Beaches

Marina Beach
Marina is a beautiful laid out beach that lies along the eastern coasts of Tamil Nadu. Marina Beach falls in the capital city of the Tamil Nadu, which is Chennai. The beach has the distinction of being the second largest beach in the world and the largest in Asia. The beach territory is spread well over an entire 12 Kms stretch and is well provided to inculcate various beach activities. As a tourist destination, the beach offers ample opportunities for swimming, wind surfing, fishing, sun bathing and more. To add to all this, there are various memorials and parks at Marina. It was Governor Grant Duff who initiated the developmental works at the beach and named it Marina Beach. From tourists perception the visit to Marina Beach is just inevitable.Marina Beach hosts a number of activities. To start with we have a long stretch of silver sand lining that abuts the Bay of Bengal. A good number of beach tourists can be seen swimming, surfing and playing beach volley ball along Marina. Kids making sand castles, the silhouetted appearance of the fishermen boats, horse rides, lantern lit shops and stalls, picturesque view of old buildings and refreshing parks and of course the splendid view of the sunset are some of the best features at Marina Beach. There is a park stroll (promenade) that separates the sandy beaches and the main road. The park is quite a popular place, containing sculptures of some of some noted personalities of the region and India. Some of the pioneers include Mahatma Gandhi, B.G. Tilak, Bharathidasan, Tiruvalluvar, Kamaraj, Swami Sivananda and Thanthai Periyar. The famous Aquarium and Ice House also lie in the vicinity. The beach drive houses some important establishments like the University of Madras, Senate House, Chepauk Palace and Presidency College.

Covelong Beach
Covelong Beach is located in between the city of Chennai and the adjoining Mahabalipuram. The beach stretch lies about 40 Kms away from the city. The beach is typically noted for its serene beauty and beach activites. Covelong differs from the rest of the beaches in that the precincts are not over crowded and most of the pleasure is derived from the smooth and peaceful environment. This fact makes it one of the most sought after by people who want a little bit privacy, thrill and solitude. The beach has witnessed some historical events in the past era. It was Saadat Ali, the Nawab of Carnatic, who built a port here in the year 1746. In the meantime, the port area developed strategic importance and was subjected to a number of attacks. The port was captured by the French in 1752, under the commandship of General Laboudonnais. The French troops were soon routed by the BritishGeneralClive.
Covelong Beach is famous for its clear waters and serenity. The beach is one of the best for people who likes a dip and a dive. Swimming and wind surfing are popular activities of the tourists. The beach environs are quite fruitful for those who seek meditation. The beach houses the adorable fishing settlement. There are other attractions of the bygone era like an old fort, church and a mosque. These attractions, however, are secondary and most of the people enjoy either the dip or baskinginthesun.Not very far from the beach is the tourist hotspot Mahabalipuram. The tourists who come to Covelong Beach, generally makes to the place of Mahabalipuram.

Elliot’s Beach
Elliot's Beach is situated on the Eastern Coastal Plains of India and in the state of Tamil Nadu. The beach lines up the shores of the Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The famous Marina Beach in the Chennai city extends further south and gives rise to the Elliot's Beach. The beach is provided with many attractions that ensure frequent visits by tourists as well the locals residing in the nearby regions. The place makes up a good destiny for a person who does not like the hue and cry of the techno city.
Elliot's Beach is known for the it’s serene atmosphere. The beach as such is the cynosure for the youth as well the foreign tourists looking for a bit of privacy. The beach is lined with food stalls and small shops that cater to the beach visitors. The northern part of the beach sees maximum concentration of the visitors. The southern part, the one away from the Marina Beach is a little filthy.Besides the golden sands and the chill of the water, Elliot's Beach also houses some popular shrines. The Velankani Church and the Ashtalakshmi Temple make up the popular sites on the beach. Ashtalakshmi temple, Hundreds of people pay homage at these places. These pilgrim places are located on the northern end of the beach.The Schmidt Memorial dedicated to a Dutch sailor, who lost his life while saving a drowning fellow, is one among the many conspicuous landmarks on the famous beach.