TAMILNADU

Marina Beach:

The Marina Beach is a beach manju situated along a 14km shoreline in the city of Chennai, India along the Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian Ocean is the longest beach in India and the second longest in the world. Unlike the short, rocky formations that make up the Juhu Beach in Mumbai on the west coast of India, the Marina is primarily sandy.

Longest beach Claims:

There is a popular misconception that the Marina beach is the longest or second longest beach in the world. There exist, in fact, several longer beaches, including Praia do Cassino in Brazil, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, Padre Island on the US Gulf Coast, Ninety Mile Beach in Australia and Ninety Mile Beach, New Zealand. A similar beach exists in Dubai, UAE. However, unlike the other beaches, it is an urban beach similar to the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. The width of the beach at the widest stretch is 437 meters. 

Extent:

The beach begins near Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south, a distance of about 12 km. A famous characteristic of the beach is the set of stone statues that adorn the roadside area of the beach. Most statues are of Indian/local legends like Mahatma Gandhi, Kannagi, Thiruvalluvar, while others have symbolic significance like the Statue of Labour. Also memorials for M. G. Ramachandran and C. N. Annadurai, former Chief ministers of Tamil Nadu are present on the beach. Recently, a statue of the legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan was installed.

The Marina used to be famed for its pristine beauty, jolly ambiance, and rich ecosystems. However, since the middle of the 20th century, the beach and water has become polluted. A proliferation of plastic bags, human waste and other pollutants have rendered many parts of the beach unusable. In recent years, many voluntary organizations have taken up the task of cleaning up the Marina and protecting the ecosystem. Particular efforts include protection of Olive Ridley turtle nests along the Neelangarai section of the beach. Despite these problems however, a visit to the Marina is considered a must for any tourist coming to Chennai.

Activities:

Marina beach is a major tourist attraction. People visiting Chennai make it a point to visit the beach. The beach is popular for its shops and food stalls. The memorials and statues, morning walk, joggers' track, lovers' spot, aquarium, etc., make it a hangout for people of all ages. The sea is rough and waves are strong. There are fishermen colonies present at both ends of the beach.

Bathing/swimming is illegal at Marina beach and there are no lifeguards stationed here.

As part of "Chennai forever" initiative by Tamil Nadu government, a 34-feet tall, artificial Marina Waterfall was installed in September 2005 at a cost of 1.5 million Indian Rupees.

Notable structures along the beach:

• Robert Caldwell
• Constanzo Beschi (Veerama Munivar)
• Truimph of Labour Statue
• Kannagi
• Subramaniya Barathiyar
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• George Uglow Pope
• Thiruvalluvar
• Annie Besant
• Bharathidasan
• Sivaji Ganesan
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Kamarajar
• M. G. Ramachandran
• Avvaiyar
• Thanthai Periyar

Institutions, historical buildings and monuments:

• Victoria War Memorial
• Anna Memorial
• MGR Memorial
• University of Madras Chepauk Campus
• Public Works Department
• Presidency College
• University of Madras Marina Campus
• Vivekananda House
• Lady Wellington School
• Queen Marys College
• Inspector General of Police Headquarters
• Forensic Science Department
• All India Radio, Chennai
• Light House

Other Notable Structures:

• Anna Swimming Pool
• Marina Swimming Pool
• Aquarium
• Marina Cricket Ground
• Dr. Annie Besant Park

Railway Stations Alongside the Beach

• Chepauk Railway Station
• Thiruvallikeni Railway Station
• Light House Railway Station

Golden beach:

Golden beach is a beach located on the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, India. VGP Golden Beach is a major tourist attraction in Chennai

Pulicat:

Muttukadu:

It is 36 km away from Chennai. This is an ideal picnic spot. Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation runs a Boat House, where facilities for boating and wind surfing are available.

covelong:

A picturesque village on the way to Mamallapuram is a fine beach resort, 40 km away from the hustle & bustle of Chennai. It is brisk with fishing activities.

Mamallapuram:

Mamallapuram , a tiny seaside village is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is world famous for it's shore temple. Mamallapuram art divides into four categories: open-air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas (chariots, carved in situ from single boulders, to resemble temples or the chariots used in temple processions) The famous bas-reliefs, Arjuna's Penance and Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the center of village, while the beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves behind a protective breakwater. Accommodation is available at Hotel Tamil Nadu (Beach Resorts Complex), Hotel Tamil Nadu II Camping Site and other beach resorts and lodges.

Rameshwarm:

Rameshwaram is the sacred island, off the mainland surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar connected by longest ever constructed bridge on sea in India. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The maximum temperature varies between 28-31 degree Celsius, while minimum temperature is around 25 degree. Between January and March is the best time to visit Rameswaram. The population size of  Rameswaram is 32,700. The serenebeach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The island on which the temple stands is covered in low acacia shrubs, coconut palm and pines.

Mandapam:

It is the main land linking the island of Rameshwaram. It is also known as the gateway to myriad islands and is bestowed with a quiet beach for sun and surf. Rameswaram is 18 km from Mandapa