Morning at the Marina

Place: Chennai 

Chennai has relatively few popular tourist spots. Ok, Chennaivasis need not kill me, there is still freedom of opinion. What I mean is the majestic Marina Beach is still its chief attraction, notwithstanding its politicians and Sirji.

The Marina is indeed impressive. It is huge beach. Wiki says second largest without specifying which is the largest, though I suspect cities such as Miami, Rio and Sydney may be in the race for the top spot. Anyways, the Marina at about 13 kilometres is one long stretch of sand, though the main area is a little over two kilometres long. Given an average width of about 300 metres, you may be forgiven for thinking its a bit too much once you water laden feet sink in the sand as you make your way back to comfort of your car.

The sand is not exactly soft, and it compares unfavourably to Kovalam or indeed Europe. But there is much to see including crabs scuttling into their holes all over the beach. Near the water, the wet sand is heavy and becomes muddy.

It's a very straight coast, but beware, the water is choppy. You wont see too many boats out in the sea frequently, or swimmers. Swimming is illegal in fact. Yes, fatal drowning rates are quite high. Dipping your toes in the Bay of Bengal is a safer bet.

Later in the day, there will lots of street food. Look out for the spice level

It is a well used beach, right from early morning. The health conscious run, jog and jump. Later the vendors arrange their stalls, and serve continuously as business picks up by the evening. Summers are hot in the city, so the afternoons are deserted, but the cool evening breeze draws in many, locals and tourists alike. Many of the vendors sell their wares late into the evening and then retire for the night right on the beach. 

Along the road is a wide pavement, excellent for walking or running. There are a lot of statues, including one to 'Triumph of Labour'. Pick your favourite from Gandhi, Kamaraj, Subramania Bharati, Annie Besant, Periyar, and even Subhas Bose, Vivekananda and Robert Caldwell!

Here are some early morning views:

It is wide, wide beach. Wish it was cleaner

Derelict boats, but actually still in use are parked along the beach

Family time as dad and offspring play on the sand

Beware of the surf. These are off limits waves

A view of the Vivekananda Ilam from the beach

Tracks and shoe prints dot the seafront. Lots of crabs populate the beach

Morning ablutions on the Marina