Besant Nagar Beach, often called Elliot’s Beach, is a popular spot in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It goes for about 3 kilometers along the Bay of Bengal, in Besant Nagar, around 10 km from the city center. The beach is named after Edward Elliot, a British officer long ago.
Unlike Marina Beach, it is quieter and not so crowded. Many people come early in the morning for walks or jogging and evenings are good for sitting by the sea and watching the sun go down. There is a small promenade with trees and benches where visitors can rest.
The beach is looked after by local authorities, and lifeguards are there during busy times. Right across the road is the Annai Velankanni Church. At its southern end, Besant Nagar joins with Thiruvanmiyur Beach, giving a longer stretch for walking along the shore.
Fun Fact About Besant Nagar Beach
A notable spot at Besant Nagar Beach is the Karl Schmidt Memorial, a simple stone marker near the north side. The memorial honors Karl Schmidt, who was a Danish sailor who lost his life in 1930 while saving an English girl from the rough sea. Built by the local people, it still draws visitors who take their time to pause and see it and take photos. It’s a quiet, touching part of the beach’s history.
History of Besant Nagar Beach
Besant Nagar Beach has a long story that starts many years ago when it was mainly a small fishing spot for local Tamil communities along the Coromandel Coast. The calm waters made it easy for small boats, and people traded fish, salt, and sometimes pearls. Some old remains found nearby show that people lived here more than 2,000 years ago, and the coast was part of old sea trade routes.
In the early 1900s, the area started to develop when the Theosophical Society set up its headquarters in Adyar, just a little north of the beach. Annie Besant, the society’s leader and a freedom activist, inspired the name Besant Nagar. For many years, the beach stayed quiet and mostly known to locals, but in the 1960s and 1970s, Chennai’s southern suburbs grew fast. New roads and bus routes made it easier to reach from the city, and more people began visiting in the evenings.
The 1970s brought more changes. The Annai Velankanni Church was built in 1972 along the beach road, attracting pilgrims from all over South India. Later, in the 1980s, a proper promenade was made with benches and lights, so evening walks became safer. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami damaged shacks and washed away some sand, but the beach was quickly cleaned and new seawalls were built.
Since then, the Chennai Corporation has been taking care of the beach, planting palm trees and arranging weekly clean-ups with the help of volunteers. Now, Besant Nagar Beach feels like a mix of old and new, fishermen repairing nets in the morning, city workers unwinding in the evening.
Things to Do at Besant Nagar Beach
Sunrise and Sunset: The beach faces east, so in the morning you can take a slow walk or do some yoga while the sun comes up over the water. In the evening, the sun goes down behind the city, turning the sky pink and orange. People often sit on the sand with small snacks, and couples like to walk quietly along the promenade.
Visit Annai Velankanni Church: Right across the road, the white church with Gothic arches welcomes visitors. You can attend daily prayers or see the annual festival in August. Inside, it’s quiet and cool, a nice break from the sun. Inside, it’s cool and peaceful with stained-glass windows, a nice break from the sun.
Water Activities: Swimming in the deep sea isn’t safe because of currents, but shallow edges are okay to wade in. Local operators offer kite surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. On weekends, volleyball nets are put up on the sand and anyone can join.
Fun on the Beach: The beach sand is nice for flying kites, making sandcastles, or playing frisbee and cricket. Sometimes near the memorial, there are horses for short rides along the shore.
Local Food: On the promenade, small food stalls sell things like sundal, roasted corn, and murukku. People also drink fresh coconut water or eat mango slices. Some nearby cafes serve coffee, dosas, and pasta. A few nearby cafes serve coffee, dosas, and pasta. If you want seafood, small eateries in the side streets serve fish fry and prawn masala.
Nearby Heritage Sites: The Theosophical Society gardens are a short distance north, with large banyan trees and a quiet library, entry is usually free on weekdays. The Ashtalakshmi Temple is a short auto ride away, showing eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi near the sea. Broken Bridge at the Adyar estuary is nearby for photography.
Nature Walks: The tree-lined promenade is good for birdwatching as you can spot herons, egrets, and kingfishers. Walking further south takes you to Thiruvanmiyur Beach.
Best Time to Visit Besant Nagar Beach
October to March
The weather is cooler and dry, around 22°C–30°C, good for long walks or visiting the church festivals. Evenings are lively with locals, so weekends can get crowded—arrive early to find parking.
April to June
Hot and humid, temperatures rise to 28°C–38°C. Best to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong sun. Midweek days are quieter, and ice cream and cold drinks are popular.
July to September
Monsoon season brings occasional showers, with temperatures around 25°C–32°C. The greenery looks fresh and lively. The promenade is open, but indoor cafes are better if it rains.
Travel Tips
Sun and Hydration: The sun is strong year-round. Wear hats, apply sunscreen, and drink water or coconut water. Avoid being in the sun around noon.
Bargain and Cash: Small polite haggling works for food stalls. Carry some cash as evenings can get busy.
Stay Options: There are guesthouses and homestays nearby offering simple local breakfast. Hotels a little further away give more comfort.
Safety Note: The area is generally safe, but stick to lit areas at night. Women travelers feel comfortable in groups or early evenings.
