Marina Beach, Chennai
One of the longest beaches in the world, the Marina Beach in Chennai is a major tourist attraction and sees thousands of visitors on a daily basis. The beach was developed only after the construction of the Madras Harbor in 1881, when the British Governor of Madras commissioned the construction of a promenade near the shoreline.
The Marina Beach, covered with glittering golden sand and a clear strip of blue sea, is among the most magnificent beaches in India. Sited at Kamarajar Salai Road, at a distance of 3 km from the capital city of Tamil Nadu, it is said to be the second longest beach in the world, extending to a length of 13 km from St. George Fort to Mahabalipuram. Much of credit for converting this beach into a tourist spot goes to Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grand Duff, who took the needed measures during the 1880s. Here, the experience of watching the sun rise and set is at its captivating best, and breathtaking. Enclosures with palm trees compel you to take a slow and relaxed walk. The horseback ride along the shores will lift up your spirits further. However, swimming and bathing here can be dangerous because of the undercurrent being turbulent and chaotic. But, rest assured, after visiting the beach, you will feel the waves and winds of rejuvenation take hold of your every sense.
Apart from enjoying on the beach, there are many historical monuments built at the junction of pathway stand. Some of them include Annadurai and MG Ramachandran memorials, statues of heroes from Tamil culture, Indo Saracenic buildings, monuments of Tamil scholars, patriots and famous personalities including Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose. One of the most remarkable effigies is the Triumph of Labor by Debiprasad Roy Choudhary. Various stalls of food items including murukku, sundal, ice-cream and other South-Indian snacks are located in its vicinity to curb the cravings of the foodies. An aquarium, situated near the beach, comprises of some of the most astonishing and splendid range of tropical sea and fresh water fish. It gives you a chance to be familiar with the aquatic life and see what God has blessed the sea life of Chennai with. And then south to its location is situated the Ice House, which was used for storage of ice brought from great lakes in North America during the time of British. The most favourable time to visit the Marina Beach is during November to February, when the temperature is moderate in Chennai and the palms and casuarinas provides you with lovely cold breeze and ample shade for taking rest, enjoying the natural beauty of the sea and the beach.
