About Covelong Beach :
Covelong is a nice beach between Chennai and Mahabalipuram and a small
charming fishing settlement. It was originally a port built by Saadat Ali,
Nawab of Carnatic and it was here that the French General Laboudonnais
landed his troops in 1746. Later taken by Clive in 1752 and destroyed. The
beach is separated from the mainland by the canal running from Chennai to
Mahabalipuram.
Covelong is a popular picnic spot and offers facilities for Wind Surfing
and Swimming too. An ancient Catholic Church, a Mosque and the Fort make an
interesting view from the resort. There is 5 star hotel of the Taj Group
called "Fishermans' Cove" in Covelong.
How to get there ?
Air - The nearest airport is at Chennai , 60-km away.
Rail - The nearest convenient railway station is also
situated at Chennai .
Road - The beach is located at a distance of 60-km from
Chennai and 20-km from Mahabalipuram. It is an hour's drive from Chennai .
There are regular buses from Mahabalipuram and Chennai to reach the beach.
Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai or Mahabalipuram.
About
Elliots Beach :
Located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Elliot's beach is the preferred
destination for those with a clean atmosphere in mind. Following the road
along the coast down south from Marina one will come to Elliot's beach where
one can spend a few hours relaxing.
This beach is lined with fast food joints, small stores, and a few shrines.
It is a popular hangout for the younger generation these days. Four decades
ago, Elliot's beach was the favourite haunt of foreigners seeking a secluded
beach to sun bathe at.
Prime Attractions :
At the end of this beach are situated the Velanganni Church and the
Ashtalakshmi temple. Velanganni Church: Though the church is much smaller
than the original one at Velanganni it attracts its own share of pilgrims.
Ashtalakshmi Temple: The Ashtalakshmi temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi
(also spelt as Laxmi) looks quite different from the usual South Indian
temples as it is a modern tier construction, not even 20 years old.
How to get there ?
Air - Chennai has an airport with both domestic and
international terminals. Regular flights connect Chennai with the major
cities within the country and also with international ones.
Rail - Chennai is well connected by rail with the
important towns and cities within and beyond the state.
Road - State transport buses and private buses connect
Chennai with the major towns and cities within the country. For local
transportation local trains, city buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are
available.
About
Kanyakumari Beach :
At the southern most tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean
and the Bay of Bengal meet, lies Kanyakumari (also spelt as Kanniyakumari),
an important pilgrim center. Kanyakumari is also famous for its spectacular
sunrises and sunsets, especially on full moon days.
A Sight For Sore Eyes
The beach is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand, but it does not
really offer one the opportunity to sunbathe on soft golden sands, or to
frolic in the waves either. The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there
is a manmade wall running along it. People are warned to stay off the rocks,
and when if someone ventures out of bounds, he or she is quickly and
severely reprimanded by a watchful policeman. There is a lighthouse from
where one can get a panoramic view.
The sea is fairly rough, so it is entertaining to watch it beat itself
against the rocks and then subside, before it gathers itself up for another
attack. With long stretches of sands of many hues, the beach offers a
welcome change. A variety of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.
Prime Attractions :
Vivekananda's Rock: Kanyakumari is famous for Vivekananda's rock, a huge
stone rising out of the sea, on which Swami Vivekananda is said to have
meditated. It now houses the statue of Vivekananda and is a memorial to him.
Not surprisingly, Kanyakumari is a popular destination for Vivekananda's
followers, so there are many Bengalis here, and some Bengali hotels and
restaurants are available too.
The Sangam : Sangam is the meeting point of the three major bodies of
water, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is a
bathing ghat, with steps leading into the water and a sort of lagoon formed
between land by a series of rocks. People bathe and jump around, getting
lightly battered by the remains of waves, which are washing over the rocks.
How to get there ?
Air - The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram,
situated 87-km/ 54 mile from Kanyakumari.
Rail - Chunnambar Beach is the terminus of the broad
gauge link of the Southern Railway and has connections from Chennai, New
Delhi , Thiruvananthapuram and Tirunelveli.
Road - Chunnambar Beach is well connected by road to all
major cities in South India. There are bus services from Chennai, Madurai,
Trichy, Coimbatore, Udhagamandalam, Thiruvananthapuram etc. City buses, auto
rickshaws and taxis are also available for local transportation.
