June 2, 2014

Marina Beach Chennai - An early morning walk and watching sunrise


Do you know, Marina beach is the second longest beach in World and longest in India. Yes, if you happen to visit Chennai, plan for this early morning walk. You can also watch the sunrise if sky is clear. If you are in Chennai, then you are so lucky you can try this walk on all weekends if not weekdays.

You may want to reach the light house before 5:30AM or early, to see the sunrise if interested. There are plenty of space to park your car near the light house. After 8AM it becomes very hot and sunny, so start early.

You are not the only one, there are plenty of people come here just for walk, jog, exercises, yoga, meditation and relaxation...etc. Very positive and most happening place. Some are flying a small kite at low height(kites are banned here), many of them doing yoga, few jogging, many walking, few learning boxing with instructors, few learning silambattam (refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silambattam).

Many local sellers promoting healthy juices i.e. aloe-vera juice, juice of arugambul i.e. bermuda grass (refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda_grass). Few local people kept weighing scale both analog and digital versions for people to check their weight, you can even check your BMI (body mass index). It was amazing to see that the weight management, health awareness, eating healthy are given importance.

There is long stretch of 4Kms (approx) walkway starting from the light house. There are policemen on horses doing rounds (mounted police). You can also walk on evenings, but might get more crowded than in mornings.

My suggestions:
1. Please avoid using Kites on the beaches here, as it poses danger to others. As the wind keep changing its directions and speed, the kite can fallback anytime on the neck or face of people who walk/drive nearby. There were many incidents where people got killed as well.
2. After 8AM morning, the place gets too hot and sunny.
3. This is a good place for evening walk as well, but gets crowded than in mornings.
4. There are many good restaurants on the way for breakfast. Use google map search.
5. Bring your own water bottle (to reduce plastic bottle usage) from home and wear shoes.

Marina Beach
Just arrived at Light house and parked the car. 

Marina Beach
It is cloudy and may not get chance to see the sunrise I guess... !!!

Marina Beach
At 5:30..... daylight

Marina Beach
On family enjoying with small kite....

Marina Beach
Waiting for the sun to come out of the clouds.....

Marina Beach
Yes, there you are.... ! Cool... I was waiting for you !!

Marina Beach
Still cloudy......

Marina Beach
Nice to see the sun rays coming through the clouds

Marina Beach
Yes, almost there.....

Marina Beach
Still little more clouds to clear..... 

Marina Beach
Good show !!

Marina Beach
Wov... !

Marina Beach
Here comes the worry now.... .will it become very hot soon ? !! .....

Marina Beach
Beautiful Vivekananda Cultural Centre building

Marina Beach
Chennai University (Madras University) building

Marina Beach

Marina Beach

Marina Beach

Marina Beach
Here is the walkway extended to nearly 4 Kms I guess

Marina Beach
Boxing .....

Marina Beach
Policemen on the horses

Marina Beach
Healthy Aloevera juice seller

Marina Beach
Silambattam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silambam)

Marina Beach
Finally done with walk and leaving......