Beaches of Tamil Nadu For A Perfect Beachside Vacation

Kanyakumari has been a town since the Sangam period and is a popular beach in Tamil Nadu and is situated at an average elevation of 300 metres. Contrary to the popular belief that Kanyakumari lies at the meeting point of three bodies of water, it borders only one, the Laccadive Sea to the southwest, south, and to the southeast. It is the confluence of the Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains.

Best Time: October to March - for pleasant weather.
Famous For: Unique confluence of three seas, mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, and landmarks like the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue.

Sunny days, sandy beaches and a rich history almost sum up Mahabalipuram in its entirety. The Mahabalipuram beach is one of the best beaches in Tamil Nadu on the shore of Bay of Bengal and comprises of some rock-cut sculptures which are pleasing to the eyes. Mahabalipuram is beautiful, white and clean, and can be enjoyed abundantly by tourists. Also known as Mamallapuram by locals, the Mahabalipuram Beach is situated at a distance of 58 km from the Chennai city in Tamil Nadu. 

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: Beach views combined with nearby ancient UNESCO World Heritage temples.

The shaanor amour-propre of Chennai, the famous Marina Beach in Tamil Nadu, has been acclaimed as the second-longest beach in the world with a white sandy foreshore that looks as though extending to infinity. You could take a walk along the Marina beach with your near and dear ones or even all alone and enjoy the cool evening sea breeze along with a hot plate of crispy sundal and murukku. 

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: World's second-longest urban beach with prominent memorials and a lively promenade.

The village of Kovalam was once upon a time a small fishing village that was located 15 kilometres from Mahabalipuram. Located on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal near the village Covelong, Kovalam Beach was given the name 'Covelong' by the British due to their inefficiency of pronouncing "Kovalam". A perfect retreat amidst palm trees and silver sand, Covelong Beach was once set up as a port by Saadat Ali for Carnatic Nawabs.

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: Serene shores, historic Dutch fort remnants, and a hub for windsurfing and water sports.

The Sothavilai Beach is one of the best beaches in Tamil Nadu that can be found in the entire district of Kanyakumari. The beach stretches to over 4 kilometres, which makes it one of the longest natural beaches in Tamil Nadu, and the views that this attraction offers cannot be put into words. This beach is an offbeat attraction, which means that many people do not know about it, but the beach does deserve more attention than what it gets.

Best Time: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Famous For: Its vast stretches of golden sand, clear blue waters, and tranquil ambiance.

A beach in Tamil Nadu showcasing beauty, calmness, serenity and everything that signifies nature at its best, Elliot's beach cannot be forgotten by anyone who has visited it once. Elliot's Beach aka "Besant Nagar Beach" or "Bessie" is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore and is named after Edward Elliot (who was once the Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras and Governor of Chennai during the British times).

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: Its calm ambiance, the Karl Schmidt Memorial, and a range of eateries along the shore.

Sadras is an exquisite beach resort that has taken full advantage of the beautiful landscape. The beaches in Tamil Nadu that surround Mahabalipuram are beset by beautiful, green casuarinas groves. This beach resort is located 13 kilometers outside of Mahabalipuram. There is an old ruined Dutch Fort and a Dutch cemetery with finely embossed headstones.

Best Time: November to February
Famous For: The serene beach, historic Dutch fort ruins, and a quiet retreat away from the bustling tourist spots.

Auroville Beach, also known as the Auro Beach is located in Pondicherry, which is a union territory. It is a part of the Auroville Ashram and is situated about 10 kilometres away. The beach is about 12 kilometres away from Pondicherry and lies on the right-hand side of East Coast Road and is considered to be among the most quaint beaches in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time: November to March.
Famous For: Its proximity to Auroville, shallow waters, rocky shores, and tranquil sunrises.

Located about 20 km away from Dhanushkodi, this island is another called the Pamban Island. The deep blue sea island is yet another spectacle and is considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the region. Travellers can go there by crossing the Pamban Bridge. If you are searching for a quiet recluse away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Pamban Island is your go-to place. One of the luxurious beaches in Tamil Nadu and with a skyline dotted with tall coconut trees, this little island lies between the Indian peninsula and Sri Lanka.

Best Time: October to March.
Famous For: Rameswaram Temple, the iconic Pamban Bridge, and Dhanushkodi's "Ghost Town" ruins and sea confluence views.

VGP Golden Beach, Chennai is best visited from November to February, thanks to the city's cooler climate. Nestled within the VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park, it provides a unique blend of beach relaxation and theme park excitement. A popular choice for families and tourists, the beach offers both leisure and adventure.

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: Its private setting within VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park, offering both beach relaxation and entertainment attractions.

Quaint and calm, Velankanni beach in Tamil Nadu is a little hamlet tucked away on the coast of Bay of Bengal with pristine beaches. It is a famous Roman Catholic pilgrim centre and is visited by thousands of devotees for its shrine of "Our Lady of Good Health" aka Mother Mary. Inspired by the Lourdes in France, Velankanni is also known as the "Lourdes of the East". It has become one of the vital Marian sanctuaries of the world.

Best Time: December to February.
Famous For: Its proximity to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, offering a mix of serene beach vibes and spiritual reflection for pilgrims and visitors alike.

Breezy Beach lays in the remote and serene neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar in Chennai. Being smaller and less polluted, its a perfect getaway for anyone looking for a peaceful evening. Unlike many of the city's crowded beaches, it offers a serene ambiance. It's an ideal spot for tranquil evening strolls away from the urban hustle.

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: Its tranquil setting in Valmiki Nagar, offering a peaceful escape from the city's busier beaches.

Sanguthurai Beach in Kanyakumari is best visited between October and March. Renowned for its pristine white sands and a distinctive pillar monument offshore, the beach provides a peaceful escape from bustling tourist spots. Its tranquil ambiance makes it a hidden gem in the region.

Best Time: October to March.
Famous For: Its pristine white sands, iconic offshore pillar monument, and tranquil, less-crowded atmosphere.

Akkarai Beach, located in the southern outskirts of Chennai, is a tranquil haven away from the city's bustling coastline. Offering golden sands and a calmer ambiance, the beach is a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset viewings.  Its proximity to various resorts makes it an ideal location for weekend retreats, and the occasional beachside shacks offer delicious local seafood delicacies.

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: Akkarai Beach, in Chennai's south, stands out for its calm ambiance. A preferred local spot, it's ideal for peaceful escapes and weekend stays, with many resorts close by.

Coming across a city like Tuticorin is not common. It is a beach town, also one of the busiest ports, has a wildlife sanctuary, houses numerous temples and churches and tens of other monumental sites. Although Tuticorin has so much more to offer than just the beach, it still is a beach town and not going to the beach might make you miss out on the fun.

Best Time: December to March.
Famous For: Tuticorin Beach, in Thoothukudi, is renowned for its views of the Gulf of Mannar and proximity to a bustling port. The city is famed for pearl fishing, salt pans, "macaroon" sweets, and the significant pilgrimage site, Our Lady of Snows Basilica.

Nettukuppam is the northernmost tip of Chennai and has a beach which is yet not tarnished by encroaching crowds. It is a solitary retreat for those who seek to enjoy the raging sea up close but in a peaceful environment. The place is an ideal place to spend quiet time as it is still not on the radar of the maddening tourist crowd.

Best Time: November to February.
Famous For: Located at Chennai's northern tip, it's known for its serene ambiance and the iconic "Broken Bridge," making it a favorite for locals and photographers seeking a tranquil coastal setting.