Marina Beach – A Peaceful Escape By The Sea
Posted on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 by Sidakbir Singh
Everything About Marina Beach Chennai
A natural urban beach in Chennai, Marina Beach Tamil Nadu is famous for its beauty, rich ecosystem and vibrant atmosphere. According to Wikipedia, the beach is the second longest urban beach in the world covering a distance of 6.0 Km starting from Fort St. George in the North to Foreshore Estate in the South. A major tourist attraction, Marina Beach in Tamil Nadu is the best place to beat the summer heat and have a nice vacation. The memorials and statutes, kite flying, beautiful aquarium and Marina Beach lighthouse act as a cherry on top! Let’s explore more of it below.
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Marina Beach |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Length | Approximately 13 kilometres |
| Type | Urban beach |
| Activities | Walking, jogging, sunbathing, kite flying, horse and camel rides, and enjoying local street food |
| Notable Features | Long sandy shoreline, iconic lighthouse, monuments such as the Triumph of Labour statue and Anna Memorial, and bustling promenade |
| Attractions | Marina Beach Lighthouse, Anna Memorial, MGR Memorial, and Karl Schmidt Memorial |
| Accessibility | Easily accessible by road from various parts of Chennai; the nearest railway station is Chennai Central |
| Marina Beach Timings | Open year-round; preferred time for visiting is during daylight hours |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Facilities | Public restrooms, changing rooms, showers, food stalls selling local snacks and beverages, and parking spaces |
History of Marina Beach
Prior to the 16th century, rising sea levels frequently caused areas close to the coast to flood. Several peaks and lagoons were left behind after the sea subsided. One such sand ridge went from the mouth of the Cooum River to the current location of the Presidency College on the southern side of Fort St. George. The college grounds were subsequently built on a large dip on the back side of the slope. The current beach is located on the ridge.
The amazing beach immensely captivated Sir Mountstuart Grant Duff, the Governor of Madras from 1881 to 1886, who constructed a promenade along the shore that was opened to the public in 1884. It was called the Madras Marina and had layers of fine sand. Before independence, it had been the freedom fighters’ gathering site. The first aquarium in India was constructed in 1909 at Marina Beach and statues commemorating Mahatma Gandhi.
How to Reach Marina Beach?
- By Metro: To reach Marina Beach metro station named Chennai LIC can be used which is the nearest metro station to the beach.
- By Flight: After taking a flight to Chennai, the time to travel from Anna International Terminal of Chennai Airport to Marina Beach distance would take 45 minutes.
- By Train: Marina Beach Nearest Railway Station – Chindadripet Station can be used to reach the beach.
Best Time to Visit Marina Beach
The best time to visit the Marina Beach location is from November to February. During these months, the Marina Beach weather is cooler and less humid making it comfortable for tourists to not only enjoy the beach but also explore the places near Marina Beach without any chaos.
If you are in Chennai, don’t miss out on the amazing view of Marina Beach at night along with the most famous views of Marina Beach sunrise. However, it is not advisable to visit the beach during the afternoon since the weather can be hot during the noons.
Marina Beach Timings
There is no specific Marina Beach closing time. It is open 24 hours for visitors. However, if you want to enjoy the sunrise, sunrise time in Chennai Marina Beach is 5:43 AM.
Iconic Landmarks & Attractions:
Here are some of the most famous Marina Beach Chennai Tourist Places –
- Karl Schmidt Memorial: An Indo-Saracenic-style monument with awe-striking views.
- Marina Lighthouse: A perfect place to enjoy the cityscape views and the coastline’s beauty, it is one of the most famous tourist spots.
- Anna Memorial: Dedicated to C.N. Annadurai, a prominent leader in Tamil Nadu’s political history, this place is a must-visit for history lovers.
- Mahatma Gandhi Statue: A symbol of peace and non-violence, the statue is one of the most visited spots.
- Elliot’s Beach – An extension of Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach is your escape from the noise of city life.
Marina Beach At Night
If you are a night owl, then the majestic Marina Beach night view is going to be the best experience of your life. Not only this, but most of the Marina Beach shops, lounges and bars are very affordable with prices ranging from INR1200 to 3000. Places like Illusions, Moon and Sixpence, The Leather Bar and Pasha are some of the most famous spots at the beach.
There are various restaurants near Marina Beach like Zuka cafe, Bistro 1427 and Libarrel that are worth exploring.
Cultural and Recreational Activities:
Marina Beach is a lovely place to hang out. From simply enjoying the sunrise in Marina Beach to having fun while flying kites, playing cricket, treating your taste buds with delicious street food and having a fun conversation with fortune tellers everything is just worth it. Also, don’t forget to try horse riding in Marina Beach when on vacation.
Safety Tips For A Responsible Tourism:
- Carry a sunscreen with you to the beach.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout. Avoid having a heavy breakfast.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Carry your sunglasses.
- Avoid visiting the beach during monsoons.
- Swimming is not allowed on the beach. However, you can enjoy in the designated pools.
Marina Beach In India Map
Places To Visit Near Marina Beach Chennai
| Place | Distance from Marina Beach | Description |
| Fort St. George | 4.5 km | One of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in Chennai, housing the Fort Museum and St. Mary’s Church. |
| Kapaleeshwarar Temple | 6.5 km | A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its Dravidian architecture and vibrant festivals. |
| San Thome Basilica | 4.2 km | A Roman Catholic minor basilica built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. |
| Chennai Rail Museum | 4.8 km | An informative museum showcasing the history of Indian Railways with vintage locomotives, coaches, and artifacts. |
| Government Museum Chennai | 6.7 km | A sprawling museum complex featuring exhibits on art, archaeology, numismatics, and natural history, including the famous Bronze Gallery. |
| Marina Beach Light House | 1.2 km | An iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the coastline and the city, accessible for a nominal fee. |
| Vivekananda House | 3.8 km | Also known as Ice House, it was where Swami Vivekananda stayed during his visit to Chennai. Today, it’s a museum showcasing his life and teachings. |
| Valluvar Kottam | 5.8 km | A monument dedicated to the classical Tamil poet, philosopher, and saint Thiruvalluvar, featuring his statue and an auditorium. |
| Arignar Anna Zoological Park | 27.6 km | One of the largest zoological parks in Asia, home to a diverse range of wildlife species and offers an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. |
| DakshinaChitra | 22.5 km | A living history museum showcasing the cultural heritage of South India through traditional homes, artifacts, crafts, and performances. |
Other Popular Beaches in Chennai
Here’s a compilation of other beach places in Chennai worth visiting!
- Golden Beach – A very beautiful beach on the outskirts of Chennai, Golden Beach is the most famous tourist destination.
- Kovalam Beach – A massive rocky beach with calm waters, Kovalam Beach is a perfect place to have a lovely time.
- Silver Beach – The Silver Beach got its name from the silvery waves of the beach that attract tourists from all over the world.
- Covelong Beach – Also known as Kovalam Beach, the Covelong Beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters, making it more than perfect for a visit.
Other Popular Beaches in India
Not only Marina but there are many other beaches in India worth visiting. Let’s have a look at them so you can plan your next vacation perfectly.
- Maravanthe Beach
- Juhu Beach
- Versova Beach
- Golden Beach
- Kovalam Beach
- Silver Beach
- Anjuna Beach
- Baga Beach
- Coco Beach
- Miramar Beach
- Palolem Beach
- Agoda Beach
- Agonda Beach
Other Popular Attractions in India
The tourism in India is not just limited to beaches. Here are some other options worth exploring –
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Marina Beach located?
A: Marina Beach is a beautiful urban beach located on the outskirts of Chennai city.
Q: How to reach Marina Beach from Chennai Central?
A: The Chennai Central to Marina Beach distance is of 4.0km. You can hire a cab, taxi or rickshaw to get there.
Q: Is Marina Beach open at night?
A: As per Marina Beach Chennai timings, the beach remains open throughout the day.
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