The Best Beaches in Chennai
Chennai’s coastline along the Bay of Bengal stretches over 22 kilometers, offering a variety of beach experiences—from urban promenades to tranquil fishing villages. These sandy shores serve as cultural touchpoints, recreational hubs, and tranquil escapes for locals and visitors alike. Below are the most notable beaches in Chennai, each with its own distinct character and attractions.
1. Marina Beach
As the world’s second-longest urban beach, Marina Beach spans over 13 kilometers from Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south. At dawn, thousands gather along the broad shoreline for brisk walks, yoga, and colorful sunrises. Key highlights include the historic Light House, sculpted memorials of Mahatma Gandhi and Subramania Bharati, and bustling food stalls selling piping-hot “kalkandu” dosas, murukku, and fresh coconut water. Evening promenades feature kite flying, street vendors, and local fishermen casting nets, creating a lively tapestry of Chennai life.
2. Elliots Beach (Besant Nagar)
Known locally as Besant Nagar Beach, Elliots Beach offers a more tranquil alternative to Marina, with golden sands framed by casuarina trees. The landmark Velankanni Matha Church and man-made stone jetty are popular photo spots. In the evenings, crowds gather for outdoor film screenings, impromptu music performances, and waterfront cafés such as Moonrakers and Amethyst. The nearby Velachery–Mylapore stretch hosts weekend markets selling handicrafts and street food, making Elliots Beach an ideal blend of serenity and social buzz.
3. Covelong Beach (Kovalam)
About 40 kilometers south of the city center lies Covelong Beach, a restored fishing village known for its 18th-century Dutch fort overlooking the shore. Arched gateways, narrow lanes, and colorful fishing boats create photogenic scenery. Covelong’s gentle waves and clean sands make it a hub for surfing schools and kiteboarding clubs. A cluster of seaside cafés and guesthouses—including The Surf Turf and Covelong Beach House—provide fresh seafood platters and overnight stays, turning a day trip into a laid-back coastal retreat.
4. Neelankarai Beach
Nestled between Palavakkam and Besant Nagar, Neelankarai Beach offers quiet expanses of sand, ideal for morning jogs or contemplative walks. The shoreline is backed by a tree-lined promenade and the popular Coast Guard Café, renowned for chai and snacks served with ocean views. On weekends, locals practice yoga and line up for sunset silhouette photographs. Its proximity to the IT corridor on OMR makes Neelankarai a convenient escape for working professionals seeking a short coastal break.
5. Thiruvanmiyur Beach
Thiruvanmiyur Beach, flanked by the Marundeeswarar Temple, is one of the quieter beaches in Chennai. The broad sands see fewer crowds, creating a peaceful setting for meditation at sunrise. Local fishermen mend nets by day, while early-morning “ultra-marathon” runners chart improvised courses along the shoreline. Nearby food carts serve fresh fish curry and traditional idli-vada breakfasts, giving visitors an authentic glimpse of coastal life.
6. Light House Beach
North of Marina Beach near the historic Madras Light House, this quieter stretch of sand offers sweeping views of Fort St. George and the harbor. Less frequented by vendors, Light House Beach retains a sense of solitude. The lighthouse itself—open on weekends—offers panoramic vistas of Chennai’s coastline from its viewing gallery. Photographers favor this spot for sunrise compositions framed by colonial-era fortifications and breakwaters.
7. Elliot’s Beach Extension (Kottivakkam)
South beyond Neelankarai, Kottivakkam Beach extends the Elliots Beach ambience with far fewer crowds. The gentle surf is ideal for family picnics, while the adjacent Anna Nagar Beach Road houses seaside eateries and dessert joints. Early-morning walkers can traverse long stretches of clean sand, spotting occasional joggers and dog-walkers.
8. Marina-South Sand Dunes
An undeveloped stretch south of the main Marina promenade, the sand dunes offer an off-beat experience. Accessible via a small byroad near the Chennai Lighthouse, this area sees very few visitors beyond fishermen and occasional birdwatchers. The rolling dunes evoke a miniature desert landscapes against the vast ocean backdrop, perfect for solitude and nature photography.
Each Chennai beach has its own unique rhythm and appeal—whether you seek the vibrant bustle of Marina, the bohemian cafés of Elliots, the laid-back surf culture of Covelong, or the secluded serenity of Kottivakkam. Exploring these coastal gems offers insight into Chennai’s rich coastal heritage and everyday rhythms by the Bay of Bengal.
