7 Breezy Beaches In Chennai That You've Gotta Visit At Least Once!

The wind ruffles the locks in your hair, your feet buzz over the burning sand while the cool water tickles your toes sending a tingling sensation throughout your body - the beaches of Chennai entail many such ecstatic nuances that we can’t miss out on! The music of the Bay of Bengal calms every speck of your soul, flanked beside the Coromandel Coast, these beaches of Chennai offer the most spectacular sunrise view which is a treat to your eyes!

Note: The distance mentioned is from the Chennai Central Railway Station to the respective beach.

1. Marina Beach

Picture Credits: rajography

Being India’s longest and world’s second longest urban beach, it’s safe to say that Marina beach is the pride of Chennai. A popular hangout spot for the tourists as well as the locals, Marina Beach is one of the most lively beaches in town! If you are a sucker for mesmerising vistas, then the view atop the lighthouse is an unmissable attraction for you. You’ll find several statues scattered around the beach, with the Triumph of Labour being the most iconic amongst them. And what’s in it for the kids? Horseback-rides along the breezy coast! From dusk till dawn, Marina Beach will always be perfect for a quiet stroll with your loved ones.

Distance: 4.5 KM

2. Edward Elliot’s Beach

Also known as the Besant Nagar beach, it is situated at the end of the Marina Beach and is frequently visited by tourists who enjoy its glittering waters and take a relaxing stroll along the striking shoreline. Edward Elliot’s Beach is the perfect place for snacking on the seashore, thanks to the numerous food joints that lining the shoreline beach. The highlight of the beach is the Karl Schmidt Memorial, an aesthetic, rugged edifice which commemorates the soldier who was martyred trying to save a drowning girl. A little bit to the less crowded South of the beach lies the famous Broken Bridge, a desolate aqueduct that leads to nowhere!

Distance: 14 KM

3. Palavakkam Beach

Picture Credits: nobroker

Located in South Chennai, Palavakkam beach is relatively spacious and less crowded compared to other mainstream beaches of the city. It is the perfect hangout spot for locals who wish to distance themselves from the hordes of people swarming the North Chennai beaches. This is the place to be if you want some time to yourself or partake in with your gang. Be it the morning bliss during the sunrise, or the sunset vibes, a walk on the sand amidst the sound of the ocean in the serenity of this beach has a calming effect.

Distance: 16 KM

4. Thiruvanmiyur Beach

Picture Credits: fortysicklicks

Thiruvanmiyur beach is the place to be if you want to skip the highly touristy Marina and Elliot’s beach. It is a lot more pristine and clean, given the fact it doesn’t garner much of a crowd. Hence, this spot makes for a perfect for you to pick up your books and dive into a different dimension of utmost peace of mind and charm; while working on those beach time tanning goals side by side. The beach is frequented by those staying nearby for morning and evening walks.

Distance: 16 KM

5. Kovalam

Picture Credits: lakhsmanl

Located away from the city, Kovalam beach is the hub for water sport activities near Chennai. Not to be confused with its namesake in Kerala, it is a crescent-shaped beach which offers beautiful views of the coast. For all the adrenaline junkies, water surfing is the highlight of this place. Surfing school professionals are available to acquaint the newbies with the adventure sport without you having to shell out a bomb. If fishing interests you, then Kovalam will surely be of interest to you as tourists have the option to fish in the waters here. Don’t forget to feast on some authentic seafood prepared from the day’s fresh catch.

Distance: 37 KM

6. Mahabalipuram

Picture Credits: sudified_

Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is more popularly known, is a historically important tourist location. It is the home to a group of UNESCO World Heritage sites that include several cave temples, the Panch Rathas, and the famed Shore Temple, which is located right on the Bay of Bengal. The pristine beaches are located beside the temple and the view is spellbinding. Located just 60 km away from Chennai, a drive down to Mahabalipuram makes for an amazing road trip.

Distance: 60 KM

7. East Coast Road Beaches

Picture Credits: sudified_

The seashore is often synonymous with serenity but to no avail, as most of the times, the peace and quiet get lost somewhere amidst the crowded city beaches. It’s said that if you really wanna soak in the calming sea vibes of Chennai, all you need to do is step in your car and go on a drive along the East Coast Road. If you would have noticed, almost all the aforementioned beaches lie along the ECR. And naturally, the farther you go from the city, the calmer it gets. So, just drive away and stop by anywhere, for the coast goes on and on along with you. It may not be the ideal place for a sea bath due to the isolation, but it will be the ultimate place for you to activate your zen mode. Be ready, for you may even have a whole stretch of the beach to yourself. This thought did bring a smile on your face, didn’t it?

There you have it, city dwellers! We hope you enjoy your time on these beautiful beaches!