Are you completely drained from the daily stress, and wondering which places to visit, so that you can replenish your mind and soul? Marina Beach Chennai is an ideal place for rejuvenation, which is the perfect amalgamation of culture, and architecture, thus making it one of the busiest tourist destinations in India. Stretching to a length of 13 km, the Marina Beach has rightfully earned the title of being the second-longest urban beach in the world.
There are a plethora of things to do near Marina Beach, depending on personal choices and inclinations. Marina Beach, located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, treats its visitors with numerous thrilling activities that are perfect for amateurs and professionals.
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Best Things To Do Near Marina Beach Chennai
Here is a curated list of the best things to do near Marina Beach, which will help you select the best tourist destinations from the lot.
Sightseeing Places Around Marina Beach
Mahabalipuram
Visit Mahabalipuram to explore the stunning prehistoric sculptures, which trace their roots back to the 7th-8th Century. Located at a stone’s throw from Marina Beach Chennai, Mahabalipuram is best known for its Mandapas, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which allow you to uncover giant open-air rock reliefs that exude brilliance. Witness the intricate architectures that portray the vibrant art and sculptures of Gods and Goddesses according to Hindu Mythology. Some of the best tourist attractions in Mahabalipuram are Pancha Rathas, Descent of the Ganges, Krishna’s Butterball, Shore Temple, etc.
You can book your dream Mahabalipuram Temple and Beach Day Tour from Chennai here.
Fort George
Visit the first English Fort built by the British in India, which is one the finest examples of the military architecture style of the 18th Century. The stunning fortress is the perfect place for history buffs, the Forst Museum houses various items from the English era and late British rule. Once a British Fortress, Fort George currently houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other government buildings.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Located just 4 km from Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most visited shrines, which is devoted to Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva. The temple portrays ancient Dravidian architecture, during the Pallava Dynasty, which traces its roots to the 7th Century CE.
Thomas Cathedral Basilica
At just a walkable distance of less than a km from Marina Beach Chennai is Santhome Cathedral Basilica is a minor basilica that portrays the Gothic style of architecture. The museum at the basilica houses the memorabilia of St.Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. The museum is said to be built over the tomb of St Thomas and is home to the Holy relics of Francis Xavier, Bartholomew the Apostle, and Philomena.
Theosophical Society Adyar
The Theosophical Society was established in 1882 and has since been a beacon of ancient wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. At the core of the esoteric organization lies three goals that serve as a guiding light for secrets on their spiritual journey. One of the main attractions is the 2nd largest Banyan Tree in the world, which is over 500 years old.
Guindy National Park
Located 10 km from Marina Beach Chennai, Guindy National Park is the 8th smallest protected area of Tamil Nadu and one of the few national parks located within the city. Various species of fauna include chitals, spotted deers, bonnet macaques, hyenas, and pangolins which call it home. The protected area is a perfect place for keen birdwatchers as they can catch glimpses of over 130 species of birds like black-winged kites, minivets, etc, and migratory birds like teals, and night herons every fall season. The showstopper of the Guindy National Park is the Blackbuck, which is one of the most endangered species on planet Earth.
Best Adventure Activities Around Marina Beach
Feel the adrenaline gushing through your veins by engaging in various thrilling outdoor activities.
- Trekking and Camping: Tread out on thrilling excursions like Yelagiri, Dodabetta Peak, Yercaud and Talakona waterfall.
- Rock climbing and rappelling: Outdoor Rock Climbing at Kambakkam and Indoor rock climbing at Fit Rock Area
- Paintball: The Wild Tribe Ranch, Esthell Adventure Park, and Planet Adventure Paintball.
- Canyoning: IROC Adventures
Explore The Mesmerizing Shoreline
The mesmerizing Marina Beach Chennai treats its visitors with a variety of thrilling water activities that will impart an invigorating and wholesome experience. Some of the activities are Parasailing, paramotoring, surfing, scuba diving, etc.
- Surfing: Covelong Beach
- Paramotoring: Fly2Day, a venture by Adventure Aero Sports Association.
- Parasailing: Covelong Beach
- Scuba diving: Some of the best operators that cater to scuba diving activities are Salty Bone Divers, Chennai Institute Of Diving, Chennai Dive Paradise, Dive Chennai, and DiveIndia Chennai.
Indulge In Delicious Cuisine
Chennai is not only famous for its picturesque landscapes, stunning tourist destinations, and exhilarating activities, but Chennai is renowned for its sumptuous traditional cuisines. Your tour is incomplete without a belly full of palatable dishes at some of the best restaurants near Marina Beach like:
- Taj Fisherman Cove: Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Covelong Beach, Off East Coast Road (ECR), Kovalam, Chennai.
- Mash Resto Café: T 54 B, 1st Floor, Elliots Beach Road, Besant Nagar, Chennai.
- Surf Turf: 10, Pearl Beach, Ansari Nagar, Kovalam, Chennai
- Boats Beach Restobar: 17, 5th Avenue, Besant Nagar, Chennai
- The Wharf by Radisson Blu– Radisson Blu Temple Bay, 57, E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Chennai.
- Sea Crest Restaurant: 1/74, SH 49, Muttukadu, Chennai
How To Reach Marina Beach
By Flight: Visitors can reach the nearest airport, Chennai International Airport which is 19 km from Marina Beach. Various carrier services cater to international and domestic destinations from around the world.
By Cab/Taxi: Visitors can book from the various car rental services available at the airport, which allows you to move at your own pace and have additional stopovers at various tourist places near Marina Beach.
Pinch to the pocket: Approximately INR 1200
Book your most comfortable commute Chennai Airport Transfers : Budget Sedan and SUV Cabs here.
By Train: The nearest railhead to Marina Beach is Chennai Central Junction, which is at a walkable distance of 4 kms. The railways provide a comfortable and convenient commute to Chennai Central, which is well-connected from various parts of the country.
By Bus: The Marina Beach Bus Stand is the closest bus stand which is just less than a kilometer away. The local bus services provide the most convenient and pocket-friendly modes of commute from Chennai Central to Marina Beach.
By Metro: The closest metro station to Marina Beach is Government Estate, which is 2 km apart.
Also Read: 18 Things You May Not Have Done In Chennai
Keeping the above-mentioned list as your torchbearer for the best places to visit in and around Marina Beach Chennai, embark on a journey that will melt your hearts. Please feel free to drop in your personal experiences of your memorable visit around Marina Beach in the comment section below.
FAQs
Some of the best things to do in Chennai with family are:
Explore over 2500 species of flora and fauna at Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
Enjoy a fun-filled day at the VGP Universal Kingdom.
Visit one of the best entertainment zones for kids at the Fun Park.
Uncover the DRDO pavilion at the Birla Planetarium.
Fun and frolic at the MGM Dizzee World.
Chennai offers some of the best adventure activities like camping in the mountains, trekking, cycling, rock climbing, rappelling, paramotoring, canyoning, paintball, scuba diving, parasailing, and ATV rides to name a few.
As Chennai is located on the shoreline, it offers various water activities which are welcome for individuals ranging from novices to professionals. Some of the best surfing sites are Marina Beach, Mahabalipuram Beach, and Elliot’s Beach. Covelong Beach is the oldest surfing village and has the oldest surfing school, where you can learn the basics of surfing.
Visitors can experience the thrill of riding an ATV on the golden sands of Marina Beach. Be it Sands or Woods, Off Road Sports is the best privately owned sports center, which is recognized worldwide by the Polaris ATV. Skip the cup of cappuccino and visit OffRoad Sports to experience the thrill of riding an ATV on the Snads, woods, and tracks.
The ideal marina beach timings are during the post-monsoon season and the entire winter season, which ranges from October to February. The pleasant weather accompanied by a soothing ambiance is perfect for engaging in various thrilling outdoor activities.
