understand even for native person. I barely thought about my birthday , the next day is Varun birthday ,At night Ashwin father brought a cake for us to celebrate the birthday at 12am.We together celebrated the birthday, Uncle and aunty wished both of us, Probably,that's the first time I'm celebrating a birthday like this ever in my lifetime.It was a joyful evening.
Home to one of the longest beaches in Asia, Marina Beach, Chennai is extraordinary in every form. Marina beach can get really crowded any day of the week, but that's an experience in itself. Best time is to visit it in the evening. However, the undercurrent is pretty turbulent. So, watch out! If you enjoy your solitude then there are a plethora of beaches in Chennai that aren't as touristy and will offer you a one on one conversation with nature. Kasimedu, Thiruvanmiyur are some of the beaches that you can visit. The Food The South Indian food you have had in any other part of India other than South India is basically not the authentic South Indian food. My dad's friend came to pick us up when we first set foot in Chennai. He dropped us at the hotel and arranged food for us. Idli, dosa and sambar! I have always loved South Indian cuisine. But the only place I had had South Indian food was Delhi. Having the same taste in mind I took the first bite. Nom! Was that the food of the gods? It was so much different and so so much delicious. And the best part? It is very inexpensive. You can get a really delicious dosa for 30 INR, for which you pay 80-90 INR in Delhi or anywhere else and it's not even that delicious. That is exactly when I realized I have been cheated all my life. You will not like the northern version of the South Indian food once you taste the authentic food anywhere in the South. Safety Having spent all my life in Delhi, I known how my mother dreads wearing those expensive gold jewelry whenever she goes out. Chain snatching is pretty common in many Northern states. It was such a shock for me to see small kids wearing really heavy gold necklaces in Chennai, without any fear in their eyes. It is a very safe and pocket-friendly city to stay in. Its close proximity to some marvels
Marina beach in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal is India's longest and world's second longest beach.Walking along the beaches during sunrise and sunset is a pleasant experience for all. In the evening this beach becomes a fair ground with numerous stalls selling artifacts, handcrafted showpieces, ethnic jewelry, and food items. Children play games and frolic around. Dinner Time : Visiting Chennai and not eating Biryani ? Hash-tag need to be attached #MustTry . Head to Aasife Biryani and enjoy the yummy biryani. For veg peeps. You must try VEG KURMA AND PAROTHA. Even among them like me, still missing Mumbai the head to Anna nagar and go to chat box and have a bite of Vada pav. So this is the one Day plan to enjoy this Exquisite city . If you are on business trip or on some wedding and don’t have any spare day to enjoy the whole city. then this plan is actually works. Try it :)
Marina Beach is a natural urban beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, along the Bay of Bengal. The beach runs from near Fort St. George in the north to Foreshore Estate in the south,, making it the longest natural urban beach in the country. The Marina is primarily sandy, unlike the short, rocky formations that make up the Juhu Beach in Mumbai. Bathing and swimming at the Marina Beach are legally prohibited because of the dangers, as the undercurrent is very turbulent. It is one of the most crowded beaches in the country and attracts lot of tourists .
Marina beach in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal is India's longest and world's second longest beach.Walking along the beaches during sunrise and sunset is a pleasant experience for all. In the evening this beach becomes a fair ground with numerous stalls selling artifacts, handcrafted showpieces, ethnic jewelry, and food items. Children play games and frolic around. Dinner Time : Visiting Chennai and not eating Biryani ? Hash-tag need to be attached #MustTry . Head to Aasife Biryani and enjoy the yummy biryani. For veg peeps. You must try VEG KURMA AND PAROTHA.
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