Chennai, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches. Some of the popular beaches in Chennai include Marina Beach, which is the longest urban beach in India, Elliot's Beach, and Besant Nagar Beach. These beaches offer a wide range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. They also have a variety of shops and food stalls that sell local seafood and snacks. However, it's important to note that the beaches can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and holidays.
#1 - Marina beach
Marina Beach is a natural urban beach located along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. With a length of 13 km, it is the longest natural urban beach in the country and one of the longest in the world. The beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists and offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors can also take a stroll along the beach promenade, which offers beautiful views of the bay. Along the beach, there are many street vendors and small shops selling local food and souvenirs. There are also several monuments, statues and memorials along the beach. However, the beach can get quite crowded during weekends and holidays.
#2 - Elliots beach
Elliott's Beach, also known as "Besant Nagar Beach," is a popular beach located in the southern part of Chennai, India. It is located close to the famous Ashtalakshmi Temple and is a quieter and cleaner alternative to the more crowded Marina Beach. The beach is popular among the local residents and visitors for its clean sands, calm waters, and beautiful sunsets. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the local street food. The beach also has a small park and playground for children, as well as a few temples and shrines to visit. The beach also offers a few water sports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. The beach is also popular among locals for morning walks and evening strolls.
#3 - Thiruvanmayur beach
Thiruvanmiyur Beach is a lesser-known beach located in the southern part of Chennai, India. It is situated close to the Thiruvanmiyur district, from which it gets its name. The beach is less crowded compared to the more popular beaches like Marina and Elliot's Beach, and is known for its clean sands and calm waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and take a walk along the beach. The beach is also a good spot for fishing and it is also famous for its scenic beauty during the sunset. The beach is not well developed and lacks basic amenities like changing rooms and restrooms. It is also not recommended to swim in the sea as the waves can be quite strong.
#4 - Mahabhalipuram beach
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, around 60 km from Chennai. It is famous for its collection of 7th and 8th-century monuments built by the Pallava dynasty, including rock-cut temples, cave temples and mandapas (large halls). The town is also known for its beautiful beaches, including the Mahabalipuram Beach. The beach is situated on the Bay of Bengal and is popular among visitors for its clean sands, calm waters, and beautiful sunsets. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and take a walk along the beach. The beach is also famous for its scenic beauty and it is also a good spot for photography. There are also several monuments, temples, and sculptures to visit in the area, as well as local shops and restaurants.
#5 - ECR beach
ECR (East Coast Road) Beach is a stretch of beach located along the East Coast Road, south of Chennai, India. The ECR beach is a series of beaches that are located on the way from Chennai to Pondicherry. The beach is known for its clean sands, calm waters, and beautiful sunsets. It is a popular weekend getaway spot for locals and visitors alike. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and take a walk along the beach. The beach is also famous for its scenic beauty, and it is also a good spot for photography. There are several resorts and restaurants along the ECR beach offering different activities such as water sports, fishing, boating and more. The ECR beach is also famous for its beautiful sunrises, it is a must visit spot for nature lovers and photographers.
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