Edward Elliot’s Beach

4.4

Visiting Time: 2-3 hours.

Elliot’s Beach, often referred to as “Besant Nagar Beach” or “Bessie,” is a beach in Chennai‘s Besant Nagar neighborhood. It is also known as Besant Nagar Beach and is named for Edward Elliot, who served as Chief Magistrate, Superintendent of Madras, and Governor of Chennai under British rule. The captivating beach is one of Chennai’s cleanest beaches.

Attraction

Edward Elliot’s Beach is located to the south of Marina Beach and is an exceedingly serene and tranquil region with little activity. It is therefore a perfect spot for lengthy walks. Furthermore, the location is ideal for those who like to bathe their feet in the gushing seawater and completely immerse themselves in nature’s embrace. The attractions near this place are Ashtalakshmi Temple, Velankanni Church, Restaurants, Karl Schmidt Memorial, Marundeeswarar Temple, Semmozhi Poonga, Guindy National Park, and Kapaleeshwar Temple.

History

A view from edward elliot's beach, Selective focus.

Edward Elliot Beach is located to the south of Marina Beach and was named after Edward Elliot, a former Chief Magistrate, and Police Superintendent. Hugh Elliot, the Governor of Madras, was his father. During the colonial period, Britishers frequented the beach. Karl Schmidt Memorial was created on the beach in honor of a Dutch sailor named Karl Schmidt, who is thought to have drowned while attempting to save a drowning girl in 1930. Due to its volatile foundation and the impacts of the ocean waves, the sole architectural monument created on the beach by the then Governor of Madras, Lieutenant Colonel Sir George Frederick Stanley, was extensively destroyed. It was rebuilt in 2014, and a granite and brick foundation was added. “To honor the gallantry of K A J Schmidt, who was drowned near this site on December 30, 1930, while helping to rescue the lives of others,” reads the writing on the memorial stone.

Inside/Outside Views

Selective focus of Edward Elliot's Beach, simply called as Elliot's Beach and popularly known as Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai, TamilNadu.

A pleasant, clean, and peaceful stretch of beach located about a kilometer north of Elliot’s beach, near the Theosophical Society offices. The Adyar River joins the sea at this location. Bird watchers go to this location to see egrets, pond herons, and flamingos, among other species. The Ashtalakshmi Temple, the country’s newest seaside temple devoted to the eight incarnations of Goddess Lakshmi, a Ganesha Temple, and the Velankanni Church, which is said to have the same miraculous properties as the Mother Shrine in the south, border the southern section of the beach. The Schmidt Tribute, a stone memorial to Danish sailor Karl Schmidt, who sacrificed his life helping a drowning swimmer, is another famous attraction. It is one of the most well-known beach landmarks.

Opening Hours

The opening hour is 24 hours.

Entry & Others Fees

No entry fee.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

The beach is about 60 kilometers from Chennai. All modes of the transportation link it to the main metropolis. This region also has a lot of bus services, which makes getting to Elliot’s Beach a lot easier. As a result, buses, taxis, cabs, and auto-rickshaws are all conveniently accessible via road.

Tips for Travellers

Bring a camera, a torch, and a light, as well as completely covered clothing and appropriate footwear.
Bring snacks, drinks, and water with you.
Finding a parking place may be difficult in this area.
There aren’t many water sports accessible at this beach.