Elliot's Beach

Elliot's Beach, located in Besant Nagar around 60 km from Chennai, is also known as Bessie. It lies south of the Marina Beach and is particularly popular among youngsters. There is so much that one can do at this tranquil beach—watch the sun set or rise, fly kites, build sand castle or simply lie on the cool sand and enjoy the sea breeze. Satiate your taste buds with scrumptious delicacies at the restaurants and food joints lining the sandy stretch.
A few yards away from the sandy coast lies the popular Ashtalakshmi Temple and Velankanni Church. The former is located on the southern end of the beach. It is dedicated to the eight manifestations of the Goddess Mahalakshmi, also known as the deity of wealth and prosperity. At the southern end of the beach, is the famous Velankanni Church which was built in the honour of the Lady of Health. This beach forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore, and is named after Edward Elliot, the Governor of Chennai (previously known as Madras). In the colonial times when the British ruled India, it was a place limited to only white people.

The beach is popular with local college students and families. There are many restaurants near the beach with mouth watering cuisines. This wide and clean stretch of golden sand is a favourite hangout spot for families, groups of friends and tourists alike. It’s a place to escape the heat of Chennai and linger amid scenic natural confines. Stroll along the soft sand and dip your feet in the warm blue-green water. Watch locals play games of cricket or wake up early and marvel as a spectacular sunrise over the bay signals the dawn of a new day in Chennai. The beach is home to Karl Schmidt Memorial. This humble monument pays homage to a Dutch sailor who lost his life while trying to save a drowning swimmer.
Scattered around the beach are several food stands. Sample customary South Indian beach snacks such as a bhajji platter, a mix of deep-fried vegetables seasoned with chili and coriander. Elliot's Beach is among the cleanest beaches in Chennai. There's a different kind of fun to be had here, fun which soothes up the mind and restores the soul. Sitting along the beach, you can sync in the surrounding natural beauty and gaze at the endless skies and sea. And if, looking at the sand, the architect in you suddenly awakens, don't curb your natural instinct to play with or build castles out of it.

With a unique combination of historical temples, churches and monuments which make this place even more fascinating and magnificent, Elliot’s beach is a must-visit during your Chennai vacation.