Catch a break

Place: KOH SAMUI 

A view of the rocky outcrops that double as uninhabited islands, something Thailand is now globally famous for. 

Thailand's original getaway island, and still the grandest and one that gets the maximum tourists, Koh Samui is still great for a break. Almost totally geared to tourism, this rather large island is full of nooks and crannies, and not just of the natural beauty variety, that are sure to delight the average to fairly demanding tourist. 

A bit of task to get to - only Bangkok Airways flies to the island and Indians have to change flights at Bangkok. More on that later, though the high cost of this flight sort of cancels out the relatively lower cost of hotel rents.

But like most of Thailand, once the short flight is over, and airports in Thailand are far less of a chore than most other places, you land into a place where people are welcoming and SIM cards are free on arrival. 

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

Sentosa straits

A view of the Singapore Straits. You can just about make out
the circumference of the Earth! 

Place: SENTOSA

Looking out to the Singapore Straits from my room at the Rasa Sentosa hotel on Singapore's Sentosa island.

This relatively small body of water separates Singapore from Indonesia. But the separation seems to be more on paper as I was told there are many men crossing frequently to satisfy certain needs!

It is also a a main channel to the Straits of Malacca. It is busy all the time, and ships and boats crowd this water body along with small sandy islands. Good for a leisurely boat ride. 

PHOTOESSAY: Kochi by the sea

Place: KOCHI

A few snapshots of Kochi, Kerala's largest city and its financial hub. In recent years, the city has grown enormously, becoming Kerala's first million plus city in the previous decade. But what makes it special is its status as a port, its connection  with water.