MARINA BEACH

Marina Beach of Chennai is a popular destination. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. Stretched along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal for about 12 km, Marina Beach is bordered by St. George Fort in the North and Besant Nagar in the South.Marina Beach is a popular picnic spot since the 1880s. Famous for its long stretch of silver sands and blue sea, Marina Beach provides a clear view of sunrise and sunset. The side drive of the beach is fringed by palms and casuarinas which provide shade. The lighthouse, situated at the southern end of the beach, provides panoramic views of the city of Chennai.Marina Beach has become a centre for activities like wind surfing, fishing, sun bathing, kit flying and beach volley ball. But the strong current of water makes Marina Beach unsuitable for swimming.The Marina Beach drive is home to popular landmarks of the city like the Senate House, Ice House, Anna Square, MGR Memorial, etc. Marina Beach also has an Aquarium, artificial water fountain, a swimming pool and a park. The park at Marina Beach is very popular as it has sculptures of many leaders and celebrities like Mahatma Gandhi, B.G. Tilak, Bharathidasan, Tiruvalluvar, Kamaraj, Swami Sivananda, Sir Thomas Munro, the Statue of Labour, Thanthai Periyar, etc.

DHANUSHKODI

Dhanushkodi is a small town situated near the holy town of Rameshwaram. This small town lies along the eastern coast of the state of Tamil Nadu and is situated south-east of Pamban. Dhanushkodi is situated at the confluence of Mahodadhi (Bay of Bengal) and Ratnakar (Indian Ocean). It is a small land border of around 50 yards, which forms Palk Strait. This town survived a strong storm during the cyclone of 1964, which destroyed Dhanushkodi railway line that connected to Pamban Railway Station. Dhanushkodi is situated around 29 km to the west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. It attracts several tourists every year, especially those who come to see the Adam's Bridge, which is popularly known as Ram Sethu. This particular bridge is made of limestone, which connects India with Sri Lanka. It is believed that this bridge was constructed by Lord Rama with the help of his vanara sena. Adam's Bridge was constructed to reach Lanka, where the demon king Ravana kept Lord Rama's wife Sita. According to Hindu mythology, it is said that on request of Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, Lord Rama used his bow to destroy one end of Ram Sethu. Hence, this place earned its name, Dhanushkodi, where Dhanush means bow and Kodi means end. Dhanushkodi was a flourishing pilgrimage spot before the cyclone of 1964, which caused excessive destruction in the region extending from Mandapam to Dhanushkodi. On the night of 22nd December 1964, cyclone washed away Pamban Bridge, Dhanushkodi Railway Station and other nearby areas. After this natural disaster, the Government of Chennai declared Dhanushkodi as ghost town which was unfit for human living. At present, only few fishermen and their families reside in the town. Dhanushkodi is easily accessible from the Madurai Airport, which is175 km away from the town. Additionally, it is 20 km away from Rameshwaram, which is connected with other major locations in the country by both rail and road. It is not suitable to visit the destination during the monsoon months, extending from July to September due the heavy rainfall. Winter season is the best time to visit Dhanushkodi when the weather is pleasant and suitable to indulge in sightseeing.

KANYAKUMARI

Kanyakumari Beach is a beach destination as well as religious spot located towards the southern-most tip of peninsular India. The sun set and sun rise at Kanyakumari Beach, especially during Chaitrapurnima (full moon days in April), are highly popular among visitors. During Chaitrapurnima, visitors can watch both sunset and moon rise simultaneously at Kanyakumari Beach.

Kanyakumari Beach has rocky shores and the sea is rough due to the confluence of the three waters – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The sand of Kanyakumari Beach is famous for its softness and various hues.

There is a light house at Kanyakumari Beach from where panoramic views of the sea are available.

COVELONG

Covelong, on the east coast bordering the route to Mahabalipuram and nearly 40 km south of Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, is an ideal destination for a quick getaway. In the earlier days, Covelong was a port town developed by Saadat Ali Nawab, which was then taken over by the French under the the French General Labourdonnais in 1746. Later, the British led by Robert Clive destroyed it in 1752.

Covelong is known for its unique shore temples dating from the 5th - 8th centuries. The temples belong to the Pallava rulers, and are made of single, rock cut caves, and other different structures. A canal running parallel to the Bay of Bengal divides Covelong Beach from the mainland and flows from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. Covelong is a well-known place for water sports like windsurfing, swimming and others.

Today, Covelong is better known for its fishing activities and the calm and serene beaches. Besides nature, Covelong also has some historical places near the beautiful beaches. There is an ancient Dutch fort nearby with a few walls remaining. An ancient Catholic Church is amongst the most famous of many religious monuments at Covelong. From Covelong, tours can be taken to nearby Mahabalipuram, famous for its rock temples built in the 6th-8th centuries.

The best time to visit Covelong is November to February. The destination can be easily reached by buses from Pondicherry, Travancore, Kanchipuram, Karaikal and Chennai. Since it is close to Chennai, it can also be reached by flights and trains to Chennai from where buses are available to Covelong.

CUDDALORE

Cuddalore is a fast growing industrial city located south of Pondicherry on the banks of the Bay of Bengal. The word Cuddalore literally means "Sea Town" in Tamil. Cuddalore is known for its picturesque beaches and its ancient Saiva and Vaishnava temples. The Gedilam River flows through the town and separates the Old Town from Thirupadiripuliyur. Old Townwas an ancient seaport and traded with the Roman Empire approximately 2000 years ago. Cuddalore was first conquered by the Dutch, followed by Portugal, France and later Britain. The British built Fort St David in Cuddalore near Devanampattinam. The city has some highly respected schools, founded by Europeans in the 17th century, which are perhaps the oldest surviving schools in India.

Though Cuddalore was heavily affected by the tidal waves of the 2004 tsunami, the city with its indomitable spirit has swung back into action. Cuddalore is connected to other parts of Tamil Nadu through a very good rail and road network.

NAGAPATTINAM

Nagapattinam is a coastal city in the state of Tamil Nadu of southern India. The city is a municipal and an administrative centre in the Nagapattinam district. Located on the banks of Bay of Bengal, the same was carved by divergence of the Thanjavur district

MUTTUKADU

Muttukadu located at a distance of 36 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu is situated in Kanchipuram District. Surrounded by coconut trees and sea Muttukadu is an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Ruled by the Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagar rulers during the 3rd to 17th century, Muttukadu came under the rule of British during the 19thand 20th century. Owing to its beautiful surroundings, today, the backwaters of Muttukadu have emerged as a centre for water sports. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation has also developed and maintained a boathouse in Muttukadu, as boating and windsurfing are the most popular activities here.

Inhabited by Tamilians, music and dance conserve the rich cultural heritage of Muttukadu. Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam are performed during festivities and is infact considered one of the best ways to pay respect to the gods. Pongal, celebrated in the month of January, is one of the important festivals of Muttukadu, while Diwali, Eid and Christmas are the other important festivals celebrated by the community.

The most prominent activity in Muttukadu is the windsurfing regatta, which is organised every year during February. Travellers must make it a point to visit a village named ‘Dakshinachitra’ while in Muttukadu. This village is famous for handicrafts and souvenirs.

Chennai airport and Railway station is the closest to Muttukadu. The nearest airport is Chennai Airport located at a distance of 36 km from Muttukadu. Buses operated by government and private operators are also available to reach Muttukadu.

The best time to visit Muttukadu is during the months of November to March, when the climatic conditions are pleasant.

MAHABALIPURAM

Want to enjoy the beach atmosphere but can’t get to the west coast of India? Mahabalipuram (or Mammallapuram as it's otherwise called) is the pick of the beaches on India's east coast. It's got a thriving backpacker scene, but is also popular with tourists who come to relax at the resorts there.