Beaches of Tamilnadu
Here, God himself created the horizons of nature.....
As the waves of the ocean sweep the shores of silver sands a magic pervades
in the Southern peninsular zone of the Indian sub-continent. The charisma and
magic of the nature's dreamy wand of passion imparts imaginative zeal to the
creator once again. Tamil Nadu is that destination where God himself sat down
and created the horizons of nature.
Wondrously blessed is the South with the captivating magic of nature. Enticed
is the beholder with such overwhelming sites. There are certain beaches that
are yet to be explored. These untouched horizons beckon passionate voyagers
to join this caravan of exploration. Some bygone waves leave ephemeral impacts
which drench the silver sands with a mystical charm.
Tamil Nadu is adorned with the finest beaches of the world;
Marina Beach 
Marina beach situated to the east of Chennai (Madras) at Kamarajar Road, 3 Km
away from the city centre. The beach covered with the silver sands is said to
be the longest beach in India and one of the longest in Asia, extends to a length
of 13 Km, from Fort St. George all the way to Mahabalipuram. There is a drive
along the beach circumscribed with palms and casuarinas running the whole length
of Chennai.
Silver sands, an excellent surf and a shimmering clean blue sea, this in a nutshell,
is Marina beach. This beach is acknowledged as 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. To behold the sun
set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience. Though bathing and
swimming can be dangerous as the undercurrent is very turbulent, even then people
dare to swim here.
Twilight magic 
As the sun comes down in the evenings, the beach is blessed with vividness as
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 opportunity to have a rendezvous with the aquatic life. The Ice House,
which was used to store ice brought from great lakes in North America, is South
to the Aquarium.
Statues on the beach !
A stroll circumscribing the beach bordered with a green lawn entices you to
go on a leisurely walk. At the conjunctions of this promenade stand beautiful
statues of Tamil scholars, patriots, and noted personalities. Of these, the
Statue of Labour is a splendid sculpture an evidence of the industrious team
of labourers who are at strenuous, manual work. The sea in this region is not
considered safe for swimming, as the currents are turbulent.
Regional access ! 
The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located
at Meenambakkam about 20 kms from Chennai city. The airport can be accessed
either by road or by sub-urban trains for which the alighting point is at Tirusulam,
about 1 km from the airport. Many major international airlines have synchronized
direct flights to Chennai. Domestic airlines function daily flights to all major
cities of the country from the domestic terminal. Chennai is connected by rail
with all major towns and cities in India. Major Railway Stations: Chennai Central
and Chennai Egmore. Trains operate from Egmore Junction to various parts of
the state while interstate trains originate from Chennai Central Station.Chennai
is connected by good network of roads with all important places in Tamil Nadu
and other parts of India. Many private operators are available to render there
keen services for domestic and interstate transportation. The distances from
Chennai to other cities Bangalore (334kms), Calcutta (1678kms), Hyderabad (704
kms), (790kms).
Kanyakumari Beach 
Kanyakumari is often referred as the 'Land's End' of India. Here, the Bay of
Bengal confluences with the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea and, at Chaitrapurnima
(the Tamil name for all full moon day that generally falls in April), it is
possible to enjoy the unique experience of seeing the sunset and the moon rise
over the ocean simultaneously.
Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari) district is contoured by Tirunelveli
district in the north and northeast, by Kerala state in the northwest and confluence
of Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean in the west and south. The coastline is almost
regular except for some points of land projects into the sea at Cape Comorin.
Kanyakumari is the district headquarters of the district of the same name. At
the southern most land tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean
and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari, an important revered pilgrim centre.
Sun rolls in the sea !
Kanyakumari is famous for its beach and the magnificent sunrises and emotive
sunsets, especially on full moon Days. Kanyakumari is also popular for its vast
foliar stretches of paddy fields, rich forests, coconut groves and mineral sands.
The Kanyakumari beach has an overwhelming sight with the sand which has played
with the colours of the sky. The beach here does not usually offer one the opportunities
to sunbathe on soft silver sands, either to frolic in the waves or in the sands.
The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there is a manmade wall running along
it. People are warned to stay off the rocks, and when if someone moves out of
bounds, he or she is quickly and severely admonished by a watchful policeman.
There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view. The sea is fairly
rough, so it is entertaining to watch it beat itself against the rocks and then
subside, before it gathers itself up for another attack. With long stretches
of sands of many hues, the beach welcomes you to capture the waves of change.
A spectrum of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.
Accessibility
The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram, 87 km away. Kanyakumari is spirally
connected with all places by rail and road. Local includes transport is bus,
auto rickshaw and taxi.
» Altitude : sea level; temperature: ranges from 20 to
35 deg C.
» Rainfall : average 102 cms; clothing: cotton; visiting
season: round the year.
» Languages : Tamil, Malayalam, English.
Best time to visit :
Due to it's friendship with the sea, Kanyakumari enjoys a pleasant climate and
can be visited throughout the year. However, the most enjoyable season to visit
this place is between October and March. During summers, the temperature can
elevate to a high of 34.8°C while it can dip to a low of 20.4°C during
winters.
Mahabalipuram Beach 
Mahabalipuram, also known, as "Mamallapuram" is located 58-km, south
of Chennai, nestling on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, offers many breath-taking
monuments with Sculptural Panels, Caves, Monolithic Rathas (chariots) and Temples.
The spectacular beach of Mahabalipuram attracts thousands of tourists all through
the year. While at the beach you may sun bathe, relax and unwind yourself. At
the same time you may explore the magnificent monuments besides the beautiful
beaches. The dreamy rock cut art is an amazingly extravaganza. For the more
ecclesiastical tourists there are the temples besides the shores, rathas, Arjuna's
penance that are exclusive to the region. A crocodile bank, snake venom extracting
centre, schools of art and sculpture and a wide spectrum of resorts along the
beach entice holiday-seekers all round the year.
Mahabalipuram may be easily reached. Mahabalipuram is well linked through air,
rail and road networks. The nearest airport of Chennai connects Mahabalipuram
with the other main cities of India and the world through frequent air flights
and trains. In terms of the road transport buses knit the terrestrial network
Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai et al ply to Mahabalipuram.
Climate
The climate of Mahabalipuram remains hot and sultry all through the year with
a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum of 19°C. The most enjoyable
time to visit this place is during October to March. One is advised to avoid
visiting this place in the monsoon season.
Festivals
Celebration of the Southern legacy begins from January to February there is
a month-long Mamallapuram Dance Festival. Dances from all over India are staged
here including Bharatha Natyam (Tamil Nadu), Kathakali (Kerala), Kuchipudi (Andhra
Pradesh) as well as tribal dances, puppet shows and classical / traditional
music.
Connectivity
» Aerial communication : Chennai (58-km) has the nearest
airport with both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected
with all the important places in India through the numerous domestic flights.
International flights operate from various parts of the world to Chennai.
» Rail links : The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu
(29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From these stations one has to take the terrestrial
route to reach Mahabalipuram.
» Road links : There are buses available from Pondicherry,
Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram regularly. The road to
Mahabalipuram is well connected to other major roads. Tourists can also hire
a taxi from Chennai to reach Mahabalipuram.
Accommodation options
Various types of accommodation options, from economy to luxury, are available
in Mahabalipuram. The best option is to check into one of the several beach
resorts Mahabalipuram encompassing the town. However, it is necessary to have
prior reservation in most of the cases. Mahabalipuram Resorts provide excellent
accommodation options for the tourists.
Rameshwaram Beach
Rameshwaram is a sacred island positioned off the mainland cicumscribed by Palk
Strait and the Gulf of Mannar anchored with the 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 Rameshwaram. The
population size of Rameshwaram is 32,700. The serene beach and shallow water
here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Transportation & Communication :
» Air link : Nearest airport Madurai (167 kms) is connected
by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras.
» Rail link : Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly
to Madras, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore where Madras is connected with all
the main places in India.
» Road link : Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus
services with Kanyakumari 320 kms, Karaikudi 149 kms, Madras 666 kms, Madurai
167 kms, Ramanathapuram 55 kms, Sivaganga 136 kms, Pudukottai 188 kms, Tanjore
248 kms, Tuticorin 180 kms, Tiruchendur 209 kms etc.
Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his victory over the
demon king Ravana. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and Shaivities. The island
of Rameshwaram is one of the most revered temple towns of India without a visit
to which, the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is not considered accomplished.
» The Marine Fauna : The benovolent sea inhabits the
rare sea species and coral reefs. Exotic variety of marine life-algae, starfish,
sea cucumber, crabs, sponges and the sea cow are found here. The clean beach
and shallow water here are an ideal destination for swimming and sunbathing.
This is the only place in the region where one could swim in the sea day and
night. An enjoyable sight is frolic of dolphins in the water.
A leisurely drive along the Dhanushkodi road is a pleasant experience. The clear
sea, backwater edged with waving bulrushes, surrounds the road. Stretches of
virtually untouched beach sparkle in the fading light and it is from here that
you get a spectacular view of the sunset. Towards the end of the road a few
transient settlements of fishermen can be seen in the fishing season.
The main attraction
The main attraction of the island, the Ramanathswamy temple is spread over 151
acres and is a magnificent example of Dravidian art. This temple took about
350 years to take its present form various release having contributed to its
construction at different times from the 12th century onwards. Parakrama Bahu,
the ruler of Ceylon guilt the sanctum sanctorum. The corridors and other vast
structures of the temple and the Gopurams were built by the Sethupathis, rulers
of Ramanathapuram since 12th century. The temple has two Gopurams at the eastern
and western entrances, 130 feet and 80 feet high, respectively. The sanctum
sanctorum is built of polished granite stone.
The presiding deity at the temple is Lord Ramanathaswamy and his emblem, the
Ramalinga, is said to have been installed and consecrated by Lord Rama and Sita.
Covelong Beach
Merely, 40 kms away from the hustle and bustle of Chennai, Covelong is a dreamy
village. But it is brisk with fishing activities. The sea and the surf here
are gentle. The charming spot of Covelong is at a distance of forty kilometers
from the capital city of Tamil Nadu Chennai. The tourists and the travelers
throng the quiet village. The vivacious village of Covelong is renowned for
its fishing activities. In the fishing village the swaying palms and the beautiful
beach entice people from across the globe. The environs, ambience, peace, tranquility
and the infrastructure at the Covelong beach come together to make it one of
the most popular beach resorts on the Coromandel Coast. In the yester years
Covelong was the renowned port of the Nawabs of the Carnatic. On digging the
past it is revealed that Saadat Ali, Nawab of Carnatic, built the ancient port
of Covelong. In the year 1746 Covelong was taken over by the troops of the French
General Laboudonnais and in 1752 destroyed by Clive.
For all the adventure seekers the breathtakingly beautiful beach of Covelong
has an amazing world of sports activities like windsurfing, swimming and other
water sports. The gentle sea and surf add to the charm of Covelong. The beautiful
beach of Covelong lies in the lee of an ancient Dutch fort. A few walls of the
fort remain in the form of ruins. Thus, besides the beauty of nature, the captivating
destination of Covelong is adorned with the historical monuments likes forts,
churches, mosques et al. thus the secular nature of the area. In its own way
Covelong reveals the history of the state of Tamil Nadu. The ancient Catholic
Church is a must visit amongst the many religious monuments at Covelong.
For those of you who feel holiDays are for relaxing and comforting sunbath is
the best bet. The experience of being in the serene and the pristine environs
recharge with the energy and rejuvenates the soul in an incomparable fashion.
Mystical excursions !
Close to Covelong is the exquisite Mahabalipuram, nineteen kilometers to be
precise. While visiting Mahabalipuram it is simply impossible to miss out on
the unique 7th century shore temples. Then there is the Crocodile farm, which
is a large, and successful reptile breeding venture that invites you to view
the crocodiles from close quarters.
In terms of accommodations enough options are available at Covelong that suit
various budgets. The hotels at Covelong, Chennai as well as Mahabalipuram may
fulfill your needs.
Accessibility
The embracing destination Covelong is well connected and easily accessible.
The airport at Chennai at a distance of sixty kilometers caters to the needs
of the air transport to Covelong. Similarly the railhead at Chennai takes care
of the tourists traveling to Covelong by train. The excellent road network link
Covelong with Chennai and Mahabalipuram well. There are regular bus services
from Chennai to Covelong though for more comfort you may even hire taxis. In
terms of water transport Covelong may be reached by boat along the seacoast
of Madras or Chengalpattu.
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