Discover the Best Things to Do at Elliot’s Beach

Besant Nagar Beach, also known as the Elliot’s Beach or Bessie, lies at the southern end of the Marina Beach. The beach got its name from Edward Elliot, former Chief Magistrate Superintendent of Madras and the Governor of Chennai during British rule. At that time it was limited only to the British. However, it has now become a beach where thousands of Chennaiites come daily to enjoy. This beach is a great hangout spot and definitely going to be one your favourites places to spend time with your partner or friends. 

If you want some peace and quiet we recommend going to the beach in the morning. The early hours will give you a calm ambience where you will only be able to hear the sound of the waves. You can walk along the beach, practise some yoga, or just sit by the water and read a book. Speaking of books, every Sunday from 6.00 a.m. till 9.00 a.m, A group named Bessy Reads gathers at the shore to sit together and read books quietly. If quiet is not exactly what you want, then Bessie beach becomes a lively fun beach in the late afternoons. Families, groups of friends, and couples are at the beach to enjoy the sand and sea. If you want to keep away from excessive crowds, stay clear of the beach on weekends. Parking spots end up scarce, making it tough to locate an area to park, and actually get to the sea.

At the centre of the beach lies the monument Kaj Schmidt Memorial an architectural landmark commemorating a Danish sailor who drowned in 1930 trying to save the life of a woman. This landmark is the defining feature of the beach and its most recognizable point. If you in for some spirituality, you could visit nearby temples and churches. The Ashtalakshmi Kovil near the shorelines of the Beach is a unique and spiritually enriching Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and her eight primary forms. Each form of Lakshmi that represent different aspects of wealth is situated here. The Arupadai Veedu Temple another beautiful temple that has a spiritual feel is devoted to Lord Murugan. This temple is important for the devotees and has all the six abodes of the Lord Murugan under one roof. The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health commonly known as the Annai Vailankanni Shrine is a Marian Shrine dedicated to the manifestations of the Virgin Mary. You can visit Mother Mary’s square that has been developed in 2003 to represent the total four Marian apparitions. If you love risk, the Broken Bridge is just over a kilometer from the beach along a small mud road. It has great views especially during the sunset. We will point out though, there are security issues the police has restricted entry here. Entering the area is also a real challenge but it still attracts many visitors.

Numerous food stalls dot the beach, providing a variety of options. If you’re in the mood savour freshly roasted corn, sweet treats like cotton candy and ice cream. Enjoy a rejuvenating dip in the ocean and relish the combination of good food with the cool sea breeze. On the beach you can have some yummy bajjis or pori for some budget friendly options, the beach itself hosts several stalls with seating, serving delectable snacks and meals. If you don’t mind shelling some money then the entire stretch of the road along the beach has plenty of restaurants and cafes, offering a diverse range of cuisines. Not only that, there are food trucks on the roads towards the beach that serve some really mouthwatering food, we recommend trying the Madras Food Truck, Pepino, PitaPoc and Kuchice.

Nassaa Uth Hub is a famous arcade where you will find all kinds of indoor games, such as bowling, snooker, box cricket and more. It also has a separate gaming area for video game enthusiasts. The charges are reasonable, but you must book in advance because the place gets jam-packed on weekends. Freeing India is another fun experience. These escape rooms are made for 60 minutes of fun where you solve puzzles to escape. You will be engaged physically and mentally, with various themes including Alice In Wonderland, Secret of the past from Russia, Poseidon, and a Ninja themed escape room each with its own challenges. 

Between the Bessy coast and Adyar, the Theosophical Society is considered to be one of the most picturesque and peaceful places in the city. It covers more than hundred hectares of fresh green land and includes the Huddleston Gardens which provides shelter for birds and other wildlife. A 450 year old Banyan Tree also exists in the area with the roots extending over 60,000 square meters. The Adyar Library and Research Centre, one of the oldest library that contains spiritual literature, including ancient Buddhist scrolls and 19th-century handmade Bibles. You can also explore the Buddhist Shrine and the intricately sculpted Zoroastrian Fire Temple. Kalakshetra Foundation is a must visit place if you would like to indulge yourself in the history and culture of traditional dance and music. Founded in 1936, the Kalakshetra Foundation is the leading academy of the arts with a focus on the traditional dances and music styles of the region. Book your guided tour in advance, where academic staff will take you on tour around the campus and educate you about the history of this marvellous institution and the art form. 

Besant Nagar is conveniently located near Adyar which ensures easy accessibility with direct buses and trains. The closest bus stop is Vannanthurai and is just a one-minute walk away, while the nearest train station is Thiruvanmiyur MRTS Station a 16-minute walk from the locality.