Marina Beach - Tamilnadu - மெரினா கடற்கரை

Co-ordinates 13.207860, 80.474854
State Tamil Nadu
Nearby Stations Chennai
Nearby Places Chennai
Wikipedia Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Beach
Marina Beach - Tamilnadu Reviews
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  • Other Langauge Names Hindi: मरीना बीच तमिलनाडु
    Tamil: மெரினா கடற்கரை

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    Marina Beach,the pride of Chennai, is the second largest beach in the world and has a wide sandy foreshore.Situated on the beach ,the Anna and MGR samadhis which are the memorials of the most popular former Chief Ministers of the State attract good crowd everyday. An aquarium is also located on the Marina Beach. Some of the most beautiful buildings in Chennai such as the University of Madras,Senate-House,Chepauk Palace, Presidency College, P.W.D office and Ice House are located on the beach drive.

    Marina Beach looks like a leaf out of the Arabian nights. Golden sand, clean surroundings and a shimmering clean blue sea; that is what Marina beach is all about. Stretched across a length of 12 Kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, The beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia. Mount Stuart Elphinstone, the then Governor of Madras state, developed this place as a tourist spot in early 1880's.

    Chennai, 350-year-old retaining much of its traditional charm and heritage, is a city where the landscape of the past merges effortlessly with recent history. In Chennai, one can find, long busy sandy beaches, parks, sculptures and historic landmarks. Chennai is a vibrant, dynamic city ever growing, evolving, expanding and changing in accordance with modern period every year. Chennai has in its account some nice places to offer for shopping. In fact Chennai is a Shopper's delight. There are a lot of places and shops worth visiting.

    There are other attractions too that are scattered around the Marina Beach. The most important among them is 'The Aquarium'. The place boasts off some of the most exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. The aquarium gives a chance to have a closer look at the aquatic life. Situated nearby are the memorials of Anna and MGR. These two were the most popular chief ministers of Tamilnadu. This place too attracts good crowd everyday.

    Chennai is a genuine mixture of various cultures; people from different places in India live harmoniously in Chennai, distinct features and varying viewpoints, beliefs, values and morality shaping the culture of the famous city. There is combination of cultures and ideas that make the cosmopolitan nature of Chennai. Chennai has some charming monuments, temples, mosques and churches dating back to many centuries. It is a Tourists’ paradise, with a lot of attractions and vibrant activities all around the city.

    A contemporary metropolis with a clear skyline Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu in India and located in Coromandel Coast, is a civilized, elegant and cultured city and is popularly considered as the Gateway to the South India. It was known earlier as Madras. In fact in north, the entire south Indians were termed as ‘Madrasis’, so much was the influence of Madras in Indian culture.

    Here traditional art forms like dance and music are the way of life and it grows trains and flourishes marvelously. Exposure in classical music mainly Carnatic, vocal as well as instrumental, and the exhibition and creativity of the imposing Bharatnatyam dance are pursued with enthusiasm. It is not a wonder if one could find a school of dance and music in almost every part of the city.

    The warmth of the hospitality of Tamil culture is well known the world over. Generally, early awakening and inclusion of religious rites into the day-to-day living is part of life. The doorsteps are adorned with kolam - patterns made from rice power or white stone powder for ornamental as well as religious purposes. It is customary to celebrate the various religious festivals with pomp and show.

    One of the Four Metros of the country, is also the Gateway to the South. It is bestowed with a 4.5 km. 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.

    Best Time to Visit and Weather

    Best time to visit Chennai is from November to February when the weather is cool.

    Travel Direction

    Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. The most picturesque scene at this place is sunrise and sunset. Many people come here for swimming and bathing also although the sea is very rough here. In the evenings, the beach turns virtually in to a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach.

    How to Reach

    By Air

    Chennai has an airport with both domestic and international terminals. Regular flights connect Chennai with the major cities within the country and also with countries like USA, Singapore, U.K, etc.

    By Rail

    Chennai is well connected by rail with the important towns and cities within and beyond the state.

    By Road

    State transport buses and private buses connect Chennai with the major towns and cities within the country. For local transportation local trains, city buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are available.

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