Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar Beach) Tours

Known alternatively 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 throngs of twentysomethings, as well as families looking to avoid the crowds at the more popular Marina Beach.
The Basics
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 the Ashtalakshmi Temple and the Velankanni Shrine, 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 in 1930.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Elliot’s Beach is located in the Besant Nagar neighborhood in southern Chennai, about a 30- to 45-minute drive from the main Egmore Railway Station and 20 to 25 minutes from Mylapore, depending on traffic. The nearest commuter train station is Indira Nagar, about a 15-minute drive inland from the beach.
When to Get There
Elliot's Beach is a year-round attraction, though travelers should be aware of fierce rainfalls and strong waves during the rainy months (June through October). It's at its most pleasant first thing in the morning (with great sunrises to boot) or around sunset, when locals flock here for evening strolls.
The Ashtalakshmi Temple
Situated on the shore overlooking Elliot's Beach is Ashtalakshmi Temple, among the most spectacular temples (and, for that matter, architectural sites) in Chennai. Built in the mid 1970s, the temple features the goddess Lakshmi in eight different forms, spread across four floors adorned with colorful carvings of mythological figures, in the typical Dravidian style.
The Basics
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 the Ashtalakshmi Temple and the Velankanni Shrine, 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 in 1930.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear plenty of sun protection, even on overcast days.
- Chennai is a fairly conservative city, and most people will feel more comfortable in modest swimwear.
- The beach is not ideal for swimming, with strong tides at times.
How to Get There
Elliot’s Beach is located in the Besant Nagar neighborhood in southern Chennai, about a 30- to 45-minute drive from the main Egmore Railway Station and 20 to 25 minutes from Mylapore, depending on traffic. The nearest commuter train station is Indira Nagar, about a 15-minute drive inland from the beach.
When to Get There
Elliot's Beach is a year-round attraction, though travelers should be aware of fierce rainfalls and strong waves during the rainy months (June through October). It's at its most pleasant first thing in the morning (with great sunrises to boot) or around sunset, when locals flock here for evening strolls.
The Ashtalakshmi Temple
Situated on the shore overlooking Elliot's Beach is Ashtalakshmi Temple, among the most spectacular temples (and, for that matter, architectural sites) in Chennai. Built in the mid 1970s, the temple features the goddess Lakshmi in eight different forms, spread across four floors adorned with colorful carvings of mythological figures, in the typical Dravidian style.
Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090, India
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar Beach)
Sort by:Featured

Kalakshetra,Theosophical Society & Elliots beach trail by Wonder tours
With your guide to lead the way, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Huddleston Gardens and explore the local music scene at the Kalakshetra Dance School.Visit the beaches and gardens of Chennai, and discover the natural side of this bustling Indian city on this sightseeing tour. Following a pickup at your Chennai hotel, spin to pretty Besant Nagar Elliot's Beach and admire sweeping views over the coastal scenery.After that we provide you breakfast in local restaurant and drop at your hotel.
…More
From
$60.52
Price varies by group size
From
$60.52
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Kalakshetra, Theosophical Society & Elliots Beach - Chennai
On this half day tour of Chennai visit the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society and retrace the steps of its founders, Mme. Blavatsky and Col. Olcott. Next visit the campus of the Kalakshetra Foundation and get a glimpse into the traditional art and dance forms of South India. End the tour with a walk on Elliot’s Beach.
Highlights
• Campus of the Theosophical Society
• Kalakshetra Foundation
• Elliot’s Beach
…More
From
$229.00
Price varies by group size
From
$229.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Kalakshetra, Theosophical Society & Elliots Beach - Chennai
On this half day tour of Chennai visit the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society and retrace the steps of its founders, Mme. Blavatsky and Col. Olcott. Next visit the campus of the Kalakshetra Foundation and get a glimpse into the traditional art and dance forms of South India. End the tour with a walk on Elliot’s Beach.
Highlights
• Campus of the Theosophical Society
• Kalakshetra Foundation
• Elliot’s Beach
…More
From
$182.00
Price varies by group size
From
$182.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Things to do near Chennai
- Things to do in Tamil Nadu
- Things to do in Pondicherry
- Things to do in Thanjavur
- Things to do in Bangalore
- Things to do in Jaffna
- Things to do in Madurai
- Things to do in Coimbatore
- Things to do in Munnar
- Things to do in Tuticorin
- Things to do in Kochi
- Things to do in Goa
- Things to do in Northern Sri Lanka
- Things to do in Kerala
- Things to do in Hyderabad
- Things to do in Central Sri Lanka