12 Best Beaches near Chennai

At a distance of 170 km from Chennai, 204 km from Trichy, 233 km from Tirupati, 335 km from Madurai, 639 km from Trivandrum, 578 km from Kanyakumari, 96 km from Mahabalipuram, 368 km from Bangalore and 564 km from Kochi, Pondicherry or Puducherry is a city and capital of the Union Territory of Pondicherry and is one of the most popular tourist destinations you must include in honeymoon packages. It is among top 2 day trip from Bangalore and Chennai. Pondicherry is located along the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal.

The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises of four coastal regions namely Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andhra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala.

According to legend, Pondicherry was known by the name Vedapuri and this place is also believed to be the abode of the revered sage, Saint Agasthya. Pondicherry had trade relations with Rome during 1st century AD. Roman pottery excavated from Arikamedu near Pondicherry dates back to 1st century AD. Pondicherry was ruled by the Pallava dynasty in 4th century AD followed by different southern dynasties ...

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Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is one of the must-visit weekend getaways from Chennai for one day trip. About 57 km from Chennai, it is one of the UNESCO heritage site in Tamil Nadu and one of the best places to experience Tamilnadu Tourism.

Famous for its Shore Temple built in 7th century, Mahabalipuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition. The famous Arjuna's Penance, the Krishna Mandapa, Thirukadalmallai temple, Cholamadal Artist's Village, Mahabalipuram Beach, Tiger Cave and Crocodile Bank are the must include places in Mahabalipuram tour packages.

One of the prominent festivals celebrated here is the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which is organized by the Department of Tourism every year from December - January. Mahabalipuram is one of the best places to include in your Pondicherry tour packages.

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At a distance 130 km from Pondicherry, 285 km from Chennai, 66 km from Chidambaram, 283 km from Rameswaram, 274 km from Madurai, 96 km from Thanjavur & 154 km from Trichy, Karaikal is an important port town and district headquarters under the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Karaikal was a French colony until its merger with Indian Union in 1954. Karaikal is one of the best places to include in your Pondicherry tour packages.

French acquired Karaikal in 1674 and converted that into a major commercial port, primarily trading spices. French acquired trading rights in Karaikal by then Tanjore rulers. In 1739, the current town of Karaikal along with its adjacent villages were transferred to French East India Company by the king of Tanjore, Sahuji. This territory was surrendered to the British in 1761. The control changed between French and British few times until it was finally handed over to French in 1816 until the Treaty of Paris, 1814.

Karaikal has rich heritage and it still holds the old charm. Thirunallar, Karaikal Beach, Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple and Tantondreeswara Temple are few important places to visit around Karaikal. Nagore Dargah (14 km), Nagapattinam (20 km) and Velankanni Church (31 km) are other major attractions in the vicinity of the town.

Nearest Airport to Karaikal is Tiruchirapally ...

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At a distance of 40 km from Chidambaram, 40 km from Karaikal, 90 km from Thanjavur & 257 km from Chennai, Poompugar is a coastal town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the major places to visit as part of Chidambaram trip.

Poompuhar was once a flourishing ancient port city known as Kaveri Poompattinam and was at its peak of glory under the earlier Chola kings. The River Kaveri is merging with the sea here. It was known as Puhar due to the exquisite beauty of the port town, and it later came to be called Poompuhar. Silappathikaram and Manimekalai, the Tamil epics, bring out the greatness of the city in some of the poems in Sangam literature.

It has now been established by marine archaeological research (conducted by the National Institute of Marine Archaeology, Goa) that much of the town was washed away by progressive erosion and floods. As per archaeological evidence found during excavation, this age-old city is said to have been established thousands of years ago. It has been destroyed several times by huge Tsunami waves in the past. Ancient Pottery dating back to the 4th century BCE have been discovered offshore by marine archaeologists east of this town.

Famous for its estuary of the Kaveri River, Poompuhar is one of the popular weekend getaways from Chennai for those who always look forward to witnessing and ...

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At a distance of 20 km from Karaikal, 85 Kms from Thanjavur & 298 Kms from Chennai, Nagapattinam is a coastal town on Bay of Bengal and is a district headquarters.

This place is also famous for its temples. There are few famous temples in Nagapattinam - The Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple, Sowriraja Perumal Temple, and Nellukkadai Mariamman Temple.

The long and clear beaches of Nagapattinam attract large crowds on evenings.

This favourite town of Chola Kings was also celebrated later by Vijayanagara Kings. The Portuguese had a commercial contact with this town during the rule of the Thanjavur Nayak Sevvappa Nayakkar and Acchuthappa Nayakkar.

There are several historical and pilgrimage places around Nagapattinam.

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At a distance of 21 Kms from Chennai Central Railway Station and 40 Kms from Mahabalipuram (situated on East Coast Road between Chennai and Mahabalipuram), VGP Golden Beach is the only resort in Chennai city limits. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Chennai.

This Beach cum Amusement Park is developed by The Tourism and Entertainment Corridor of Tamil Nadu, and offers wide range of entertainment options like Gokarting, Dashing Cars, Water Chute, Giant Wheel, Break-dance, Dragons belly, Super trooper and many more. Kids can enjoy the special sight seeing of Jurassic Park and Aquarium. There is an Art Centre which sells handicrafts and articles made out of sea shells.

The sea facing Swimming pool is an extra attraction. The beach is clean and ideal for sun-bathing. The Resort has a Multi-cuisine restaurant and a separate Bar. Cottages are also available here.

Entrance - Rs. 100 for Adults and Rs. 50 per Children. No Holidays.

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At a distance of 13 kms from Mahabalipuram (towards South) and 68 Kms from Chennai, Sadras is an outstanding beach resort that takes advantage of the beautiful landscape. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit around Chennai.

The beaches that surround Mahabalipuram are encompassed by beautiful, green casuarinas groves. The contrast of the vibrant green with the sparkling white beaches is breathtaking, and a sight that numerous tourists want to experience.

There is an old ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch cemetery with finely carved headstones at Sadras as well.

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At a distance of 23 Kms from Mahabalipuram and 35 Kms from Chennai (on Chennai - Mahabalipuram Road) Covelong/Kovalam is a famous beach resort and one of the popular tourist places to visit near Chennai.

It was originally just a small fishing village, but now also expanded to become one of the most famous beach resorts in South India. You can still explore the old sea port that used to exist there. Numerous quality beach resorts can be found at Kovalam. The beaches at that location are absolutely exquisite, and are greatly enjoyed by all that visit there. It is also to these beaches that the well-known Olive Ridley Turtles travel to every year to hatch their eggs.

Swimmimg and wind surfing are popular activities at this beach.

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At a distance of 9 km from Bapatla, 28 km from Vodarevu Beach, 92 km from Vijayawada and 61 km from Guntur, Suryalanka Beach is situated in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Bapatla Beach, it draws a large number of visitors on weekends and holidays.

Suryalanka Beach is the perfect weekend getaway beach to spend time with friends and families. The natural beauty of the beach is major draw for people, who are looking to refresh and rejuvenate themselves. The shore of the beach is wide and spacious. The Suryalanka Beach overlooks the crystal blue waters of the Bay of Bengal.

This beach is quite safe for swimming and sunbathing is another popular activity. Sunrise is very beautiful at this beach. The major tourist attraction of the beach is the sightseeing for dolphins in the month of November.

Haritha Beach Resort run by AP Tourism provides accommodation here. Advance booking is advised for a weekend stay. Other than this beach resort, Bapatla town also has various affordable accommodations available.

The Bhavanarayana Swamy temple at Bapatla town is another place which can be visited from here.

From Bapatla town, this place can be reached by public buses and autos. Bapatla town has very good train and bus connectivity with major towns in Andhra Pradesh.

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At a distance of 8 km from Chirala, 28 km from Suryalanka Beach, 103 km from Vijayawada and 72 km from Guntur, Vodarevu Beach is located on the coastline of Bay of Bengal. It is situated 6 km from the Ramapuram Beach in Prakasam district.

Vodarevu beach is popular and one of the most visited beach around Vijayawada. This Beach is a beautiful beach with a constant inflow of tourists spending their weekends in serene settings. The tranquil setting of the beach can make visitors forget time and the beautiful sunsets and sunrises just add to the overall charm and attraction of the beach.

The Vodarevu Beach provides adventure in the form of exciting water-sports, swimming and fishing. Local boats are available which facilitate boating in the sea. There is also a light house nearby which can be visited.

There are several accommodation facilities near Vodarevu beach. The Sip and Dip Cottages, situated on the Vodarevu Beach Road is equipped with all basic amenities. Also, the nearby Jolley Home Resort and Ramapuram Beach Resort are also good options. Alternately, there are several accommodation options available in Chirala town.

Vodarevu is connected by bus and autos from Chirala town. Chirala has very good train and bus connectivity with major towns in Andhra Pradesh.

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