Lighthouse marks the south end of Marina Beach
The seashore of Chennai, the largest city of Tamil Nadu, is home to the 13 km stretch better known as Marina Beach. This local and foreign tourist favorite stands as one of the longest beaches in the world. The iconic destination built in the 1880′s was badly damaged from the 2004 tsunamis.
When I arrived on a beautiful, hot and humid afternoon, activity was all around. Vendors selling cool drinks, ice cream, balloons and more were catering to the crowds of mostly Indian beach goers. Although it’s advised not to swim due to the currents that didn’t deter the large number of kids and adults splashing away in the Bay of Bengal.
Sand leads from the shore a great distance to parking lots and beyond where it finally meets South Beach Road. I had limited time to jump out of the car for some quick snaps but how could I pass up this opportunity to walk to the water? Turns out it took me several minutes walking over the wide berth of beach. Impressive is one word that comes to mind. Marina Beach is tagged as a must see in most guide books; see families frolicking along the beach, young lovers sitting under the shade of trees and kids flying their kites.
Young lovers hide behind a boat
Visitors with more time might look into a self-guided history walk. Many fascinating buildings remain from the British era as well as newer Indian built memorials and statues right along the highway. Pack your trunks, flip flops and sunscreen cause we’re going to the beach!
History Walk
1. Start at Victory War Memorial. This sits at the north end of Kamarajar Salai before turning into Rajaji Salai. The memorial is known today in memory of World War II soldiers but originally was built to commemorate the victory of the Allied Armies of World War I.
2. Move south to Anna Park. The memorial and burial of CN Annadurai, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu lies here.
3. Continue south to the commemorative garden called MGR Samadhi. MGR represents MG Ramachandran, a popular Tamil film star for which the park was built in honor.
Look around this area for food vendors, gift sellers and on Sundays, the local market.
4. The Indo-Saracenic Madras University lies on the opposite side of the beach. Large red brick buildings are the landmark to look for. This is one of the oldest universities in India, founded in 1857.
5. Considered an architectural marvel, next door marks the Senate House. In 1879, this building became the main offices for the Madras University.
6. Chepauk Palace. Originally built in 1768, the architect of the Senate House, Robert Chisholm, added the extensions we see today. The palace is now home to government offices and behind is Chepauk Stadium, home to Chennai’s well known cricket ground.
7. Continue south. Founded in 1840, and noted for being the first institution in South India for higher education, Presidency College is situated to the left of the water.
8. Opposite the College, visitors enjoy the newly added aquarium and swimming pool.
9. Along the roadside sits several statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Kannagi, Thiruvalluvar, Sir Thomas Munro, Kamarajar, Avvaiyar, Thanthai Periyar and finally Triumph of Labour. Created by renowned painter and sculpture Debi Prasad Roy Chowdhary, 1959.
10. Continue south to Annie Besant Road, turn right (West). After a short distance is the Ice House. Built in the 1840′s, the circular building housed ice imported from the US. Until recently it existed as a women’s hostel but now is open as a gallery.
11. Back to South Beach Road, turn south, opposite side of beach, Madras College for Women. Originally opened in 1914 as Queen Mary’s College, this was Chennai’s first women’s college.
12. From the College you can view the more recently built red and white striped lighthouse. This rather dull looking building stands 48m above sea level, open to visitors from 2 -4 PM daily.
You’ve done it! Now grab some ice cream and watch the street entertainment.
