Marina Beach

The stretch of beach known as the Marina extends for 13 kms. and is claimed to be the second largest in the world. It is bordered by gardens and is a major tourist attraction. The Memorials such as Anna Samadhi, MG R Samadhi are located on the sea front. This section of the beach road is known as Anna Square.

Golden sand, good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea, this in a nutshell, is Marina beach.The beach drive runs between magnificent stately buildings on the oneside and a wide sandy beach on the other. This beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia. It stretches from the Harbour to the Santhome Cathedral. Its long stretch was made beautiful by the wonderful facelift given by Governor Mountstuart Elphinstone Grant Duff in the early 1880's.

Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience.The bulidings such as University of Madras,Chepauk Palace,Ice House and the Police Headquarters are watchable ones. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous, as the undercurrent is very strong, people come here for swimming.

In the evenings, the beach is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach.