The beautiful beach of Marina forms the shoreline of Chennai. Marina beach is one of the major attractions of the metropolitan city of Chennai.

Infact, lengthwise Marina is the second longest beach in the world covering a distance of 13 kms. From St. Fort George, the beach extends all the way to Mahabalipuram. Most people throng the Marina to have a glimpse of the sunset which leaves people spellbound. Most of Tamil Nadu's important buildings are situated on the beach front.

Accommodation and Connectivity

The distance of Marina from the Chennai city centre is 3 kms. The beach could be reached through the Kamarajar road. Local modes of transport like autorickshaws and tourist cabs are easily available from the main city centre. Chennai, it may be mentioned, can be easily reached from other parts of the country. The metropolitan city is well connected with rest of the country by air, rail and road.


The city has adequate accommodation facilities to cater to the needs of all categories of people.

Beach Attractions

The sunset at Marina

It is said that a visit to Chennai remains incomplete without witnessing the splendid sunset of Marina. As the otherwise blazing sun dims in the evening and starts dripping in the huge ocean, the Marina waters sparkle with the colour orange offering people a splendid view. The weather in Chennai being hot and humid during daytime, people make a beeline to the Marina in the evening and revel in the cool ocean breeze.

The Anna Park

Located on the Marina beach itself is the famous Anna Park named after the former Chief Minister of the state C.N. Annadurai. The statues of many famous Tamil writers and sages apart from that of Annadurai and M.G. Ramachandran adorn this beautiful park.

The Swimming Pool

Due to strong undercurrents, swimming in Marina is generally not advisable. But as a beach without swimming facilities becomes insipid, city planners have done well to construct a beautiful swimming pool on the beach. The pool is frequented by the young and the old alike.


The Beach Aquarium

A major attraction of the Marina beach is the aquarium located opposite to Presidency college. The aquarium has an impressive collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes.

Vivekananda House

The Vivekananda House on the beach near the aquarium has an interesting piece of history attached to it. Known earlier as the ice house, it was used to store ice brought from England and America. In the year 1892, Swami Vivekananda came here and stayed at the place for sometime.

The Beach Market

Marina beach becomes full of hawkers selling food stuffs, decoratives and clothes as day passes into night and the place becomes abuzz with activity. The Sunday afternoon market is very popular. The beach is often the venue for important state functions also. Kite flying is very popular among children on the beach.

Some of the other eye catchers on the beach are the sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi, the new lighthouse at the beach and pony rides. The numerous attractions on the beach as mentioned above further enhances the beauty of the place.