Marina Beach, Chennai – Explore World’s Second Longest Beach

Traveling to Chennai and not going to Marina beach in Chennai will be an incomplete tour. Do not even dare to do this. Being the largest beach in India and the second largest in the world, the beach attracts people from every corner of the planet. It is one of India’s most beautiful locations that mesmerizes every tourist with its pristine water and glistening sands. The Marina beach is also the most extensive natural urban beach that extends 12 km along the Bay of Bengal, from the southern part of Besant Nagar to Fort St. George in the north. 

The name Marina beach was derived from an Italian name marina. Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff renovated and redesigned this beach during the 1880s. A new promenade was constructed at that time which was layered with soft sand, and at that time, it was named the Madras Marina. This area was one of the freedom fighters’ most prominent areas, and they often met in this place. India’s first aquarium was built in Marina Beach in the year 1909. Post-independence, statues of the Victory of Labour and the statue of Mahatma Gandhi were constructed near the coast.

Since then, this location has served as one of the most important tourist attractions in Chennai as well as in the whole of India. Around the place, there were lots of stunning monuments and historical buildings that will make your tourism experience enchanting always. Those who are history enthusiasts can enjoy the site to the fullest.

The historical significance of Marina beach

Marine beach holds significant historical importance because this place was quite popular among freedom fighters of India. Also, there is a good statue of the Triumph of Labour. Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhury sculpts this whole sculpture. This sculpture shows four men struggling to move a rock, and this was installed on Republic day in 1959. Statues of Kambar, Avvaiyar, Thiruvalluvar, Subramania Bharathiyar, Veeramamunivar, and Bharathidasan were erected in the year 1968.

Here is this beach; you can also see some important places like Chepauk Cricket Stadium, Senate House, University of Madras, Presidency College, Vivekananda House, Queen Mary’s College, and dr. Annie Besant Park. The Statue of Kannagi was installed in 2006, and the Arignar Anna memorial was built in 1970. 

Marina beach lighthouse – a must-have place 

The lighthouse at Marina beach is a well-known spot you can visit easily. Previously known as Madras lighthouse, this tall structure was constructed in the year 1976. It was first lit in 1977. All travelers head to this spot, and it becomes one of the most impressive points because you will get to witness the mesmerizing aura of Marina beach. From the top of the lighthouse, one can enjoy the wholesome view of the city. It is one of those lighthouses that include an elevator. It houses the Meteorological department. 

Though until 2013, this lighthouse was not publicly accessible, it became open to all at the end of 2013. The visiting hours are needed to be kept in mind. It is open from 10 am to 1 pm in the morning, and in the evening, it is open from 3 pm to 5 pm every day, except Monday. Here you need to book a ticket to view the top of the lighthouse. The entry fee is Rs 10 for adults and Rs5 For children below 12 years old. For foreign nationals, the entry fee is Rs 25.

Timings in Marina beach

As it is a public beach in Chennai, there are no such fixed timings on the beach. You can enjoy a long walk along the beach whenever you want to do so. It is open 24 hours for anyone. In fact, you will be amazed that this is one of the famous places where lots of people come for jogging, walking, or sunbathing. But if you want to visit local shops of artifacts, handcrafted showpieces, ethnic jewelry, and food items on the beach, you need to go at 10 am on weekdays and 11 am on the weekends. We can suggest that the ideal time to enjoy the best beach vibe is from 5 am to 11 pm.

Merina beach distance

Marina Beach, Chennai, is very centrally situated, offering excellent connectivity to many significant sites. The distance between the beach and Chennai Central Railway Station is only 4.8 kilometers. The airport is 17.4 kilometers, and the famous Nungambakkam area is 7.5 kilometers away.

Transport system near Marina beach

The main roadway alongside the beach is the Kamaraj Salai. Kamaraj Salai is a six-lane road that is also an arterial road in Chennai. If you walk along the road, you can enjoy a wholesome sea view which starts from the Victory War Memorial near the Cooum River delta till the lighthouse to the south. After this area, the road is extended to the lighthouse of the marine beach, and it takes the name Santhome High Road. The MTC or the metropolitan transport corporation has also built a few major termini, namely the ‘Anna Square’ terminus at the beach’s northern end, the Triplicane Terminus near Kannagi statue/Pycrofts Road, Vivekananda House (Ice House) Terminus and the Foreshore Estate terminus. 

Three major railway stations near Marina beach are the Chepauk, the Tiruvallikeni, and the Lighthouse MRTS railway stations. 

Hotels near Marina beach

As Marine beach is one of India’s most exotic tourist spots, many people travel to this place with friends, families, and others. So the demand for hotels is always high around the beach. Plenty of hotels cover this demand by offering quality stays, food, etc. You can find from budget beds to complimentary breakfasts, luxurious resorts to seaside guesthouses, and much more. Due to heavy demand, it is always recommended to check the availability of hotels before traveling to the place. Here we can suggest a few hotels that can provide you with the best quality service and a nice view.

• Hotel SMA Grand Inn

Hotel SMA Grand Inn is situated in the prime sea area, which is very comfortable and ideal for a holiday with family and friends. Whatever amenities you demand from your hotel, SMA Grand Inn is ready to serve that. It has air conditioning rooms, LED TVs, free WiFi, an electric teapot, a beautiful view, drinking water, etc. From the hotel, you can walk for 6 minutes to reach the splendid beach. You can also avail of a 24 hours front desk facility so that your great experience in the hotel is assured. 

• Clarion Hotel President

Clarion Hotel is liked by all business people who love to spend their leisure time in Marina beach. It is a refurbished property which is an excellent choice for staying. This hotel offers luxurious suites, club rooms, etc. The club room is quite famous here because of the views of the beach from here. All rooms are designed so aesthetically with all kinds of modern amenities like teapots, LED TVs, minibars, coffee-making facilities, etc. A safe atmosphere is present in the hotel to ensure guests’ safety always.

• Welcomhotel by ITC hotels

It is no need to say that ITC hotels are always ready to provide you with the best quality service wherever you want. Here near Marina beach, Welcomhotel by ITC hotels is ready to serve you with real luxury. You can easily book your stay here and experience the perfect combination of traditional Indian hospitality and modern technology-based facilities. You can enjoy a luxurious life here with nearly 90 well-designed and well-decorated rooms. Book any luxurious executive suite, superior, club, deluxe room, etc. They also have a multi-cuisine in-house restaurant where you will get the most delicious and tastebud tickling foods.

• Regenta Central Deccan

Another one is Regenta Central Deccan which is going to be an excellent choice for both business travelers and holiday freaks. A total of 93 well-designed rooms are there where all kinds of modern amenities are fitted. The hotel is also situated in the vicinity of a few other travel spots, making the place the best choice. Here, you will get an in-house restaurant where all kinds of delicious foods are served. All staff is very hospitable and courteous. They are always ready to help you with any need.

Famous tourist spots near Marina beach to visit

Lots of architectural marvels surround this awe-inspiring Marina beach. All of these were constructed between the 17th century and the 19th century. Here are some other exciting places where you should go to get a lifetime experience.

• Vivekananda house

Vivekananda house is also known as the ice house previously. The Vivekananda house was built in the year 1842 by Frederick Tudor, who was an American merchant. The building got the recent name Vivekananda house when the house hosted Swami Vivekananda after returning from Chicago in 1897. You can visit the exhibition gallery inside the monument. The whole exhibition commemorates the life of Swami Vivekananda. The museum is open to tourists on all days from 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm. Only Monday is closed.

• Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple

This Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity. The temple was erected during the 8th century. The temple is considered one of the most important Vishnu temples or Divya Desamas. The temple consists of lord Vishnu’s five forms, which are Krishna, Rama, Ranganatha, Narasimha, and Gajendra. The temple was constructed based on the South Indian style of architecture. It consists of lots of pillars and towers with complex carvings. No doubt, this place is one of the best places to travel.

• Santhome Cathedral Basilica

Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a Roman Catholic Church near Marina beach, which is an exotic place to travel in Chennai. The church is a classic example of mesmerizing Gothic architecture. The church was erected over the tomb of Saint Thomas, who was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. Inside the haven, you can see the statue of St Thomas. You will be amazed by the antiquated colored glasswork of mother Mary. The whole place is always worth visiting.

• Connemara Library

The Connemara library is standing still with lots of historical significance. Until 1890, it was a part of the Madras museum. Slowly due to the heavy demand for public reading, the library was converted into a public library. Here you can get the rarest collection of books, magazines, etc. Those who are book lovers can definitely visit this grand library. 

Apart from these, you can also visit Valluvar kottam, Kamarajar statue, U pope statue, MGR memorial, Victory war memorial, etc. Other important statues of Avaaiyar, Thanthai Periyar, Tiruvalluvar, Dr. Annie Beasant, Sir Thomas Munro, Subramaniya Bharathiyar, Kamarajar, Robert Caldwell, Kannagi, Kamarajar, M.G. Ramachandran, and Shivaji Ganesan are worth visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I visit Marina Beach?

Marina beach is one of the best tourist attractions in Chennai, which is the longest beach in India. You can enjoy pristine water with a beautiful sand platform. Witnessing sunset and sunrise is something extraordinary on the beach.

2. When should we visit Marina Beach?

Marina Beach can be visited throughout the year; however, people prefer to see the capital city during the months of November to March.

3. Which beach is better in Chennai?

Marina beach is the best beach in Chennai. You can enjoy quality time here with your friends, family, etc. You can enjoy various fun activities on the beach. You will get to see the sunrise and sunset from this beach. Also, a lot of shops are there to get artifacts, food, souvenirs, etc. Considering this fact, you can say that Marina beach is the best one in India as well as in the world.

4. Is there any entry fee at Marina beach? 

No, there is no entry fee to enter the beach. You can enjoy the place free of cost.

5. Can you avail of bus services near Marina beach?

Yes, you can get bus services to reach other places from marina beach.