Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar Beach)

Known alternately as Besant Nagar Beach, or “Bessie” for short, Elliot's Beach sits at the south end of the Marina Beach shore. A former expatriate enclave during Chennai’s colonial era, today, the beach attracts a crowd of twenty somethings, as well as families looking to avoid the crowds at the more popular Marina Beach.

While you won't find water sports along this stretch of sand, what you will find are beautiful ocean views and several architectural landmarks, including Ashtalakshmi Temple and Velankanni Church, as well as an array of snack stalls and restaurants serving authentic South Indian cuisine. Another interesting landmark, the Karl Schmidt Memorial, honors a Dutch sailor who died while saving a swimmer from drowning.

Practial Info

Elliot’s Beach is located 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Chennai.