India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Chennai, located on the Coromandel Coast, is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic lakes, lush parks, and wildlife reserves. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful sunset spot, an adventure-filled beach, or a nature retreat, Chennai has it all!
Top Beaches in Chennai
Beach Name |
Highlights & Activities |
Location |
Marina Beach |
Longest urban beach in India (13 km), horse riding, food stalls, sunrise views |
Kamarajar Salai |
Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach) |
Less crowded, cleaner & peaceful, famous for cafés & restaurants |
Besant Nagar |
Thiruvanmiyur Beach |
Quiet & serene, great for meditation & morning walks |
Thiruvanmiyur |
Kasimedu Fishing Harbour Beach |
Best for watching fishermen at work, fresh seafood market |
Kasimedu |
Covelong Beach (Kovalam Beach) |
Surfing, jet skiing, windsurfing, picturesque fishing village nearby |
40 km from Chennai |
Palavakkam Beach |
Less crowded, perfect for sunrise photography & jogging |
Palavakkam |
Akkarai Beach |
Ideal for long beach walks, tranquil environment |
Injambakkam |
VGP Golden Beach |
Private beach, amusement park nearby, family-friendly |
Injambakkam |
Best Time to Visit Chennai’s Beaches: Early mornings & evenings for pleasant weather.
Best Parks & Nature Escapes in Chennai
Nature Spot |
Highlights & Activities |
Location |
Guindy National Park |
Smallest National Park in India, home to blackbucks, deer, peacocks |
Guindy |
Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur Zoo) |
Largest zoo in South India, over 1,500 animals, safari rides |
Vandalur |
Theosophical Society Gardens |
Rare trees, peaceful gardens, Adyar Banyan Tree (one of the largest in India) |
Adyar |
Semmozhi Poonga |
Botanical garden with exotic plants, butterfly garden |
Teynampet |
Nageswara Rao Park |
Morning yoga sessions, jogging track, children's play area |
Mylapore |
Adyar Eco Park (Tholkappia Poonga) |
Mangrove forest reserve, bird-watching, nature trails |
Adyar |
Pulicat Lake & Bird Sanctuary |
2nd largest saltwater lagoon in India, flamingos & migratory birds |
~55 km from Chennai |
Best Time to Visit Parks & Wildlife Areas: November to February for cooler weather & best wildlife spotting.
Scenic Lakes & Waterbodies in Chennai
Lake Name |
Highlights & Activities |
Location |
Pulicat Lake |
Birdwatching, boating, migratory flamingos (Nov-Feb) |
Near Ponneri (~55 km from Chennai) |
Chembarambakkam Lake |
One of Chennai's largest water reservoirs, scenic views |
~40 km from Chennai |
Sholavaram Lake |
Peaceful spot, bird-watching, great for photography |
~24 km from Chennai |
Muttukadu Backwaters |
Boating, kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing |
East Coast Road (ECR) |
Madambakkam Lake |
Sunset views, good for quiet relaxation |
Madambakkam |
Best Time for Lake Visits: Post-monsoon (November to March) for full water levels & scenic beauty.
Why Visit Chennai’s Beaches & Nature Spots?
✅ Stunning Beaches – Relax, enjoy water sports, and explore coastal beauty.
✅ Rich Biodiversity – National parks, sanctuaries, and rare birdwatching spots.
✅ Adventure & Activities – Surfing, kayaking, and nature trails.
✅ Escape the City Hustle – Peaceful gardens & eco-parks for relaxation.