18 Best Beaches in Tamil Nadu

The state of Tamil Nadu has many stunning beach destinations that attract visitors all year, every season. These alluring beaches in Tamil Nadu are an ideal getaway for spending quality time with your loved ones and participating in fun activities such as diving, surfing, and motor boating.

The beaches of Tamil Nadu, such as Covelong, Rameshwaram, Marina, Kanyakumari, and Mahabalipuram, are regarded as some of the best in South India. So you can rejoice and enjoy water activities at the welcoming beaches of Tamil Nadu.

1. Dhanushkodi Beach, Ramanathapuram

One of India's most pristine tourist sites, Dhanushkodi Beach, is located at the southernmost point of Rameshwaram. It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Gulf of Mannar on the other.

Here, you can experience the exhilaration of sea surfing and enjoy its tranquil beauty.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March  
• Famous for: The Dhanushkodi beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Pleasing zephyr
  • The invincible sight of sunrise and sunset

2. Mahabalipuram Beach, Chengalpattu

This picturesque Mahabalipuram beach is one of India's best locations and one of the famous beaches in Tamil Nadu for sunbathing. Additionally, if you enjoy swimming and windsurfing, don't be afraid to head to the beach while experimenting with the shifting tides.

There are also additional animal experiences available for history or nature enthusiasts at a short distance from the beach.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March  
• Famous for: The Mahabalipuram beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Dance Festival
  • Monolithic Rathas and Caves

3. Ariyaman Beach, Ramanathapuram

Ariyaman Beach is situated in Palk Bay, which is 21 kilometres from Rameshwaram. It is a well-liked location for unwinding and passing some time in a beautiful natural setting. Also, it is a preferable location for locals for picnics.

Many visitors are drawn in by the area's tidy surroundings and soft and calming waves.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March  
• Famous for: The Ariyaman beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Tidiness
  • Soothing and pleasant atmosphere

4. Kanyakumari Beach, Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari beach, located in the southernmost part of India, is the meeting point of three bodies of water - the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal.

Despite the fact that the water of these three bodies does not mix, you will be able to distinguish between their colours, though they change with the season and the weather of the day.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year 
• Famous for: The Kanyakumari beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Lighthouse
  • Thiruvalluvar Statue
  • Kanyakumari Amman Temple
  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial
  • Gandhi Mandapam

5. Marina Beach, Chennai

The second-longest beach in the world and India's longest beach, Marina Beach, is located in Chennai along the Bay of Bengal. Here you can see everyone enjoying taking a stroll around the beaches at sunrise and dusk.

This beach transforms into a fairground in the evening with a large number of vendors offering relics, ethnic jewellery, homemade exhibits, and food items.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February 
• Famous for: The Marina beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • The aquarium and the Ice House
  • The Chepauk Palace

6. Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai

Besant Nagar Beach in Chennai, also known as Edward Elliot's Beach, is one of the cleanest beaches in India. At the beach, you can see the incredible sunrise and sunset, with the shining rays of the sun painting the sky. Also, it is incredible to see the glimmering stars and starlit sea waters in the dark.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Famous for: The Besant Nagar beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Sri Varasiddhi Vinayakar Temple and Rathnagiriswarar Temple
  • Karl Schmidt Memorial
  • Theosophical Society and Huddleston Garden

7. Sothavilai Beach, Kanyakumari

Sothavilai Beach is one of Tamil Nadu's most well-known and longest beaches. The Sothavilai beach, which stretches for about 4 kilometres, is an ideal place to relax in the midst of Mother Nature's tranquillity and freshness.

It is perfect for a weekend vacation with your beloved to spend hours relaxing while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Famous for: The Sothavilai beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Peaceful and serene beach
  • Suchindram Shree Thanumalayan Swamy Temple
  • Arulmigu Bhagavathy Amman Aalayam

8. Covelong Beach, Chengalpattu

Covelong Beach is one of the best beaches in Tamil Nadu. Because of its location, it is generally frenetic, and here citizens from Mahabalipuram and Chennai participate in activities such as surfing, jet skiing, and boating.

The primary occupation of the villagers here is fishing, and you can enjoy their fishing style and learn about their lifestyle.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Famous for: The Covelong beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Fisherman’s Cove Resort
  • Tiger Caves and Crocodile Bank
  • Varaha Cave Temple

9. Sanguthurai Beach, Kanyakumari

Sanguthurai Beach is one of Kanyakumari's neatest beaches and is a must-see if you enjoy sunrise and sunset. The white sands of this seaside are particularly eye-catching.

This beach appears isolated because it is mostly unspoilt, and you can enjoy your excursion here with family or friends.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: The Sanguthurai beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Adventure sports
  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial

10. Manapad Beach, Tuticorin

This idyllic fishing village of Manapad, situated 58 kilometres south of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu, is absolutely the place to go if surf, sand, and tranquilly are on your list. Manapad has a one-of-a-kind coastline formed by hundreds of years of lava accumulation.

This lava flow provides the unique distinction of having the best wave formation all year.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Famous for: The Manapad beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Peaceful atmosphere
  • Lighthouse and cave

11. Muttom Beach, Kanyakumari

Muttom beach is a popular tourist destination in Kanyakumari. This tranquil and calming beach is only 16 kilometres from Nagercoil. The main draw of this tourist destination is its magnificent stony coasts and the sunset point.

You can also admire the 100-year-old Lighthouse built by the British rulers on this magnificent beach.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year 
• Famous for: The Muttom beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Lighthouse
  • Sunset and sunrise

12. Thengapattinam Beach, Tiruchirappalli

Thengapattinam Beach is one of Kanyakumari's most famous beaches and is adorned with lovely coconut trees, a long coastline, and teal blue waters. The shoreline of this place is where the Tamiraparani River meets the vast Arabian Sea.

Because of its scenic beauty and surroundings, this coastline becomes exceptionally busy during peak times.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year 
• Famous for: The Thengapattinam beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Beach View Point
  • Vivekananda Rock Memorial

13. Poompuhar Beach, Mayiladuthurai

Poompuhar, one of Tamil Nadu's oldest cities still in continuous habitation and is famed for serving as the setting for the classic Tamil epic Silappathikaram. This place is also regarded as a veritable gold mine by historians, archaeologists, and art enthusiasts.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February  
• Famous for: The Poompuhar beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Silappathikaram Art Gallery
  • Zion Church

14. agore Beach, Nagapattinam

Nagore Beach is located in close proximity to Nagapattinam. Additionally, Nagore beach has a pleasant breeze blowing through it, making it ideal for relaxation.

For individuals who wish to visit this beach, numerous activities are available, such as swimming, water skiing, surfing etc.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February  
• Famous for: The Nagore beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Dargah
  • Water Sports

15. Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Chennai

Thiruvanmiyur Beach, one of Chennai's outlandish and tranquil beaches, is situated in the Thiruvanmiyur neighbourhood. This Thiruvanmiyur beach is usually visited by nature enthusiasts, romantic couples, or people looking for tranquilly.

It is well known for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, so you can enjoy it here with your family and friends.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Famous for: The Thiruvanmiyur beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple
  • Arulmigu Marundheeshvarar Temple
  • Chennai Snake Park

16. Vattakotai Beach, Kanyakumari

The beach at Vattakottai is undoubtedly breathtaking and provides a visual pleasure. This beach is ideal for a picnic because of the clear blue sea and the beautiful surroundings.

Most importantly, this fort overlooks Vattakottai Beach, which has gone through thick and thin with the fort.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Famous for: The Vattakottai beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Vattakottai Fort
  • Kanyakumari Wax Museum

17. Kovalam Beach, Thiruvananthapuram

Kovalam is a famous throughout the world for its three nearby crescent beaches. It has been a popular tourist destination for fellow citizens since the 1930s. A big rocky point on this beach acts as a perfect harbour with calm waves making it excellent for swimming and sea bathing.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• Famous for: The Kovalam beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Napier Museum
  • Sri Chitra Art Gallery
  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple

18. Velankanni Beach, Nagapattinam

Velankanni Beach is one of the best beaches in Tamil Nadu. The Vellaiyar River, which offers boating services depending on the water level, is fairly near to this beach.

Apart from providing a serene experience at Velankanni beach, a range of regional fabrics and handicrafts are also available for purchase.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March 
• Famous for: The Vellankani beach is a spectacle because of the following:
  • Church of Our Lady of Health
  • Boating
  • Vellankani Church Museum