From Chennai to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu is the home to some of India’s best beaches. Flanked by French colonies and ancient forts, beaches in Tamil Nadu will beckon you to enjoy a vacation filled with delicious delicacies and a serene setting. These spectacular beaches in Tamil Nadu bring an intoxicating feeling of calm on days of overwhelming heat. Sprawling over 901 kilometres with the Bay of Bengal on the East and the Indian Ocean flowing to the West, a day at the beach in Tamil Nadu will make your holiday a memorable experience.
Don’t believe us? Plan a holiday with your loved ones to witness majestic coastlines and glistening waters that slowly ebb into infinity. From the over-enthusiastic surfer to the lazy, laid-back artist awaiting a sunset—the beaches in Tamil Nadu offer a little something for everybody. So pack your bags and gear up for an exciting vacation full of sandy feet, balmy breeze and breathtaking views.
Wondering how many beaches in Tamil Nadu can you cover? Let’s start with the 8 best:
1. Marina Beach, Chennai
Sitting in the heart of Chennai, the Marina beach in Tamil Nadu stretches over 13 kilometres and is believed to be one of the largest urban beaches in the country. Offering an unparalleled experience, the beach hosts 30,000 tourists a day! Along the 3 kilometre main stretch of this beach in Tamil Nadu, your little ones can enjoy a game of kite-flying or cricket with the local children. You can sip on delicious hot coffee and munch on cobbed corn as the salty sea breeze brushes past your face and the turquoise waters gently ebb at your feet.
After spending a day at one of the best beaches in Tamil Nadu wondering what to do next? Enjoy a bit of sightseeing of the Indo-Saracenic buildings flanked along the beach.
2. Mahabalipuram Beach, Mahabalipuram
Located just 58 kms south of Chennai is Tamil Nadu’s famed Mahabalipuram beach. Steeped in natural resplendence and cultural significance, the sandy shores of this beach in Tamil Nadu offer a panoramic view of the mighty Bay of Bengal. A heaven for adventure aficionados, the beach allows windsurfing and swimming unlike the Marina. However, gushing tides are just a fraction of the attractions to enjoy at this beach in Tamil Nadu. The Shore Temple, Rathas, and 8th century caves make the beach an ideal vacation and learning spot for the family.
The best time to visit any of these beaches in Tamil Nadu is during the winter months of November to February.
3. Kanyakumari Beach , Kanyakumari
Nestled in the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari beach is a confluence of three major water bodies: the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea. Blessed with opulence this less frequented tourist spot boasts of an ambience fit for the gods. While the turbulent tides prohibit you from entering the sea, the surreal sunset views make a trip to this beach in Tamil Nadu worth every rupee.
Unveil your photography skills by taking Instagram-worthy family pictures from the Vivekananda Rock. It gives you a birds’ eye view of the ferocious tides engulfing the shoreline in all its magnanimity.
4. Covelong Beach, Chennai
Set along the tranquil path of the Coromandel coast, this bewitching beach is just 40 kilometres south of Chennai en-route Mahabalipuram. Soaked in culture and sublime beauty, Covelong is one of the few beaches in Tamil Nadu blessed with crystal clear water and a white sand coastline.
After a day of rejuvenation at the beach, pay a visit to the adjoining historical monuments, while your little ones can have a blast at the Crocodile Farm, located near the beach.
5. Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar
Fondly known by locals as Besant Nagar Beach or Bessie, Elliot’s is one of the cleanest beaches in Tamil Nadu. Soothe your mind and body as you soak your toes in the warm sandy shore and devour delicious seafood treats from local hawkers. The high current in the sea makes water sports difficult; but you can indulge in other activities like horse riding along the shore.
6. Ariyaman Beach, Rameshwaram
Just 21 kms away from the religious town of Rameshwaram, Ariyaman Beach is a paradise for nature lovers. Shored by the Gulf of Mannar, it is one of the best beaches in Tamil Nadu for water sports. Lined with casuarina trees along the shore, this beach in Tamil Nadu is a hidden gem that has activities for every age.
While your kids can check out the park and aquarium nearby, you can pay your respect at the Ramanathaswamy Temple and Panchamukha Anjaneya Temple.
7. Kunthukal Beach, Pamban Rameshwaram
Hidden away in the Pamban Island of Tamil Nadu is the less commercial Kunthukal beach. Originally a fishing village, a trip to this quaint beach allows you to relish the beauty of nature in its most raw form. The calming waves of a pale blue ocean gently flow along a shiny white shore leisurely engulfing you in the serene setting. From playing football to swimming in open waters, this beach in Tamil Nadu offers an unmatched holiday experience.
8. Olaikuda Beach, Olaikuda Rameshwaram
A secluded paradise burrowed just 2 kilometres from Rameshwaram, Olaikuda Beach is the seashore of a humble fishing village. Home to breathtaking coral reefs, Australian flamingos, and seagulls—this beach in Tamil Nadu is a must visit destination.
The water is ideal for boating, swimming, and scuba diving, where you can witness the beauty of nature in its original form. Among all the beaches in Tamil Nadu, only Olaikuda can be visited around the year.
Each of these beaches in Tamil Nadu exude a charm of their own. Thisis a round-up of eight of the best beaches in Tamil Nadu. Get your holiday planning started, and let us know how many beaches in Tamil Nadu you plan to cover.