Travel

Wondering how you spend a day at Marina Beach? Well, before we proceed, let us tell you that there are more than one things that makes Marina Beach in Chennai so special. For instance, it’s the world’s second longest beach positioned around Bay of Bengal. From walking to jogging to kite flying, horse riding, there are many activities to do in and around Marina Beach. For couples and family tourists, you have more than one thing to do at this famous beach of Chennai. So let’s get started with basic things if you are planning a day trip around Marina Beach. Things to do in Beach 1. Experience the sunrise or sunset Alright, let’s begin with the headliner showstopper! Marina Beach is known for the absolutely stunning and spectacular views of sunrise and sunset that provide an enchanting experience and the perfect backdrop for pictures and videos. You can marvel at the changing colors of the sky and sea, and feel the cool breeze and warmth of the sun on your bare skin. Personally, I prefer the sunrise—everything feels so peaceful with the sun kissing the horizon. Nonetheless, sunset is a great overall experience, especially if you are with friends, and want to transition out of the day! 2. Walk or Jog Along the Shore If you’re interested in getting active, the shoreline at Marina is a great place to walk or jog. The sand is firm enough not to be too hard, and best of all the sea breeze will cool you down on a hot summer’s day. Observe the locals and tourists alike wandering by, some with their earphones in, others chatting away – you’re bound to walk for an hour and not even realize how long you’ve been out there – that’s how chill it is! Put on some comfortable shoes, or go barefoot for the full beachy feel! 3. Play or relax on the sand Marina Beach has soft, inviting sand, so whether you’re looking to unwind or get a little more adventurous, there are perhaps options for you! Don’t forget a towel and a book, or lay back and just enjoy the sound of the waves. If you are with friends or family, you could also make it more fun – it is a great place for friends to play beach volleyball, or toss a frisbee, and also you’ll come across some kids building sandcastles granting you an opportunity to unleash the inner child! The beach is super spacious, so you’ll always find a spot to make your own. 4. Swim or surf in the water Marina Beach is also a great place to swim or surf in the water. But, the water at Marina can be a little tricky, so listen up. Swimming is fun, but you will have to keep yourself primarily in safer and shallower areas, since the water’s current may be powerful. There will be lifeguards around most of the time, so keep an eye out for their flags or ask locals for the best spots. You can also surf if you want, although the surfers are limited to a single section of the beach, and Marina Beach waves are not huge, they are big enough for a beginner to catch a wave. Just be careful and do not go too far out if you are not an expert. You can even take surfing classes from the professional surfing instructors operating at Marina Beach. 5. Horse Riding  This was a big highlight pack for me! Riding horseback along the beach is a MUST DO – I can’t emphasize this enough. You will see riders with their horses on the beach and they will offer opportunities for short rides that feel like an adventure. The horses are generally very calm, and the riders will take you on a ride along the shore so you do not have to be an expert rider. Most rides are between 10-15 minutes long; though some handlers are okay with extending their rides, prices are pretty reasonable (around ₹100-₹300 depending on the ride length), but always have the cost settled beforehand so that there are no embarrassing moments after you disembark, especially if you have come along with friends. You are welcome to take turns with friends, or all ride together for extra fun and Instagram shots. 6. Kite Flying  Last but not least, kite flying at Marina is a whole vibe! The beach is wide open, and the breeze is just right for getting those kites soaring high. You’ll see families, kids, and even adults getting super into it, with colorful kites dotting the sky. If you don’t have your own, no worries—vendors sell them right on the beach. If you’re a newbie, don’t stress—the breeze is strong enough to make it easy, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, kite flying at Marina is the kind of simple, carefree joy that’ll leave you grinning ear to ear. It’s the perfect way to add some playfulness to your day.  Wrapping Up  Being a beach person hits different. If you are those people who enjoy sand-sational holidays in Chennai, bookmark Marina Beach near in your itinerary. If you think we have missed something, drop your opinion in the comments. 

Hotbed of heritage, culture, and nature, Chennai is a south Indian paradise waiting to be explored. It is also the capital town of Tamil Nadu. Plus, touted as one of the wealthiest cities in India but that’s not its only introduction. One of the top reasons to visit Chennai is its deep-rooted heritage. With its pristine coastline, unique traditions and modernity along with thrilling wildlife and India’s famous temple, Chennai demands a visit on your next trip to South India. Once you explore this destination in South India, you will understand why Chennai is the hotbed of South India tourism. 1. Gold capital of India Chennai’s crazy about gold, and it’s not just a shopping thing—it’s a way of life. That’s why the city is proudly known as the Gold Capital of India and rightly so! Walk through busy markets like T. Nagar or Sowcarpet, and you’ll see what we mean. The shops sparkle with beautiful designs, from simple daily wear to heavy bridal sets. But behind every piece of gold, there’s always a story — of a wedding, a festival, or a gift passed down from one generation to the next. Here, buying gold isn’t just about style or investment. It’s about emotion, pride, and tradition.Whether you’re a jewellery lover or just curious about India’s deep love for gold, Chennai is the perfect place to experience its beauty — not just in what you see, but in what you feel. 2.Blend of South Indian Traditions and Modernity As we know Chennai’s residents take great pride in their vibrant culture — it’s not just a way of life, it’s their identity. They are deeply committed to preserving their native language,Tamil -which they speak with love and reverence. People still greet with a respectful vanakkam, even as they scroll through smartphones  What makes their culture truly admirable is how gracefully they balance deep-rooted traditions with the pulse of modern life. From wearing dhotis and sarees during temple visits, classical dance schools and Carnatic music concerts to buzzing cafés and modern art spaces — Chennai is where the soul of South India meets the pace of a modern metro. 3.Delicious Regional Cuisine If food’s your love language, Chennai will win you over in no time. If there’s one thing you must do in Chennai, it’s eat like a local. Because here, food isn’t just a meal — it’s love served on a banana leaf.The people of Chennai are serious about their food — especially their filter coffee! From the strong aroma that fills the air in places like Mylapore and Alwarpet to tiny roadside stalls that serve crispy dosas and soft idlis, this city knows how to feed both your hunger and your heart. And the sweets? Oh, don’t even get me started. That first bite of sakkarai pongal or Mysore pak is pure childhood nostalgia, even if it’s your first time. Street food stalls and local eateries serve authentic meals that burst with flavor. Whether you’re at a fancy restaurant or a roadside shop, Chennai’s food is a treat for your taste buds. 4.Beautiful State on India’s Southernmost Coast Situated on the southernmost coast of India, Chennai sits pretty on the Bay of Bengal. Marina Beach wakes you up with crashing waves and sends you to bed with the sway of palm trees.  Plus, you get fresh seafood and sunrises that’ll make you forget your phone. Chennai’s coast is where you feel alive. Walk along the shore and you’ll see life unfold – kids playing cricket in the sand, aunties buying jasmine with the ocean breeze tangled in their hair. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s beautiful beyond filters.  5.Wonderful Wildlife Chennai’s got skyscrapers and traffic, but it’s also got a wild heart. Right in the middle of the hustle is Guindy National Park, a green escape where deer tiptoe through the trees and birds sing like they own the place.  It’s not some far-off jungle—it’s the city making room for nature. Head a bit further, and you’ll find the Crocodile Bank with ancient reptiles chilling in the sun, or Vandalur Zoo, where animals remind you the world’s bigger than us. Chennai’s wildlife is a quiet kind of wow, and it’s right there waiting. 6.Fascinating Temples Chennai is home to some of the most breathtaking temples in India. Each temple represents more than just a place of worship — it embodies a living testament to history, artistry, and devotion. Enter the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, and you do not merely observe a building — you experience an emotion.The chants, the vibrant kolams at your feet, the echo of bells — it all hits something deep inside. It’s spiritual. It’s grounding. It’s something words often fail to describe. Then there’s Parthasarathy Temple, standing tall in Triplicane, a living relic of the 8th century. As you step in barefoot, the world outside fades. Time slows. The chaos of the city disappears — and what’s left is just you and the divine. And that’s the thing about Chennai’s temples — they’re not just places of worship, they’re sanctuaries of peace. They don’t shout for attention.  7. Unique Festivals Chennai doesn’t just celebrate festivals — it lives them. Every street corner, every home, every heart beats a little louder during festival time.Take Pongal, for example — the harvest festival that turns the city into a giant thanksgiving celebration. Cows are adorned with colors, families gather to cook sakkarai pongal over open fires, and the morning sun is greeted with folded hands and full hearts. It’s not just about crops — it’s about gratitude, community, and tradition flowing like rice in sweet jaggery. And then there’s Karthigai Deepam — the festival of lights long before Diwali made its way south. Homes glow with hundreds of tiny oil lamps, and the entire city feels like it’s whispering blessings in the dark. From Navaratri’s Golu displays to Margazhi’s Carnatic music concerts, every festival in Chennai is a beautiful collision of faith, art, and celebration.  And if you’re … Read more

Numbers don’t lie and you should also not ignore it because safety should never be a guessing game. Coming to the point, the capital town of Tamil Nadu – Chennai, is India’s one of the safest metro cities competing with Mumbai, Delhi. For all the right reasons, Chennai quietly maintains some of the lowest crime figures involving solo women travelers across all Tier-1 cities. Here’s what you should know. – Whereas in comparison to Bengaluru, Chennai also sees fewer cases of harassment in public transit — partly due to designated women-only metro compartments and better community enforcement. Most women who’ve traveled solo here (even international female travelers) agree: people maintain boundaries, and unwanted attention is refreshingly rare. However, we don’t encourage or say that any other town has a high crime rate. We are just stating what has been put on records.  What Does Safety Feel Like in Chennai for a Women Traveler? In comparison to other states of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is a place where you can:  Locals — especially those you meet during commute like auto drivers and shopkeepers — tend to keep to themselves unless approached. Keep in mind that locals are very conservative about social etiquette. So you must respect the locals’ way of living or tradition when you are in the town.  Girls-friendly local towns in Chennai (Tried-and-Tested Girl Picks) When I was in the town for up to 9 days, these local areas feel like extended safe zones for solo women — clean, walkable, and easy to navigate even if it’s your first time in the city: What About Public Transport in Chennai?  TBH: Chennai Metro is one of the most female-friendly in India. It’s clean, cool (literally — ACs!), and offers women-only coaches. Like other solo women travellers, when I was in Chennai, I also booked Ola, Uber, or Rapido (for zippy 2-wheeler rides). Don’t forget to negotiate if you are not booking via any of these apps. However, I suggest you book through the app, share the ride, and you’re set.  Pro girl tip: If a driver seems too chatty, just put in earphones and say you’re on a work call — works every time. Most importantly, always share your live location or driver details to your fellow mate even across the border as well. Is Chennai Safe for Solo Women?  Yes — with a full heart and two feet on the ground. Without any brainer, Chennai is absolutely safe to travel solo. Don’t hesitate to explore the capital town of Tamil Nadu in 2025 because there are still 6 months left to end this year. Make this 2025 year count when you plan a trip to Chennai with your family or friends or partner. If you need assistance in planning Chennai travel itinerary, drop your queries in the comments. We will connect you to the best selling Chennai tour package with flights.

Tucked in Southern India, lies a picturesque beach hamlet- Pondicherry. Famously known as the French town of India, Pondicherry is one of the best beach towns in India. From the colonial French charm to the tranquil beach vibes to soul-calming ashrams, there are many things to do in Pondicherry other than just visiting the beaches. But if you are looking for the cleanest beaches of South India, you must explore the best beaches in Pondicherry. However, to make an informed decision, here we have curated the list of Pondicherry’s 9 most popular beaches.   9 Most popular beaches in Pondicherry  1. Auroville Beach In case your beach trip is an hour of rest and undisturbed beauty of nature, then Auroville Beach is among the most suitable Pondicherry beaches you can ever have. It is also referred to as Auro Beach and it has a very wonderful sunrise and the water is shallow; hence a good place to be by individuals who like swimming. Auroville Beach is the favourite beach of Pondicherry due to its volcanic sands and coloured shells found in this beach. Lovers of photography also look forward to taking some spectacular shots at Auroville Beach. It is also possible to go on a sightseeing tour in Pondicherry to live the life in Pondicherry and don check- out the wonderful beach resorts in Pondicherry. Where it is: The major city of Pondicherry is 12 kilometers distant from Auroville Beach. Things to do: surfing and swimming.The traveling distance from the bus stop in Pondicherry: Auroville Beach is about approx 10 kilometers away 2. Rock Beach Rock Beach is also cited among the top beaches in Pondicherry as an ideal escape to lose a track of yourself in the beauty of nature. Rock Beach is well reachable and is placed directly in the city. The serene environment of the beach comes as a surprise to the tourists as one gets to experience occasional crashing of ocean waters with rocks. Promenade Beach or the Gandhi Beach as it is also called is one of the Pondicherry Beaches that keeps the eyes and the soul busy and satisfies them. Where it is: Town of White, Pondicherry Things to do: Watching the sunset is one of the best things to do at Rock Beach, and the walk there should be calm. The traveling distance from the bus stop in Pondicherry: Rock Beach is 3 km from the bus stop. 3. Paradise Beach Ranked among the top 3 beaches in Pondicherry, Plage Paradiso as it is also called is also home to crystal clear waters and clean sands. Just like countless beach activities at Paradise Beach, the tourists here have the opportunity to enjoy their favourite snacks at several beach shacks and refreshments as well. The beautiful ferry ride also provides a way to get to the beach and it is worth every penny in terms of aesthetic scenery. Paradise Beach belongs to those outstanding Pondicherry Beaches where tourists may expect a surprising sunrise and panoramic overview of the sea. Where it is: Chunnambar Boat House is just 2 kilometers from Paradise Beach. Things to do: Fishing, swimming, volleyball on the beach, etc. Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand:  It is situated 8 kilometers away 4. Serenity Beach Serenity Beach is a beautiful and a complete romantic place where you can take your lover to have a good time. Serenity Beach supports a beautiful outlook of the sunset along the Indian Ocean and has several spots of surfing, which makes this beach definitely one of the top beaches in Pondicherry. Be it that you want to snooze away with your book under the palm trees or the slow-paced walk along the golden sands, Serenity Beach is by all means not going to fail to impress you with its splendor and its beauty. Pondicherry has a number of resorts where you might find a dream vacation, do visit the following resorts so as to create a memorable vacation. Where it is: Pondicherry and Kottakuppam Things to do: Kayaking, canoeing, boating, and surfing Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: It’s approximately 7 kilometers away. 5. Karaikal Beach The Karaikal Beach is lying on the Bay of Bengal and it is one of the most clean beaches of Pondicherry. Clear skies, sandy shores, and sound wavering of the gushing water, this natural beach is the best escape of the hustles and bustles of city life. The Karaikal beach is the position of Arasala River and it is found in the wide Beach Road, which gives apt approachability and ease to the citizens. This beach is a paradise to adventure junkies as there are several kinds of activities that are available such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, and playing ball games outdoors to adorn your thrill menu. One can watch his kids play in the Children park or enjoy the boat jetty in the Arasalar, but this beach has unlimited options to choose from. One of the best places to spend a weekend with either friends or family, this beach will give you the memories you will love in all your life. Where it is: Pondicherry’s Karaikal City Things to do: Fishing, motorcycling, water activities, and sightseeing. Distance from Pondicherry Bus Stand: 133KM away 6. Quiet Beach As its name suggests, this Pondicherry beach is a traditional location for those looking for peace, quiet, and loneliness. The Quiet Beach is an example of those that is hardly touched by moneymaking activities, which appeals to its long-term attraction. It pulls from faith. The fact that this quiet beach is lined with boats that offer tasty, fresh seafood is a relief to the crowd. The fried goodies are attractive, and for those who can handle the heat, be sure to order the rice with rasam and fish sauce, or nethili as it is known. Because of its high banks, this beach isn’t the best place to swim, but it’s a good place to try your luck at fishing. This beach is highly popular with … Read more