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beaches
BEACHES OF TAMILNADU
Pulicat

Pulicat is 60 km north of Chennai on national Highway No.5.A saline shallow water spread formed by the confluence of backwaters. Pulicat Lake and Buckingham Canal are situated on the northern end of Tamil Nadu is an ideal picnic spot. A catamaran ride on the shallow water spread and a visit to Bird Sanctuary are two most anticipated activities. A Dutch cemetery of 17th century is located on shore.

Muttukadu

It is 36 km away from Chennai. This is an ideal picnic spot. Tamil Nadu Tourist Development Corporation runs a Boat House, where facilities for boating and wind surfing are available.

Covelong

A picturesque village on the way to Mamallapuram is a fine beach resort, 40 km away from the hustle & bustle of Chennai. It is brisk with fishing activities. The sea and surf here are gentle. For accommodation contact Taj Fisherman's Cove, Tel :- (04114)-44304.

Marina, Chennai

Golden sands, a good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea, this in a nutshell, is Marina beach. This beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia. It's 12 km-long stretch is the second longest in the world. It is located on the eastern side of the city adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is an enthralling experience. Though bathing and swimming can be dangerous as the undercurrent is very strong, even then people come for swimming here.

In the evenings, the beach is virtually a fair ground with various kinds of entertainment and food stalls lining the beach. Close to the Marina beach is the Aquarium which has some of the most exotic collection of Tropical sea fishes and fresh water fishes. The Aquarium gives a chance to have a closer look at the aquatic life. The Ice House, which was used to store ice brought from great lakes in North America, is South to the Aquarium.

Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram , a tiny seaside village is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is world famous for it's shore temple. Mamallapuram art divides into four categories: open-air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas (chariots, carved in situ from single boulders, to resemble temples or the chariots used in temple processions) The famous bas-reliefs, Arjuna's Penance and Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the center of village, while the beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves behind a protective breakwater. Accommodation is available at Hotel Tamil Nadu (Beach Resorts Complex), Hotel Tamil Nadu II Camping Site and other beach resorts and lodges.

Sadurangapattinam

This is a small fishing village , 16 kms south of Mammallapuram. A ruined fort of Dutch origin near the beach houses tombs tones dating back to 16th -17th century.

Pichavaram

It ranks among the most exquisite scenic spot with abundant and varies tourism resources. The backwaters offer abundant scope for water sports. The Pichavaram mangroves are considered among the healthiest mangrove occurrence in the world. Pichavaram consist of number of islands interspersing a vast expanse of water and covered with green trees. TTDC offers boating facilities for tourists. TTDC's Arignar Anna Tourist Complex houses, cottages, youth hostel and a restaurant cater to needs of tourists. Pichavaram is 16 km from Chidambaram. It is 75 kms to the south from Pondicherry. It could be visited throughout the year.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is the sacred island, off the mainland surrounded by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar connected by longest ever constructed bridge on sea in India. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The maximum temperature varies between 28-31 degree Celsius, while minimum temperature is around 25 degree. Between January and March is the best time to visit Rameswaram. The population size of Rameswaram is 32,700. The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The island on which the temple stands is covered in low acacia shrubs, coconut palm and pines. For accommodation contact Hotel Tamil Nadu, Tel :- (04573)-21277. There are numbers of lodges, cottages, Dharamsalas and a Youth Hostel.

Mandapam

It is the main land linking the island of Rameshwaram. It is also known as the gateway to myriad islands and is bestowed with a quiet beach for sun and surf. Rameswaram is 18 km from Mandapam

Kurusadai Islands

It is an ecological paradise situated off Mandapam. It is notable for coral reefs and rare species of marine lives such as dolphins., but can only be visited after due permission from Fisheries department in Chennai.

Vattikotai

The circular serene location is situated 6 Kms from Kanyakumari, overlooking the sea. It is a fine picnic spot , with abundant coconut trees. The sea near here is calm and is an ideal spot for relaxing.

Poompuhar

It is 40 km from Chidambaram. The Cauvery, merging with the bellowing sea, was known as Puhar but to the exquisite beauty of the port town, it came to be called as `Poompuhar'. Another name of Poompuhar was Kaveripoompattinam. A fine beach and calm water offer good bathing. The Department of Tourism offer shell shaped cottages to the Tourists in the poompuhar Tourist Complex, at a moderate tariff. This complex was designed on the basis of the information available in the Tamil epic "Silpathikaram". The historical happenings depicted in the epic and the landmarks mentioned therein are brought back to life here in stone.

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