Besant Nagar

Besant Nagar, a popular neighborhood in Chennai most famous as the home of Elliot’s Beach, was named after British activist Annie Besant, founder of the Theosophical Society and staunch supporter of Indian self-rule. Located at the southern end of Chennai’s Marina Beach shore, Besant Nagar is home to many of the city’s wealthy citizens.
Besides Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar’s most popular attraction is the 247-acre (100-hectare) Theosophical Society, with its lovely grounds that include a mosque, church, Buddhist and Hindu temples and a sizable religious and philosophical library. Also of interest in the neighborhood are Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple.
If all the sightseeing has made you hungry, the cafes and restaurants of Besant Nagar serve excellent South Indian cuisine.

Practical Info

The cheapest way to get from central Chennai to the suburb of Besant Nagar is by bus. They depart frequently and drop off at the Besant Nagar bus depot.