Tamil Nadu Beaches
Pulicat
Pulicat is 60 km north of Chennai on national Highway No.5.A saline shallow
water spread formed by the confluence of backwaters. Pulicat Lake and Buckingham
Canal are situated on the northern end of Tamil Nadu is an ideal picnic
spot. A catamaran ride on the shallow water spread and a visit to Bird Sanctuary
are two most anticipated activities. A Dutch cemetery of 17th century is
located on shore.
Muttukadu
It is 36 km away from Chennai. This is an ideal picnic spot. Tamil
Nadu Tourist Development Corporation runs a Boat House, where facilities
for boating and wind surfing are available.
Covelong
A picturesque village on the way to Mamallapuram is a fine beach
resort, 40 km away from the hustle & bustle of Chennai. It is brisk
with fishing activities. The sea and surf here are gentle. For accommodation
contact Taj Fisherman's Cove, Tel :- (04114)-44304.
Marina, Chennai
Golden sands, a good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea, this
in a nutshell, is Marina beach. This beach is counted among one of the longest
beaches in Asia. It's 12 km-long stretch is the second longest in the world.
It is located on the eastern side of the
city adjoining the Bay of Bengal.
Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience.
Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous as the undercurrent is very
strong, even then people come for swimming here.In the evenings, the beach
is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food
stalls lining the beach. Close to the Marina beach is the Aquarium which
has some of the most exotic collection of Tropical sea fishes and fresh
water fishes. The Aquarium gives 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.
Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram , a tiny seaside village is situated in the state of Tamil
Nadu. It is world famous for it's shore temple. Mamallapuram art divides
into four categories: open-air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made
caves and rathas (chariots, carved in situ from single boulders, to resemble
temples or the chariots used in temple processions) The famous bas-reliefs,
Arjuna's Penance and Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the centre
of village, while the beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves behind
a protective breakwater. Accommodation is available at Hotel Tamil Nadu
(Beach Resorts Complex), Hotel Tamil Nadu II Camping Site and other beach
resorts and lodges.
Sadurangapattinam
This is a small fishing village , 16 kms south of Mammallapuram.
A ruined fort of Dutch origin near the beach houses tombs tones dating back
to 16th -17th century.
Pichavaram
It ranks among the most exquisite scenic spot with abundant and
varies tourism resources. The backwaters offer abundant scope for water
sports. The Pichavaram mangroves are considered among the healthiest mangrove
occurrence in the world. Pichavaram consist of number of islands interspersing
a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. TTDC offers boating
facilities for tourists. TTDC's Arignar Anna Tourist Complex houses, cottages,
youth hostel and a restaurant cater to needs of tourists. Pichavaram is
16 km from Chidambaram. It is 75 kms to the south from Pondicherry. It could
be visited throughout the year.
Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is the sacred island, off the mainland surrounded by
Palk Straitand the Gulf of Mannar connected by longest ever constructed
bridge on sea in India. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The maximum
temperature varies between 28-31 degree Celsius, while minimum temperature
is around 25 degree. Between January and March is the best time to visit
Rameswaram. The population size of Rameswaram is 32,700. The serene beach
and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The island
on which the temple stands is covered in low acacia shrubs, coconutpalm
and pines. For accommodation contact Hotel Tamil Nadu, Tel :- (04573)-21277.
There are numbers of lodges, cottages, Dharamsalas and a Youth Hostel.
Poompuhar
It is 40 km from Chidambaram. The Cauvery, merging with the bellowing
sea, was known as Puhar but to the exquisite beauty of the port town, it
came to be called as `Poompuhar'. Another name of Poompuhar was Kaveripoompattinam.
A fine beach and calm water offer good bathing. The Department of Tourism
offer shell shaped cottages to the Tourists in the poompuhar Tourist Complex,
at a moderate tariff. This complex was designed on the basis of the information
available in the Tamil epic "Silpathikaram". The historical happenings
depicted in the epic and the landmarks mentioned therein are brought back
to life here in stone.
Mandapam
It is the main land linking the island of Rameshwaram. It is also
known as the gateway to myriad islands and is bestowed with a quiet beach
for sun and surf. Rameswaram is 18 km from Mandapam
Kurusadai Islands
It is an ecological paradise situated off Mandapam. It is notable
for coral reefs and rare species of marine lives such as dolphins., but
can only be visited after due permission from Fisheries department in Chennai.
Vattikotai
The circular serene location is situated 6 Kms from Kanyakumari, overlooking
the sea. It is a fine picnic spot , with abundant coconut trees. The sea
near here is calm and is an ideal spot for relaxing.
