Marina Beach, Chennai in Tamil Nadu

The second longest beach in the world and the longest in Asia, Marina Beach is known for its golden sands, good surfing opportunities and blue sea. The 12 km stretch of the beach is one of the major tourist attractions today. It was in the 1880's that Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff noticed the beauty of this place adjoining Bay of Bengal in Chennai and turned it into one of the most desirable holiday spots in India. The sunrise and sunset here have a charm of their own. Due to strong undercurrents, bathing and swimming here is not so safe but this is the reason that it is one of the most beloved destinations for adventure-lovers. The evenings at the beach are a gala event with various types of entertainment activities and delicious food joints that are comparable to a colorful fair.

Along with soft white sands, spacious boulevards and beautiful gardens, the beach has acquired a typical South Indian aura. Vendors can be seen with beautiful shells and glass trinkets trying to sell their wares. The beach is also one of the popular venues to hold important state functions and stately buildings of University of Madras, Senate-House, Chepauk Palace, Presidency College and Ice House, all grace the beach drive with their looming presence. The new lighthouse of the beach is an attraction it itself. There are several statues of Tamil scholars that are worth a look on the way, especially those of the Victory of Labor and the Mahatma Gandhi, the sculptural delights. While at the beach, one can also pay a visit to the Aquarium nearby with its most exotic collection of aquatic life including tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. The memorials of the most popular, former Chief ministers of the state, Anna and MGR Samadhis, are also located on the beach.

The beach can be ideally visited in the early mornings or in the late evenings when the area throbs with activity. Food stalls, hawkers and other entertainers line the beach. The Sunday afternoon market is worth a visit. The large beach is often the venue for important state functions. Kite flying is a common sport with the children at the beach and there are also facilities for pony rides. As the undercurrent is very strong, bathing and swimming can be dangerous, and should be done with utmost care.

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