Sunrise and Sunsetin Chennai, India

Chennai sits on the Bay of Bengal on India's southeastern coast. The east-facing shoreline provides reliable sunrise views over open water, while elevated spots and western water bodies are the main options for sunsets.

Best sunrise spots in Chennai

1. Marina Beach

   At 13 km, Marina is one of the longest urban beaches in the world and faces due east across the Bay of Bengal. The stretch near the Lighthouse at the southern end is less crowded at dawn; access is free from multiple points along Kamarajar Salai.

2. Elliott's Beach

   About 5 km south of Marina, this smaller east-facing beach is noticeably quieter in the early morning. The northern tip near the Ashtalakshmi Temple faces open water with no obstructions; reachable by auto-rickshaw from Besant Nagar bus terminus.

3. Santhome Beach

   A narrow strip of beach immediately beside the 16th-century Santhome Cathedral Basilica on San Thome High Road, south of Marina. Entry is free; mornings are calm and the white basilica facade provides a distinct landmark against the eastern sky.

4. Anna Nagar Tower Park

   The 42-metre water tower in the park centre has a 360-degree viewing platform with clear sightlines east toward the coast. Entry is Rs. 30; the park opens at 5:30am on weekdays.

5. St. Thomas Mount

   A 60-metre basalt hill about 12 km southwest of the city centre near the airport, with open views east from the hilltop plateau. The climb takes about 10 minutes; the hilltop church is free to enter.

Best sunset spots in Chennai

1. Anna Nagar Tower Park

   From the same platform, the western cityscape is visible without obstructions all the way to the horizon. The park stays open until 7pm, which aligns with sunset throughout most of the year.

2. St. Thomas Mount

   The western face of the hilltop looks toward open terrain beyond the airport, one of the few spots in Chennai with an unobstructed low horizon to the west. The suburban train station St. Thomas Mount is about 1 km from the base of the hill.

3. Muttukadu Boat House

   Located 30 km south of Chennai on the East Coast Road (ECR), this backwater estuary runs north-south, with the western bank offering open views as the sun descends over dunes and casuarina trees. Boat rentals start at Rs. 150; the site is typically open until 6pm.

4. Broken Bridge, Adyar

   A decommissioned bridge over the Adyar River estuary in the Adyar neighbourhood. Looking west from the bridge along the river offers unobstructed sunset sightlines above the tree canopy of the Theosophical Society forest; entry to the Society grounds is Rs. 20.