Santhome Beach

About Santhome Beach

Here we are going to speak about such a kind of holy place. The Santhome Cathedral Basilica Church in Chennai is a sacred place especially for the Catholic Christians. Touring to this Madras Santhome Cathedral Basilica church is pretty easy, as you will get auto rickshaws, ‘call taxis’ and even luxurious cabs. Auto rickshaws are the cheapest ones but bargain carefully before you get into one. The standard charge is Rs.8 for every kilometer. The call taxis are the cabs that you get on your doorstep at any time whenever you call them. They charge higher but they are very active in their service.

The name of Santhome Cathedral Basilica was derived from the name St. Thomas who is an archbishop of the Catholic Christians. St. Thomas who is a hard-core devotee of Jesus Christ was buried in this place and as a tribute to his soul a church has been built up in this southern part of Marina beach.

This church in Madras is been erected in accordance to the Gothic style of architecture. Also you can read the stained glass were the divine moment of St. Thomas’s meeting with the resurrected Christ is been depicted. Some remains of the corpse and also a part of the St. Thomas’s bone are been preserved in the crypt.

Climate/Weather

**winters:**The average temperature of Madras at this time is around 24o C and never falls below 20o C. Winters also receive moderate rainfall, making the weather pleasurable and comfortable to roam around.

**Summer:**April and May are the hottest months of the year, with mercury crossing 40o C mark. The scorching heat of the sun is nearly unbearable restricting you to your houses.

Interesting things to Visit

Anjaneyar Temple:
The idol of the central image is 32 feet in height making it one of its own kind. The distinguished factor of the 32 feet idol is that it was molded out of a single rock. The idol is believed to have special power and is considered a healer. The Temple has indeed become a landmark and no tourist bus in that route skips the Temple.

Anna Square:
Anna Square is situated at the northern end of the Marina Beach. Great leaders memorial and statues are present in Anna square. People from different parts of the state come here to pay their tribute to the great leader.

Annanagar Tower:
One of the main attractions in Anna Nagar is the Anna Tower. The Anna tower was built for the World Trade Fair.Fitness buffs come to the Anna Tower park, which is serene and beautiful to walk, jog, do yoga and socialise.

Arignar Anna Zoological Park:
Arignar Anna Zoological Park also known as the Vandalur Zoo, is located in Vandalur, a southern suburb 30 kilometers from the city of Chennai and 15 kilometers from Chennai Airport on GST Road. Founded in 1855, the Park was the first public zoo in India. It is recognized by the Central Zoo Authority of India. The zoo is believed to house more than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles.This Zoological Park is said to be one of the biggest in the South East Asia.

Ashtalakshmi Temple:
The Ashtalakshmi Temple lies on the shorelines near the Elliot’s beach, in Chennai, India. It is a temple to the Goddess Lakshmi. Ashta means eight, and the eight forms of Lakshmi are worshipped in this temple. Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu.

Nearest Visiting places

Besant Nagar Church:
Also know as Velankanni Church.It is more than 35 years old where lakh’s and lakhs of people come here to worship mother mary. And to get her blessings.

Birla Planetarium:
The planetariums holds sky shows everyday at different timings in different languages. The show covers the various aspects of the cosmos, space, galaxies, comets, The Hubble Space Telescope, eclipses, the mysterious Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO“s) and the recent clash of the Titans.

Chennai Port:
Chennai Port is the second largest port of India, behind the Mumbai Port. It is over 125 years old. This was a major travel port before becoming a major container port. It is a substantial reason for the economic growth of Tamil Nadu, especially for the manufacturing boom in South India. Its container traffic crossed 1 million for the first time in 2008.

Childrens Park:
Guindy National Park, is a major attraction for all true wildlife enthusiasts. It is situated on an area of 2.82 sq. km. The distinctive feature of this park is that it is actually located within a city, unlike all other national parks in the country. It has a small population of animals.

City Center:
Chennai City Center, is one of the landmarks of the modern Chennai.This shopping mall is the major hangout for people of Chennai. City center has all kinds of shops. INOX theatres is Present in Chennai city center, which is the major entertainment for peoples in Chennai. The center has a number of stores dealing in goods of many major brands, as well as local brands.

Dakshinchitra:
Dakshinchitra is an attempt to preserve some of the traditional south Indian ways of life by constructing a “living” village containing some of the various traditional homes of south India.Situated on the eastern shore, quietly resonating with the gentle thumps of the blue water at its back door, DakshinaChitra epitomises the South Indian cultural heritage. A breeze away from Mamallapuram, Dakshina Chitra [a vision of the South ] is a time machine taking you back 150 years to give you a portrayal of the art, folk and craft of a bygone era.Dhakshin chitra, open to public from December 1996, is a heritage village where the unique lifestyle of Indians is revived based on their states.It has various sections for each state, depicting the most important occupations of the people of that region, the typical houses and life style.

Elliots Beach:
Elliot’s Beach is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore.In the colonial era it was a fairly exclusive place limited to ex-patriates. The beach is a prominent hang-out zone for most of the college going crowd in Chennai. On weekends, it becomes quite an experience to find parking space on the beach roads. The beach also has found im

Gandhi Mandapam:
Built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, the mandapam is easily recognizable because of the structure of the temple gopuram styling of its portals. Gandhi Mandapam lies next to the Guindy National Park. Rajaji Memorial, Kamraj Memorial are situated next to Gandhi Mandapam. The Raj Bhavan (residence of Governor of Tamil Nadu) is located near Gandhi Mandapam.

George Town:
George Town is a historical neighbourhood in Chennai, India. Also known as Black Town in the British period, the settlement was formed after the British set up Fort St. George (India).George Town incorporates some of the crowded market places of Chennai.

Government Museum:
Government Museum, established in 1851, is located in Egmore, Chennai. The Museum complex consisting of six buildings and 46 galleries covers an area of around 16.25 acres (66,000 m²) of land. The objects displayed in the museum cover a variety of artifacts and objects covering diverse fields including archeology, numismatics, zoology, natural history, sculptures.

Kalakshetra:
Kalakshetra is a cultural academy for preservation of traditional values in Indian art, especially in the field of dance and music, founded in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale. Under Arundale“s guidance the institution achieved national and international recognition for its unique style and perfection. In 1962, Kalakshetra shifted to a new campus in Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai, India.In 1993, through an Act of Indian Parliament, the Kalakshetra Foundation was acknowledged as an Institution of National importance.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple:
The Kapaleeshwarar temple is one of the most important temples in the world. The temple has statues of all the Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Religion. Built in the 9th century this temple stands as one of the most foremost temples of South India and remains a testimonial to the greatness and unflinching devotion of the Pallava kings.The present Kapaleeswarar temple was built 300-400 years ago at a different location. The magnificent 37m carved “Gopuram” of gods, goddesses and saints depict important “Puranic” legends.

Marina Beach:
The Marina Beach is a beach situated along a 12 km shoreline in the city of Chennai. It is the second largest beach in the world. The beach begins near Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south, a distance of about 12km. A famous characteristic of the beach is the set of stone statues that adorn the roadside area of the beach. Most statues are of Indian/local legends like Mahatma Gandhi, Kannagi, Thiruvalluvar, while others have symbolic significance like the Statue of Labour.
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Mayajaal:
Mayajaal is a big shopping mall and theatres in chennai. Mayajaal has Cinema, Bowling, Games, Sports, Restaurants, Bars, Resorts, Shopping Mall. Mayajaal is an ultimate entertainment spot and weekend getaway for peoples in chennai.

Music Academy:
Chennai’s culture reflects its diverse population. The city is known for its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. Every December, Chennai holds a five-week long Music Season celebrating the 1927 opening of the Madras Music Academy. It features performances (kutcheries) of traditional Carnatic music by hundreds of artists in and around the city. An arts festival called the Chennai Sangamam, which showcases various arts of Tamil Nadu is held in January every year.

Parrys Corner:
Parrys Corner is one of the central business district in Chennai. Often referred to as simply Parrys, it is situated near the Chennai Port. It is named after Thomas Parry, who set up the EID Parry Company in 1787. The corporate headquarters of the EID Parry Company stand on the corner. The place is an important center for commercial banking and trading, and also a major hub for the intracity bus service.

Parthasarathy Temple:
The Parthasarathy Temple is an 8th century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located at Triplicane, Chennai. The name “Parthasarathy”, in Sanskrit, means the “charioteer of Arjuna”, and Lord Krishna is worshipped in that role in this temple.It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century and then later renovated by the Cholas and the Vijayanagara kings. This is one of the oldest surviving temples in Chennai.

Ramakrishna Matt:
Ramakrishna Matt is a religious monastic order set up by Swami Vivekananda to follow the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna.The centre was started in 1897 by Swami Ramakrishnananda (a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna).

Santhome Church:
SanThome Chruch is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Santhome, in the city of Chennai. It was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers, and rebuilt again with the status of a cathedral by the British in 1893. The British version still stands today. It was designed in neo-Gothic style, favored by British architects in the late 19th century.

Spencer Plaza:
Spencer Plaza, one of the biggest shopping malls in South Asia, is located on Mount Road (officially known as Anna Salai), and is one of the landmarks of the modern Chennai.This shopping mall is the major hangout for people of Chennai. The mall has been developed by Mangal Thirth Estate Limited. It now comprises 3 phases, Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. Phase III is the most recently opened. The Plaza has a number of stores dealing in goods of many major brands, as well as local brands.

St.George Fort:
Also known as Fort St. George . Fort St George (or historically, White Town) is the name of the first British fortress in India, founded in 1639 at the coastal city of Madras (modern city of Chennai.) The construction of the fort provided the impetus for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally a no man“s land.The fort is a stronghold with 6 meter high walls that withstood a number of assaults in the 18th century.Today, the Fort serves as the administrative headquarters for the legislative assembly of Tamil Nadu state.

St.Thomas Mount:
St. Thomas Mount is a small hillock located in Chennai. Located a little off Guindy and close to the flying range in Chennai, St. Thomas Mount is associated with St. Thomas, the apostle of Christ, who is believed to have been martyred here. History says 2000 years back a saint “Parangi” “Peeringi” munivar who lived here. Over period of time Anglo Indians predominated in this areas. A small relic-filled Church built in 1523 by the Portuguese stands at the summit of the 300 foot high St. Thomas Mount. The place was visited by Pope John Paul II during his visit to India on 5th February 1986. The Indian Army operates an Officers training Academy (OTA) on the mount. The South line of the Chennai suburban railway has a station named after St. Thomas Mount here.

T Nagar:
Thyagaraya Nagar (also spelled Tyagaraya Nagar, and abbreviated T. Nagar) is a large, primarily commercial, locality in Chennai. It is situated in the middle of the city. It is named after Sir P. Thyagaraya, whose Justice Party was in power when the settlement was laid out. The place is an important centre for shopping and entertainment, and also a major hub for the intra-city bus service.T.Nagar offers a variety of entertainment options. It has recently grown to become a major hub for the Carnatic music festival-season, with a number of sabhas (such as Vani Mahal and Bharath Kalachar) hosting famous performers.
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Theosophical Society:
Theosophical Society founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and others in 1875.The Theosophical Society is open to anybody who supports its three objects, regardless of belief, social custom or marriage status. Celibacy is neither encouraged nor discouraged, each member being free to decide his/her own way of life.Anyone who is in sympathy with the three objects of the Theosophical Society can become a member.

Triplicane Mosque:
Constructed in 1795 by the Walljah Nawab, the mosque is a granite structure.Four minarets and without a dome, its different from the mughal structures.The nawab took scientific care to give the mosque“s walls “an equal height”. Somebody at the Mosque will always be eager to tell you the tale.Sadly I can“t furnish the name right now.A wonderful sight on sun-lit evenings is a spectacular view.
Reach

Valluvar Kottam:
Valluvar Kottam, located at the intersection of the Kodambakkam High road and the Village road, is one of the modern landmarks of modern Chennai, Tamilnadu state, South India.The monument was constructed in 1976 in the memory of Thiruvalluvar, the classical Tamil poet and saint who wrote his famous Thirukkurals about 2,000 years before. All the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural which include 1330 verses are inscribed on bas-relief in the front hall corridors.The construction of Valluvar Kottam is like a temple chariot, and it is a replica of the temple chariot in Thiruvarur. A life-size statue of the saint Thiruvalluvar stands atop the 39 meter high chariot. The auditorium of Valluvar Kottam can accommodate around 4,000 people.
Reach

Venkateswara Tower:
One of the main attractions in Anna Nagar is the Anna Tower. The Anna tower was built for the World Trade Fair in 1968.
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Victory War Memorial:
Situated, adjacent to the Fort St. George on the south,which housed the coastal battery and was formerly called ‘Cupid’s Bow. The memorial honours those who have laid down their lives for their country since the First World War.

Vivekananda House:
Vivekanandar Illam (or Vivekananda House, also called Ice House, etc.,) is a structure at Chennai. This is remembered as the place where Swami Vivekananda stayed for nine days when he visited Chennai in 1897. Vivekananda stayed at the Ice House between 6 February 1897 to 14 February 1897 when he delivered some of his most famous lectures. When Vivekananda was about to depart, he agreed to his disciples request to set up a permanent centre at the Ice House. Photographs depicting the historical happenings associated with his life and books about him and his own written works are on display and sold here in the Museum.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Accommodation near Santhome Beach includes budget hotels, guesthouses, and beach resorts. Book ahead during peak season (October-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Police station:Pantheon Road,Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India

Police station:Egmore High Road,Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India

Police station:Kamarajar Salai,Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India

Vijaya Hospital:Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:044 24801642

CSI Kalyani Hospital:Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:044 28470642

Hande Hospital:Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India,Ph:044 26644517

Location info

• **Address:**Santhome Beach,Chennai,Tamilnadu,India

• **District:**Chennai

• **Nearest City:**Chennai

• Best time to visit: November to February

How to reach Santhome Beach

**Nearest Railway Station:**The nearest railway station is at Chennai, which is well connected by rail with the important cities and towns within and beyond the state.

• **Nearest Airport:**Chennai is the nearest airport, with both national and international terminals.

**Road Transport:**Chennai being the capital city is well connected by road with the important places within and beyond the state. From Chennai get on to the East Coast road towards Mahabalipuram, 15 kms down Pondicherry road will take you to Tarsha.

Nearest petrol pump

**Petrol Pump:**Nungambakkam,Chennai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

**Petrol Pump:**Teynampet,Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India

**Petrol Pump:**TTK Road:Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

**BP Petrol Pump:**Mylapore,Chennai, Tamil Nadu,India

Best time to visit Santhome Beach

November to February when the weather is pleasant with lower humidity. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times of day to visit. Avoid midday (11 AM–3 PM) when the sun is harsh. Monsoon (June–September) brings rough seas.

Timings & opening hours

The beach is accessible at all hours. The best time to visit is early morning (5–7 AM) for sunrise views and evening (4–6 PM) for sunset. Swimming is discouraged outside designated safe zones.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to the beach is generally free. Some maintained stretches may have a nominal entry fee of INR 10–20 per person. Parking may cost INR 20–50 for vehicles.

Duration needed

1–3 hours for a relaxed visit. Longer if you plan to spend time at the shore, walk along the coast, or visit nearby shacks and eateries. Sunrise visits typically take 1–2 hours.

Safety tips

Swimming is at your own risk — many Tamil Nadu beaches have strong undercurrents. Observe lifeguard warnings. Avoid swimming during monsoon. Keep valuables secure while on the beach. Watch for jellyfish during certain seasons.

Things to carry

Sunscreen, drinking water, sunglasses, hat or cap, towel, and a change of clothes. Carry a bag for trash — help keep the beach clean. Snacks and water may be available at nearby stalls.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) – about 15-20 km from Chennai’s beaches, serving domestic and international flights. Nearest railway station: Chennai Central (MAS) for broad-gauge express trains and Chennai Egmore (MS) for southern routes. The Chennai MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) connects Beach Station to the city’s coastal areas. By road: Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber serve all beach areas.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Tamil Nadu’s beaches have seafood stalls and local snack vendors. Marina Beach in Chennai is famous for sundal, bhajji, and fresh coconut water. Beach areas near Mahabalipuram and Rameswaram offer excellent seafood restaurants with fresh catch.

History of Santhome Beach

Santhome Beach is part of Tamil Nadu’s extensive coastline along the Bay of Bengal. The beach has been a recreational spot for locals and visitors for generations. The area around the beach reflects the coastal culture of Tamil Nadu, with fishing communities maintaining their traditional way of life.

Things to do at Santhome Beach

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline as the waves crash against the sand. Watch local fishing boats return with their catch in the early morning. Relax and enjoy the sea breeze while reading or simply watching the horizon. Visit nearby seafood shacks for fresh coastal cuisine.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Santhome Beach? Early morning (5–7 AM) for sunrise and cooler temperatures, or late afternoon (4–6 PM) for sunset. November to February offers the best weather.

Is swimming safe at Santhome Beach? Swimming is at your own risk. Many Tamil Nadu beaches have strong currents and undercurrents. Always observe warning flags and lifeguard instructions.

Are there food options near Santhome Beach? Yes, beach shacks and nearby stalls serve snacks, coconut water, and fresh seafood. More dining options are available in the nearest town.

Accessibility

The beach is accessible from the main road by a short walk across sand. Wheelchair access may be limited due to soft sand. The nearest approach road ends at the beach entrance, and beach wheelchairs are generally not available. Visitors with mobility concerns may find the shacks and parking area more accessible than the beach itself.

Rules & restrictions

Dress modestly — Tamil Nadu is culturally conservative. Many temple-town beaches have dress codes. Swimming may be restricted at certain beaches — check locally. Alcohol is restricted or prohibited in many areas. Respect temple traditions if visiting pilgrimage-linked beaches.

Best photography spots

Tamil Nadu’s coastline offers unique subjects: the colourful fishing boats at dawn, temple gopurams visible from shore, and the meeting of three seas at Kanyakumari (spectacular sunrise and sunset). The living fishing harbours, catamarans, and nets drying on beaches provide authentic local colour.

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.