By Raghav | | May 23, 2026

How I Photographed 5 Hidden Beaches in Chennai This May

On a sunny morning in mid-May 2026, I found myself wandering through the winding paths of a secluded stretch of sand near Kottivakkam, camera in hand, eager to discover the hidden gems that Chennai’s coastline has to offer. After eight years of shooting weddings and portraits, I’ve developed a knack for finding unique locations, but nothing quite prepared me for the beauty I would encounter at these lesser-known beaches. This blog post is a recounting of my adventure to five hidden beaches in Chennai, complete with insider tips, mistakes I made, and some hard-won lessons from the field.

1. Kottivakkam Beach: The Quiet Escape

Starting off my journey, I arrived at Kottivakkam Beach at around 7 AM on May 10. The early morning light was perfect for photography—soft, golden hues that made the water shimmer like diamonds. I set my Nikon D850 to an ISO of 100, aperture f/8, and shutter speed of 1/200 to capture the gentle waves lapping the shore. As I walked along the beach, I noticed a group of fishermen preparing their nets. I approached them cautiously, knowing that candid shots of local life can be incredibly rewarding.

After introducing myself, I was welcomed warmly. I spent the next hour capturing their daily routine, the rich textures of their weathered faces, and the vibrant colors of the fishing gear. The fishermen shared stories of their early morning catches, and it turned into a beautiful exchange that added depth to my photographs.

The takeaway from Kottivakkam? Always engage with locals; their stories enrich your images. Plus, it helps you understand the culture that surrounds your location. If you decide to visit, parking is available just off the main road, but be sure to arrive early to find a spot.

2. Thiruvanmiyur Beach: Nature’s Palette

Next up on my list was Thiruvanmiyur Beach, which I visited on May 15. This beach is often overlooked, but it offers a stunning backdrop with its rocky shoreline. I arrived around 6:30 AM, hoping to catch the sunrise. The sky transformed into a palette of pinks and oranges, which I knew would be perfect for long exposure shots. I set my camera on a tripod and used a neutral density filter to extend my exposure to 10 seconds. This allowed me to create a silky effect on the waves as they crashed against the rocks.

While taking shots, I noticed a young couple practicing yoga on the beach, blissfully unaware of my presence. I hesitated for a moment, then decided to capture their serene practice amidst the colorful backdrop. After a few frames, I approached them to ask for permission to share the images later. Their positive response added another layer of connection to my work.

If you visit Thiruvanmiyur Beach, I recommend going early not just for the sunrise but to avoid the crowds. There’s a small parking lot adjacent to the beach, but it fills up quickly, so get there early. Also, be mindful of the rocks; they can be tricky to navigate, especially around high tide.

3. Elliots Beach: A Sunset Delight

On May 18, I decided to explore Elliots Beach, known for its vibrant evening atmosphere. Arriving in the late afternoon, I was greeted by locals enjoying their evening walks and children playing along the shore. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over everything. For this shoot, I switched to my Canon EOS R5, setting the ISO to 200, aperture f/5.6, and shutter speed at 1/160. The combination was perfect for capturing the dynamic colors of the sunset.

As I walked further down the beach, I stumbled upon a group of teenagers playing beach volleyball. The excitement and energy were palpable, so I decided to capture a few action shots. I cranked up the shutter speed to 1/500 to freeze the motion and ensure sharp images. The joy on their faces was infectious, and it reminded me of my own carefree days at the beach.

After the sun dipped below the horizon, I took some long exposure shots of the waves against the dusky sky. The result was stunning; the contrast of the darkening sky with the bright lights from nearby eateries created a magical scene. If you’re heading to Elliots Beach, try to stay for the sunset. Parking is available nearby, but be prepared for a short walk to the best photo spots.

4. Neelankarai Beach: A Hidden Treasure

On May 21, I set out for Neelankarai Beach, a spot that many locals cherish but is often missed by tourists. The beach isn’t very wide, but it has a unique charm with its rocky outcrops. I arrived just before noon, which isn’t ideal for photography due to harsh lighting, but I was determined to make the most of it. I used my Nikon Z6, with settings at ISO 400, f/11, and 1/250, capturing the textures of the rocks and the waves that crashed against them.

While photographing, I made the mistake of not checking the tide schedule, and soon enough, I found myself knee-deep in water while trying to capture a particularly striking wave. It was a hilarious moment, but it reminded me to always check local tide charts before heading out. Despite the unexpected splash, I managed to get some fantastic shots of the waves rolling in, showcasing the raw beauty of the beach.

Neelankarai Beach is quieter than the better-known beaches, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. There’s a small parking area along the main road, but be mindful of parking regulations. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun.

5. Kovalam Beach: The Last Stop

My final stop was Kovalam Beach on May 22, a well-known destination yet still worth exploring for its hidden corners. I arrived early in the morning, excited to catch the fishermen returning from their night catch. I set my Canon 5D Mark IV to ISO 100, f/8, and 1/320 to capture the morning light filtering through the boats. The scene was bustling with activity; fishermen were hauling in nets, and the air was thick with the smell of sea salt.

While documenting their efforts, I learned a valuable lesson about patience. I spent over an hour observing and waiting for the right moment to click the shutter, which paid off with stunning images that conveyed the hard work and dedication of these local fishermen. The images told a story, which is what I always strive for in my work.

For those visiting Kovalam Beach, I recommend taking the time to explore beyond the main stretch. There are quieter spots that offer a different perspective of the beach. Parking is available, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends. The best time to capture the essence of Kovalam is during sunrise when the beach is less crowded, and the light is soft.

Mistakes I Made

Through my adventures, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes that have taught me valuable lessons. One of the biggest mistakes was not checking the tide schedules for Neelankarai Beach, which led to an unexpected soaking. Always check conditions before heading out to avoid missing out on the perfect shot.

Another mistake was underestimating the power of natural light. At Thiruvanmiyur Beach, the harsh afternoon sun made it difficult to capture the vibrant colors of the sunrise I was hoping for. The lesson here is to plan shoots according to the best light conditions, which often means waking up early or waiting until the golden hour.

Lastly, engaging with locals is crucial. While I did approach the fishermen at Kottivakkam Beach, I missed opportunities at other beaches where I could have captured deeper stories. Always be open to conversations; they often lead to the most meaningful photographs.

Final Thoughts and Tips

Photographing the hidden beaches of Chennai has been a rewarding experience that has deepened my appreciation for this beautiful city. Each beach has its unique charm, and by visiting them, you not only capture stunning images but also experience the local culture and lifestyle.

For anyone looking to explore more hidden gems along the Chennai coastline, here are a few tips:

• Plan your visit: Check tide schedules and weather conditions in advance.
• Time your shoots: Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting.
• Engage with locals: Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations; they can lead to incredible photo opportunities.
• Respect the environment: Keep the beaches clean and respect local customs.

With these insights, you’ll not only improve your photography skills but also create lasting memories of your time spent at Chennai’s hidden beaches.

My name is Raghav, a professional photographer based in Chennai, specializing in wedding, portrait, and travel photography for over eight years. I enjoy capturing the essence of Tamil Nadu’s vibrant culture and natural beauty through my lens.