Beaches

Pulicat Beach

A saline shallow water spread formed by the confluence of Backwaters, Pullcat Lake and Buckingham Canal situated on the northern end of Tamil Nadu is an ideal picnic spot.

A catamaran ride on the shallow water spread and a visit to Bird Sanctuary are two most leisure activities to be undertaken here. A Dutch cemetery of 17th century is located on shore.
 

Chennai Beach

One of the Four Metros of the country, is also the Gateway to the South. It is bestowed with a 4.5 Kms. long stretch of Beach, the second longest in the World, called the Marina Beach. Horse riding, an Aquarium, a large swimming pool are the relaxation facilities available here.

Visits to the popular landmarks, Anna and M.G.R. Memorials, jog along the beach in the morning, when the sun rises from the Bay of Bengal or relax in the lawns and watching the sun setting behind the good-old Indo-Saracenic buildings on the West. Or you can start an evening stroll from the Light House or climb atop the light house for a bird's eye view of Chennai.

Dakhinachitra Beach

This is a new venture to show South Indian heritage. Take a look at the completed first phase of Tamilian heritage. This complex houses good collections of various materials of arts and crafts of the State. It is less than a Km away from the Muttukkadu Backwaters.

Muttukkadu Beach

Yet another beach resort created in memory of erstwhile "Kaveripoompattinam", a legendary Port city, washed away by the sea. The present complex was designed on the basis of the information available in the Tamil epic 'Silapathikaram'.

The historical happenings depicted in Silapathikaram and the land marks mentioned therein are brought back to life here in stone. The Department of Tourism offers conch and shell type accommodation here

Covelong Beach

40 Kms away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai, Covelong is a salubrious village. But it is brisk with fishing activities. The sea and the surf here are gentle. Snuggle in for a cosy sunbath.

Themeparks Beaches

Along the East Coast road between Chennai and Mamallapuram, several amusement parks, enthrall children and adults alike. Some of them are V.G.P., M.G.M. and Littlefolks.
 

Mammallapuram Beach

58 Kms from Chennai, Once a port and the second capital of the Pallava Dynasty, Mamallapuram flourished during 7- 8th centuries. The monuments of Pallava, the proto type of the Dravidian Temple Architecture, lure every visitor to this town. The monuments, scooped out of natural rocks are of monolithic type. Mamallapuram has been declared by United Nations as one of the world Heritage centres.

 

Sadurangapatinam Beach

This is another fishing village, 16 Kms south of Mamallapuram. A ruined fort of Dutch origin near the beach houses tomb stones dating back to 16-17th century. If you are heading further down south, 75 kms away from Pondicherry you will reach Pichavaram. Mangrove forests could be seen with backwaters criss crossing the entire forest area.

An ecological paradise, Pichavaram could be visited throughout the year. Boating operations on backwaters and the simple accommodation on the bank are run by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. 16 Kms West of Pichavaram is Chidambaram, a town famous for the Lord Nataraja Temple, a sprawling complex with multiple gopurams.

Poompuhar Beach

Yet another beach resort created in memory of erstwhile "Kaveripoompattinam", a legendary Port city, washed away by the sea. The present complex was designed on the basis of the information available in the Tamil epic 'Silapathikaram'.

The historical happenings depicted in Silapathikaram and the land marks mentioned therein are brought back to life here in stone. The Department of Tourism offers conch and shell type accommodation here

Tharangambadi Beach

Another Sea side village, where the Danish merchants settled for trade. What they left are the Legacies of the Danes. A beautiful Governor's Palace right on the beach tells you the hoary past. Another ideal shore for sun and tan your skin.

Nagore Beach

Although religious centre for muslims, the Durga of Hazarat meeras sultan syed shahabdul hameed popularly known as Hazarat mian is visited by people of all faiths. It is 6 Kms from Nagappattinam

 

 

Velankanni Beach

The most popular pilgrim centre for Catholic Christians of Tamil Nadu Velankanni houses, the Church of our Lady of Health. This shrine is also visited by people of all faiths. The nearest Hotel Tamil Nadu unit - 14 Kms- is at Nagapattinam

Kodikkarai Beach

Also called Point Calimere, the Wild Life Sanctuary here spreads 333.3 Sq Kms with 25 Kms of tropical dry evergreen forests. It is bounded by Bay of Bengal on the East and Palk Straits on the South. It is situated South of Velankanni.

One can see mammals like bluebuck, spotted deer, wild boar, semi wild ponies, bonnet macaque: water birds like flamingoes, ibises, herons, spoonbills, olive ediely. Sea turtle, starred tortoise, vipers, marsh crocodiles, etc. are some of the endangered reptiles.

Rameswaram Beach

An island off the mainland surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar connected by the longest ever constructed^ bridge on sea in India. It is a pilgrim centre. According to the Hindu tradition Sri Rama, the hero of the epic, Ramayanam, worshipped Lord Siva here before invading Lanka to redeem his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana.

It is from here that Sri Rama is said to have constructed the mythological bridge to Sri Lanka. The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Mandapam Beach

Mandapam is the main land linking the Island of Rameswaram. It is the Gateway to many small islands. It is bestowed with a quite beach for sun and surf.

Kurusadai Island

This is an ecological paradise situated off Mandapam. It is notable for coral reefs and rare species of marine lives such as Dolphins. Permission from the Fisheries Department in Chennai is necessary to visit the Islands

Tuticorin Beach

A Port city and an Industrial town. Tuticorin is one of the major ports of Tamil Nadu. Pearl Harvesting is an important activity here.

Triuchendur Beach

One of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, a Saivite God, Tiruchendur is a very popular pilgrim centre. The temple is situated right on the beach adding glory to the beach.

 

 

Kanyakumari Beach

The India's Land's end KanyaKuman or Cape Comorin is unique in being surrounded by three s that is Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian S Hence the confluence is called 'Thriveni Sangamam". Here one can get a breath-taking view of the Sun Shine and Sun Set at their best. The multi coloured sand yet another unique feature of the Beach here.

Gandhi Mandapam here has been so design that on the birthday of Gandhiji, on October 2nd, sun's rays directly fall on the spot, where the mortal remains of the father of the nation had been kept befire being immersed in the sea. Kanyakumari Amman temple on the shore another attraction. According to the Hindu mythology Goddess Sakthi remains a virgin to save mankind.

Vattakotai Beach

The circular serene for is situated 6 kms from Kanniyakumari, overlooking the sea. It is a fine picnic spot, with abundant coconut trees. The sea near here is calm and it is an ideal spot for relaxing.