Elliot Beach

Elliot's Beach aka "Besant Nagar Beach" or "Bessie" is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai. Also known as Besant Nagar Beach, it forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore and is named after Edward Elliot (who was once the Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras, and Governor of Chennai during the British times). It has the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil in the vicinity. The mesmerizing beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the city of Chennai.

Located towards the south of Marina Beach, an incredibly calm and tranquil place, it does not offer much activity hence, is an ideal spot for long walks. Moreover, the site is perfect for the ones who want to soak their feet in the splashing sea water and lose themselves entirely in the arms of nature.

Elliot's Beach is quite famous among tourists as well as the natives of the state. In colonial times, it was a place limited to white people. The beach is popular with local college students and families. There are many restaurants near the beach with mouth-watering cuisines. There is a police outpost at the beach, and the crowd is managed via all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to prevent drowning mishaps. Many people drowned at the beach in 2010, seeing which the government-sanctioned two more ATVs the very next year.

The beach is often visited by travelers for sunbathing, relaxing, and visiting the famous ancient monuments nearby. It is usually less crowded than the famous Marina Beach and hence, preferred by travelers. During the evening hours, one can spot various youngsters roaming around the beach as this beach offers the perfect retreat, away from city life of metropolitan.

History of Edward Elliot’s Beach

Set towards the south of Marina Beach, the Edward Elliot Beach was named after an erstwhile Chief Magistrate and superintendent of Police, Edward Elliot. He was the son of Governor of Madras, Hugh Elliot. The beach was often visited by the Britishers during the colonial era.

Karl Schmidt Memorial was built on the beach in honour of the Dutch sailor, Karl Schmidt who is believed to have lost his life while saving the life of a drowning girl in 1930.

The only architectural monument built on the beach by the then Governor of Madras, Lieutenant Colonel Sir George Frederick Stanley was damaged badly due to its weak foundation and the effects of the ocean water.

It was renovated in 2014, giving it a stronger base built of granite and bricks. The memorial stone has the inscription “To commemorate the Gallantry of K A J Schmidt who was drowned near this spot on December 30, 1930 while helping to save the lives of others.”

Ashtalakshmi Temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi was built on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in 1976. A glorious temple built on the recommendation of Sri Chandrasekara Saraswathi Swamigal houses the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi. These eight forms of the goddess signify wealth, offspring, courage, bravery, food, knowledge, prosperity and success.

Velankanni Church is another noteworthy spot built in the honour of the Lady of Health. Post some drowning cases, the police have been patrolling the beach through All Terrain Vehicles.

Attractions Near Elliot's Beach

Ashtalakshmi Temple: This temple is around 20 years old and is endowed with modern-style architecture. It is quite distinctive in appearance and appears to be entirely different than other temples of Southern India. It is associated with the eight manifestations of the Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Velankanni Church: Located in the vicinity of the beach is believed to be built in honor of the Lady of Health, who is also famous as Madonna of Velankanni. The Lady of Health is considered to be a holder of miraculous powers. Other interactions include Temples of Tumbikai Aazhwar (Ganesha), Guruvaayurappan, Chakrathaazhwar, and Narasimhar (on either side of the same idol), Aanjaneyar and Dhanvantri.