Marina Beach

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a beach in the city of Chennai (Madras), India, along the Bay of Bengal, part of the Indian Ocean.  The width of the beach at the widest stretch is 437 meters. The 13-kilometre long Marina Beach forms the city’s east coast, from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram and is one of the longest beaches in the world. The Marina Beach is a sandy beach and is the most sought-after beach for many. A visit to the Marina Beach is an enchanting experience for a traveller.

Marina beach is a major tourist attraction. People visiting Chennai make a point to visit the beach. The beach is popular for its shops and food stalls. The memorials and statues, morning walk, joggers’ track, lovers’ spot, aquarium, etc., make it a hangout for people of all ages. The sea is rough and waves are strong. There are fishermen colonies present at both ends of the beach.
There are many statues adorn the roadside along the beach which includes statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Kannagi, Thiruvalluvar, Kamarajar, Avvaiyar, Thanthai Periyar and the Statue of Labour. At one end of the beach is Anna Square where the former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu Dr. C.N.Annadurai was buried. Next to the Anna Sqaure is MGR Samathi and a beautiful park. This is a memorial for Dr.M.G. Ramachandran, the former Chief Minister of Tamilnadu and also a former film hero. The tomb has an imposing memorial Pillar and an eternal flame.

The main road  along the Marina is Kamarajar Salai. Many old and historic buildings adorn the side of the road opposite to the beach. 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. At the other end of the beach is the new lighthouse. The beach has new artificial fountains and parks which adds to its beauty.

Aquarium is located close to the Marina beach, which has some of the most exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. The aquarium offers a chance to have a closer look at the aquatic life. The Ice House, which was used to store ice brought from Great Lakes in North America, is south to the Aquarium.

Bus Routes:

Central to Marina Beach : L32, L32A, 32B, S32B, S32A, L6A

Egmore to Marina Beach : 27B, 27D, 29A, S27B, S27D

Koyambedu to Marina Beach : 27B, S27B, W27BV