When we talk about the best beach in Chennai, I’m sure Marina Beach is the one that comes first in our minds. Right?! Well, it is indeed the best beach in Chennai that attracts a lot of people across the world. Apart from Marina, there are a few other beaches as well in the city that can give you the best beach experience.
Moreover, Chennai itself is a beautiful city in India that everyone must visit. Want to know about the best beaches in Chennai? If yes, then keep reading the article till the end and explore the best beach in Chennai!
Best Beach In Chennai: The Top 10 List!
1. Marina Beach
Almost everyone knows that the Marina is the longest beach in India, and the second longest in the world. This has made it the most popular beach in India. Fort St. George’s is the reason why Marina became so popular in the colonial period.
The beach is just 19 km away from the Chennai International Airport and you can reach here by bus, taxi, auto, etc. If you decide to take the metro, the Chepauk metro station is the nearest one. After reaching the spot, you will be amazed by the views and activities like horse riding, kite flying, and more!
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Marina Beach, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005 |
| Amenities | Food stalls, horseback riding, aquarium |
| Google Rating | 4 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Second longest urban beach in the world |
| Other Famous Places | Fort St. George, Santhome Cathedral, Chennai Lighthouse |
| Resorts Nearby | Green Meadows Resort, MGM Beach Resorts |
2. Elliot’s Beach
This is a famous beach in Chennai that is known for the Karl Schmidt Memorial. The memorial is built for the person who saved a girl’s life by sacrificing his! I’m sure, the beach has all the required amenities that can make your trip more comfortable.
This beach is located only 15 km away from the Chennai Airport, and 2 km from the Indira Nagar metro station. So, I guess accessing the beach shouldn’t be a problem. This is the best beach in Chennai where you can have a quiet time and have a walk by the shore!
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Besant Nagar, Chennai. |
| Amenities | Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, food stalls, police outpost |
| Google Rating | 4.2 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Tranquility, cleanliness, Karl Schmidt Memorial |
| Other Famous Places | Ashtalakshmi Temple, Annai Vailankanni Church |
| Resorts Nearby | The Leela Palace Chennai, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, MGM Beach Resorts |
3. Neelankarai Beach
Neelankarai Beach is the best beach in Chennai which is popular for seashells. You can see a lot of residents who collect seashells here on the beach. Moreover, it is also the best spot to have a peaceful walk by the shore and relax.
This beach is around 23 km away from the Chennai Airport and just 3 km far from the Chennai East Coast Road Railway Station. There are various modes of transport like bus, taxi, auto, etc. through which you can reach here in no time!
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Neelankarai, Sholinganallur, Tamil Nadu |
| Amenities | Tranquil environment, huts serving local seafood, relaxation and leisure areas |
| Google Rating | 4.2 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Serene atmosphere, popular among seashell collectors |
| Other Famous Places Nearby | VGP Golden Beach, Covelong Beach, Mahabalipuram, Muttukadu Backwater, Akkarai Beach, Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Ashtalakshmi Temple |
| Resorts Nearby | Ibis Chennai OMR, The Leela Palace Chennai, Citadines OMR Chennai |
4. Mahabalipuram Beach
Mahabalipuram is one of the most important historical places in India, where you can see a lot of ancient sculptures made by the Pallavas. Moreover, the beach is also a part of the UNESCO heritage site marking the Pallava dynasty’s significance.
The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport which is 55 km away from the beach and Chengalpattu railway station is the nearest station in the 23 km radius. However, you can access the beach easily as it is well-connected by road.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Mahabalipuram Beach, Tamil Nadu 603104, India |
| Amenities | Food stalls, small shops, resorts, and restaurants nearby |
| Google Rating | 4.2 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Known for golden sands, rock-cut sculptures, stone carvings, and South Indian cuisine |
| Other Famous Places Nearby | Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance |
| Resorts Nearby | Ideal Beach Resort, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram |
5. Santhome Beach
Santhome Beach is one of the religious sites that has a church nearby called the Santhome Church. It attracts a lot of people who wish to have a peaceful time at the church and then watch the spectacular sunset at the beach. I bet the sunset view is just amazing and a must-visit beach in Chennai.
You can access the beach easily through a taxi, or bus from the Chennai Airport as it is only 15 km away. If you wish to take a train, the nearest railway station is the Chennai Egmore station which is just 5 km away!
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Foreshore Estate area of Chennai |
| Amenities | Eateries, sports activities, clean sands, tranquil atmosphere |
| Google Rating | Positive reviews on travel platforms (specific Google ratings not provided) |
| Specialty of the Place | Picturesque views, proximity to Santhome Basilica |
| Other Famous Places | Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Chennai Lighthouse, Fort St. George, etc. |
| Resorts Nearby | The Leela Palace Chennai, Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre |
6. VGP Golden Beach
How about seeing the marine life in their habitat itself?! Well, this beach has an underwater aquarium tunnel namely the VGP Univeral Kingdom. You can get to see all the beautiful aquatic animals there. Moreover, the beach is also known for its golden sands that give a fantastic view!
The nearest railway station is the Chennai Central Station which is about 23 km away from the beach. You can reach the beach using any local transport like a bus or a taxi.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | East Coast Road, Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115 |
| Amenities | Sea view cottages, garden verandah rooms, yurt cottages, restaurants, and more |
| Google Rating | 4.0 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Known for its golden sands and being part of the VGP Universal Kingdom |
| Other Famous Places Nearby | Dakshin Chitra, Muttukadu Boat House, Crocodile Bank, Mahabalipuram |
| Resorts Nearby | VGP Golden Beach Resort |
7. Covelong Beach
Do you know that this is actually Kovalam Beach, but it was renamed Covelong as the British people couldn’t pronounce the name?! Yes. It was them who did this! The beach is a wonderful spot to have several beach activities like boating, parasailing, etc. making it the best beach in Chennai for adventure lovers!
The beach is well-connected by the OMR or the ECR roads from Chennai, so reaching here is not a big deal. If you are coming from the airport, it will take you about an hour to reach here as it is 35 km away.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Covelong, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603112 |
| Amenities | Surfing, parasailing, boating, fishing, and a surfing village |
| Google Rating | 4 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Known for its golden sands and being a hub for water sports |
| Other Famous Places Nearby | Mahabalipuram and Crocodile Farm |
| Resorts Nearby | Taj Fisherman’s Cove, a luxury beach resort |
8. Palavakkam Beach
If you wish to visit a beach that has a peaceful environment, then my suggestion would be the Palavakkam Beach. This beach is often less crowded as it is not a commercial beach making it the right spot for people who wish to have a quiet time. On the other hand, you can also have the best seafood here near the beach.
This beach is very close to the Chennai East Coast Road Railway Station which is just 2 km away. The Chennai International Airport is about 16 km away which is also quite close and you can reach here within half an hour!
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Palkalai Nagar, Palavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041 |
| Amenities | Local cuisine, seafood, photography spots, snack stalls, parking |
| Google Rating | 4.5 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Peaceful environment, less crowded, local seafood, beautiful sunsets |
| Other Famous Places | VGP Golden Beach, Covelong Beach, Mahabalipuram, Elliot Beach, etc. |
| Resorts Nearby | Green Meadows Resort |
9. Kasimedu Beach
Kasimedu is the place where you can find a lot of fish markets. The place is also connected to the Vijayanagara Empire and has a rich history, and so is Kasimedu Beach! This is the best beach in Chennai where you can get fresh seafood and enjoy several beach activities like volleyball, and more.
This beach is located about 22 km away from the Chennai International Airport and just 6 km from the Chennai Central Railway Station. You can take a taxi or a bus to get here within minutes!
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Tiruchinna Kuppam, Tondiarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600013 |
| Amenities | Fish markets, fresh seafood sales (specific amenities not detailed) |
| Google Rating | 4.3 stars |
| Specialty of the Place | Vibrant fish markets, center for fishing in Chennai |
| Other Famous Places Nearby | Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Chennai Lighthouse, Fort St. George, Vivekananda House, Market Road |
| Resorts Nearby | Sheraton Grande Hotel |
10. Akkarai Beach
Akkarai Beach is the best beach in Chennai where you see rare birds and marine life. It is also known for its clear waters and peaceful environment and makes you feel as if you are on a beach in Goa! That makes it the best spot for people who want to relax and have a quiet time!
The Chennai International Airport and the Chennai Central railway station are within the 30 km radius. You can reach here in not more than 45 minutes from the airport and the railway.
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Injambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Amenities | Beach restaurants, changing rooms, showers, toilets, sea pools |
| Google Rating | 4.3 |
| Specialty of the Place | Tranquil environment, golden sands, clear waters, vibrant sunsets, rare birds and marine life |
| Other Famous Places | Elliot Beach, Marina Beach, VGP Golden Beach, Covelong Beach, Mahabalipuram, Kapaleeshwar Temple, Guindy National Park |
| Resorts Nearby | Ibis Chennai OMR, Citadines OMR Chennai, Vivanta Chennai IT Expressway OMR, Novotel Chennai Sipcot, Novotel Chennai OMR |
