Best Beaches in Chennai: A Weekend Escapade from the Grueling Lifestyle

Chennai, one of the four metropolitans in the Southern peninsula of India, is known for its high-end, posh, and busy lifestyle. People here lead such a hectic life that feeling overwhelmed is quite common. That's why they often seek moments of relaxation and tranquility, away from the daily hustle and bustle. If you are worried about planning a long vacation, do not worry as the best beaches of Chennai are an ideal escapade from the monotonous life routine. As the city is home to the second-largest coastline in India, we have listed a few beaches to help you narrow down the options for a weekend getaway.

With a coastline length of 13 Km, Marina Beach has one of the longest coastlines in the world. It is not only one of the most popular beaches in Chennai but also forms the best escapade for a day. Tourists and locals flock over to this place throughout the year, mainly to enjoy the liveliness and vibrancy of its ambiance. The golden sandy shoreline, framed promenade, and the open vast sky will keep you on your toes with sheer exhilaration. Since the coastline is quite long, visit Marina Beach during the wee hours or sunset to marvel at the charisma formed by the sun at the horizon. While you are at this beach, do not forget to swim in the water or relish the streetside food like corn on the cob and fried fish. Apart from this, the beach also houses numerous rides and amusement parks where your kids can have fun to the fullest. Take a stroll along the promenade at this Chennai beach with your partner while imbibing the romantic feel of the ambiance during sunset.

Being considered a famous beach in Chennai, Covelong Beach is a must-visit, especially if you are up for some adventures and fun-filled activities. Even though India’s southern peninsula is lined with coastlines on either side, not many areas are open to water sports. But at Covelong Beach, you can try your hand at surfing, especially windsurfing, owing to the calm and smooth wave patterns of the sea at this place. Besides surfing, you can also enjoy swimming in the warm water of the Bay of Bengal ocean and other sports. After enjoying water activities, change and take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. If you are visiting Covelong Beach during December or January, walking on the golden sand with empty feet will be a great experience. Even though the beach remains crowded most of the time, there are certain spots along the entire 20 Km where you will find few people wandering around. These locations are great for spending some quaint time and unwinding yourself without the chit-chatting sounds disturbing the moments.

Known as the best beach in Chennai, Elliot’s Beach attracts hundreds of locals and tourists every year. The government and local authorities have worked diligently over the years to maintain the cleanliness of the beach, making it one of the cleanest on the east coast of India. You won’t find a single piece of trash on the ground here. Apart from this, the beach sports a friendly vibe that will instantly take your mind off all the stressful thoughts. Its promenade hosts numerous cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy an array of cuisines, including authentic South Indian cuisine. Take a long walk along the shoreline and feel the sea breeze kissing your face after sundown. While visiting the beach, make a stop at the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Temple located nearby. As the water current is not too strong here, you can go for a swim or enjoy building sand castles with your family during the daytime.

Out of all beaches in Chennai, Sadras Beach tops the list of offbeat places. Hidden from the prying eyes and the city crowd, this pristine beach is the perfect getaway for relaxing and unwinding after a hectic week. You can take a stroll along the coastline while soaking in the sun’s warmth and listening to the sea waves gently crashing against the shore. A few fishermen and locals might be there on the beach, but the place is manageable. It is indeed a heaven for people seeking a solitary ambiance filled with silence. One of the best things you can do at this quaint beach is sit on the sand and stare at the vast expanse of the open sky during sunset. If you feel famished, try some of the delicacies from the street side vendors, including fried fish, fruit salad bowl, and some refreshing drinks. Apart from this, you can also explore the Sadras Fort nearby, which was built during Dutch colonialism.

This Chennai beach name might be unheard of when talking about the liveliest beaches. But you must recognize its appeal in terms of serene and peaceful ambiance. Often acknowledged as an offbeat and less visited place along the East Coast Road, Akkarai Beach is an excellent option to spend some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the urban settlements. Here, you won’t find any carnival-styled promenade like Marina or Elliot beaches. But do not worry much as the beach is known for marvelous scenic views, thanks to the vast open sky, calming sea view, and the almost deserted shoreline. Since the crowd is smaller, you can plan for some beach games with your friends and families, like beach volleyball. Apart from this, walking over the warm sand with no shoes is an excellent way of relaxing and finding peace in the solitary.

We hope this list of best beaches in Chennai are worth exploring for you, especially after a tiring week. From the quaint and peaceful Sadras Beach to the busiest Marina Beach, this coastal city has everything one can wish for. Furthermore, you can choose to stay at the Bloom Hub | Guindy during your trip to Chennai as it is the closest accommodation to Elliot’s Beach. The hotel comes with excellent rooms for all guests and various amenities that will make your stay more comfortable and relaxing.