Marina Beach

4.3

Visiting time: 2-3 hours.

Marina Beach is the world’s second-longest urban beach. This beach in Chennai has white sands that spread far into the horizon, making it one of the most beautiful beaches on the Indian coast. Every day, around thirty thousand visitors and residents visit this urban beach and tourism hotspot. Aside from the waves, this beach has sculptures of previous heroes and an aquarium with rare and gorgeous marine and freshwater species.

Attraction

On the Marina beach, the aquarium and the Ice House are the primary attractions. The old sites along the seaside path include the Chepauk Palace, Senate House, PWD office, Presidency College, and Chennai University. The Victory of Labor and Mahatma Gandhi are two iconic statues on the Marina beach. Sculptures by Swami Sivananda, Avaaiyar, Thanthai Periyar, Tiruvalluvar, Dr. Annie Beasant, G.U. Pope, Sir Thomas Munro, Subramaniya Bharathiyar, Kamarajar, Robert Caldwell, Kannagi, Kamarajar, M.G. Ramachandran, and Shivaji Ganesan may be seen along the Chennai shoreline.

History

Indian fishermen dragging fishing net with their catch from sea on Marina Beach in Chennai.

Sir Mountstuart Grant Duff, the Governor of Madras from 1881 to 1886, was so taken by the beach that he erected a promenade along with it in 1884, which was available to the public. It was termed the Madras Marina because it was coated with soft sand. Prior to independence, it was used as a gathering spot for freedom fighters. In 1909, India’s first aquarium was created on Marina Beach. Following independence, the Triumph of Labour and Mahatma Gandhi sculptures were erected along the seashore. Aside from that, there are numerous famous sites such as the Lighthouse, Anna Memorial, MGR Memorial, and Napier Bridge, which have all been here for a long time.

Inside/Outside Views

Sunrise on beach with dramatic sky. Marina beach, Chennai, India.

Marina Beach is a revitalizing landmark in Chennai that attracts tourists from all across the country. It is the country’s longest natural urban beach, with a width of 437 meters at its widest point. Marina Beach is the world’s second-biggest beach, with a 12-kilometer expanse of blue waves. It has 428 Octagonal poles with seagull-shaped light fittings that have improved the illumination of the beach and improved visibility at night. A lighthouse that rises to a height of 49 meters provides breathtaking views of the beach and city. Several major structures are located just across the street from the beach, including Chepauk Cricket Stadium, Senate House, University of Madras, Presidency College, Vivekananda House, Queen Mary’s College, and dr. Annie Besant Park.

Opening Hours

All days of the week and opening time 12.00 am- 12.00 am

Entry & Others Fees

Free of charge

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By Air: The closest and most convenient airport is Chennai Airport. It has excellent connections to the rest of the country as well as the rest of the world. The beach is around 18.6 kilometers from the airport.

By Rail: The nearest train stations to Marina Beach are Chepauk, Thiruvallikeni, and Lighthouse. Most of these stations are connected to Chennai Central railway station through local trains. It usually takes from 3 to 10 minutes to get from Chennai Central to one of these stations. Chennai Central is very well-connected to the rest of the country.

By Road: The Marina Beach bus station is the closest bus stop to the beach. There are frequent buses that go between the city and the beach. The most convenient way to travel to the beach from any place in the city is to rent a private vehicle or hire a taxi. It may be a little pricey for budget travelers, but it saves a lot of time and work.

Tips for Travellers

There will be a better experience if you go to the beach early in the morning when the weather is less humid.
Wear comfortable clothes and apply sunscreen.
There’s no need to pack additional clothing because swimming is forbidden on Marina Beach due to a strong undercurrent.