Chennai, a bustling metropolis, is not only known for its vibrant culture and tech parks but also for its serene beaches to take you away from your office hassles on weekends. The beautiful sandy shores here are nothing but absolutely breathtaking. It is also home to some of the cleanest beaches in the country, and to make your evening stroll even better, the beaches in Chennai are often lined with small shops and stalls of delicious street food.
Here is a list of must-visit beaches in Chennai
1. VGP Beach
VGP Beach Chennai is situated on the East Coast Road and provides a relatively peaceful environment compared to some of its more bustling counterparts. This second-longest beach in the world is known for its calm waters and soft sandy shores. VGP Beach Chennai is a favourite among those looking for a peaceful retreat. The Golden Beach Resort adjacent to it offers a quiet stay option with a view of the sea and the amusement park named VGP Universal Kingdom makes it an amazing destination for children.
2. Kovalam Beach
Situated near a small fishing village named Covelang, this beach in Chennai was earlier known as Covelong Beach, and if you are big on sustainability, this beach has a blue flag certification meaning it passed all 33 criteria to receive the certification.
Also, for the people who appreciate architecture and are history buffs, there are old catholic church ruins and Dutch Fort for you to visit near Kovalam Beach Chennai, dating back to the colonial era. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try windsurfing here.
3. Marina Beach
One of the largest urban beaches globally, this is an iconic destination beach in Chennai. It stretches all the way from Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south. Despite its popularity, Marina Beach manages to retain a certain tranquillity, especially in the early morning or late evenings. However, please note that the weekends can bring in sizable crowds, diminishing the calm ambiance Marina Beach Chennai typically offers during weekdays.
4. Blue Bay Beach
Known for its calm and clean surroundings, this relatively undiscovered gem of beach in Chennai provides an excellent escape for those who prefer a more laid-back beach experience. The lack of commercialization contributes to the peaceful atmosphere, making Blue Bay Beach Chennai an ideal spot for solitude seekers. The gentle waves and the soft, golden sand create a tranquil environment for a quiet day by the sea.
5. Santhome Beach
Located at the southernmost part of Marina beach Chennai, this beach gets its name from Saint Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. This beach is comparatively sandier than other beaches in Chennai and is a popular spot for fishing. The beach is close to several other popular locations like Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Fort St. George etc.
6. Thiruvanmiyur Beach
Thiruvanmiyur Beach Chennai is perfect for all the solitude seekers looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of urban life. What sets it apart is its occasional transformation into an open theatre, imagine a day out surrounded by the sounds of waves splashing and the crowd cheering to your favourite actor. Visitors to Thiruvanmiyur Beach Chennai can keep an eye out for announcements or local events that might coincide with their visit.
7. Elliot’s Beach
Also known as Besant Sagar Beach, it’s named after Edward Elliot, who was once the Chief Magistrate, and Superintendent of Madras. Elliot’s beach Chennai stands as a serene escape along the Chennai shoreline and since it doesn’t offer a lot of commercialized activities compared to its counterparts, it’s a perfect setting for a leisurely evening stroll or a peaceful retreat from the urban clamor. The major attractions near this beach are Ashtalakshmi temple, Velankanni Church and Karl Schmidt memorial it offers a blend of spiritual contemplation and scenic beauty.
8. Breezy Beach
Breezy beach Chennai lives up to its name offering a refreshing escape from the city's hustle. While still a relatively undiscovered attraction, this beach in Chennai provides a peaceful environment, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquillity away from the usual city life.
It also offers an abundance of lip smacking south indian cuisine from local eateries giving a chance to all the food enthusiasts to savor the authentic tastes without leaving a hole in your pockets.