Beaches

Marina Beach
Marina Beach is among the longest beaches in the world and it comprises of sun, sand and surf. Counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia, it is stretched across a 12-km long area. This beach was given a makeover by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880's, and is Chennai's major tourist attraction today.

Walk along the beach bordered with a green lawn will entice you to go on a leisurely stroll. At the intersections of this promenade stand beautiful statues of Tamil scholars, patriots, and noted personalities. The Statue of Labour is a beautiful sculpture depicting the efforts of a team of laborers who are at strenuous, manual work.

¤ Aquarium

Aquarium is located close to the Marina beach, which has some of the most exotic collection of tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. The aquarium offers a chance to have a closer look at the aquatic life. The Ice House, which was used to store ice brought from Great Lakes in North America, is south to the Aquarium.

¤ Anna and MGR Samadhis

Situated on the beach, the Anna and MGR Samadhis, which are the memorials of the most popular, former Chief ministers of the state; attracts a good number of visitors everyday.

Mahabalipuram Beach

The renowned an ancient 7th century centre for Pallava culture and arts. Situated just 60 kms. south of Chennai city, on the Bay of Bengal coastline. Mamallapuram is a popular beach resort and culture-front, especially for the tourists who come from the worldover, who love to imbibe and soak in its rich traditions ! During this time of revival, this ancient and quaint little town will get a new lease of life. Thanks to the festival ! This beach-town, saturated with ancient monuments, sculptures , caves, monolithes, temples, beaches and lots more too ! We promise an altogeth er new experience designed to leave you spellbound , yet, panting for more!

Rameshwaram Beach

An island off the mainland surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar connected by the longest ever constructed bridge on sea in India. It is a pilgrim centre. According to the Hindu mythology i. e. the story of Sri Rama, the hero of the epic, Ramayanam, worshipped Lord Siva here before invading Lanka to redeem his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Owing to this Rameshwaram attracts Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Saivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) alike. It is from here that Sri Rama is said to have constructed the mythological bridge to Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram is also popularly referred to as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Sri Lanka is at a distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram. In fact the entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the Ramayana. Rameshwaram happens to one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Rameshwaram is also popularly referred to as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.

Attraction

At the town's core is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India. Rameswaram is on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the mainland at Mandapam by rail, and by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge.