india travel tips

The people of India have marketed this sandy beach along the Bay of Bengal as the second longest beach in the world. It has been marketed so successfully that people often believe this is true. That is something to be really proud of. And great marketing I would say! While checking a few facts you learn that Marina Beach is included in the top 15 list of long beaches, but still a bit far from the top.

Anyhow, it is damn long beach measuring a distance of 13 km, making it the longest natural urban beach in the country and the world’s eleventh longest beach. It´s a beach that is pretty empty during the day, due to the heat, and fills up in the evening as the locals gather here for food, happenings and socializing. If you however are looking for a nice clean beach for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing, this is not the place to go. Although the ‘second longest beach in the world’ offers empty spaces, you would compete for the best spots with fishnets, piles of garbage and closed street food stands during the day. The wavy sea offers color scales from gray and beige to brown instead of clear postcard blue and turquoise tones. What you might long for on a hot day in Chennai, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees celsius in April-May, is cooling down and swimming – bet your horses on a nice hotel with a refreshing pool instead. Or hit the road and head down to the beach resort Fisherman´s Cove, ca 50 km south of Chennai. It is definitely one of the best beach resorts on the southeast coast.

Colourful boat art

Beautiful boat art

A fisherman and his boat

Fishnet storage

The colors of India

A closet beach food stand

Beach food stand

Marina Beach definitely shows it’s better side in the evening when the locals enjoy horseback riding, streetfood and roller skating. It is also a pretty nice place to watch the sunset. And a great way to get to know the local culture. Enjoy!