Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot’s Beach) Chennai: Peaceful Vibes, Street Food & Spiritual Spots by the Sea

Besant Nagar Beach, also called Elliot’s Beach, is a calm and clean beach in Chennai. It is a great place to relax, enjoy the sea breeze, and spend time with friends or family. Unlike Marina Beach, this beach is not very crowded, so it feels peaceful. Many people come here in the morning for walks or in the evening to enjoy snacks, street food, and the sunset. If you are visiting Chennai, this beach is a must-visit spot.

History of Besant Nagar Beach (Elliot’s Beach)

Besant Nagar Beach, also known as Elliot’s Beach, is not just a peaceful place for relaxing—it’s also a place with interesting history. The beach is named after Edward Elliot, who was once the Governor of Madras during British rule in India. That’s why the beach got the name “Elliot’s Beach.”

Annie Besant

Later, the area around the beach developed and was named Besant Nagar, after Annie Besant, a famous social reformer and freedom fighter. She worked for India’s independence and also supported women’s rights and education. A lot of people in Chennai respect her, and the beach area was named to honour her legacy.

In olden days, this beach was known to be very quiet and less crowded, mostly visited by local fishermen. But slowly, as Chennai grew, Besant Nagar became a popular residential area, and the beach became a favourite spot for families, students, and tourists.

Today, the beach is also home to some important landmarks like the Ashtalakshmi Temple and the Velankanni Church, which are visited by many devotees every day.

So, this beach is not only beautiful but also has deep cultural and historical value for the people of Chennai.

Things to Do at Besant Nagar Beach

1. Enjoy a Peaceful Walk

One of the best things to do at Besant Nagar Beach is to take a calm walk along the shore. Whether it’s early morning or after sunset, the peaceful sound of the waves and cool sea breeze makes it very relaxing. Many people come here for morning walks, jogging, or just to enjoy some quiet time. It’s also a nice place to sit on the sand and enjoy nature.

2. Try Street Food

If you love snacks, this beach will make you happy! There are many stalls and small food carts near the beach that sell tasty local snacks. You can enjoy hot bajjis (chilli/fritter), roasted corn, masala sundal (chickpeas), chaats, fresh fruit juices, and ice creams.

The best part? You can eat yummy food while watching the sea! It’s simple, tasty, and budget-friendly.

3. Visit the Annai Vailankanni Shrine Church

Right near the beach is the Annai Velankanni Church, a peaceful and beautiful white church. It’s visited by many people daily, not just Christians but people of all religions. The peaceful vibe, sea-facing view, and simple design of the church make it a perfect place to pray or sit quietly for a while. Many people light candles and spend time with family here.

4. Visit Shree Ashtalakshmi Temple

Just a short walk from the beach, the Ashtalakshmi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight forms. The temple is built in South Indian style and is known for its colourful structure and peaceful location. The temple faces the sea, and climbing its floors gives you a nice view of the beach and waves. It’s a spiritual experience with a calm atmosphere.

5. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset

One of the most beautiful experiences at Besant Nagar Beach is watching the sunrise or sunset. Early mornings are calm with fewer people, and the sun slowly rising from the sea looks magical. In the evening, the sunset gives the sky beautiful orange and pink colours. It’s the best time for clicking photos, sitting with your loved ones, or just enjoying the peaceful view.

How to Reach Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai?

Reaching Besant Nagar Beach is very easy. It’s well-connected by road, train, and air. Here are the common ways to reach the beach:

By Bus

The nearest big bus stop is Adyar Bus Terminus and Adyar Depot, which is around 3 km away from the beach. From there, you can take an auto, taxi, or even a local bus to reach the beach.

By Train

If you are coming by train, the closest local station is Thiruvanmiyur Railway Station, just 3.7 km away. You can take a bus, share auto, or cab from the station to reach the beach in about 10–15 minutes.

By Air

If you’re coming from outside Chennai, the nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 15.1 km away. From the airport, you can book a cab or take a metro/bus to reach Besant Nagar.

No matter where you’re coming from, Besant Nagar Beach is easy to reach and worth visiting for peace, fun, and food!

Best Time to Visit Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach)

The best time to enjoy Besant Nagar Beach is between October and February. During these months, the weather in Chennai is pleasant and not too hot. The cool breeze from the sea makes morning and evening walks very enjoyable.

This time is also perfect for sightseeing, trying street food, and spending peaceful time with your family or friends at the beach. Avoid visiting during the summer (March to June), as it can get very hot and humid.

Best Hotels Near Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai

Whether you’re looking for budget stays or a more comfortable hotel, here are some good options near the beach:

1. Raj Palace Sundar

• Distance: Around 2.5 km from the beach
• Highlights: Clean rooms, affordable rates, peaceful area
• Good for: Families and solo travellers

2. Zone by The Park, ORR Chennai

• Distance: About 5 km from the beach
• Highlights: Stylish rooms, great food, modern facilities
• Good for: Couples and business travellers

3. The Raintree Hotel, St Mary’s Road

• Distance: Around 5.5 km
• Highlights: 4-star hotel, rooftop pool, excellent service
• Good for: Luxury stay with comfort

4. Novotel Chennai OMR

• Distance: About 7 km from the beach
• Highlights: Big rooms, great location, pool & gym
• Good for: Families, couples, business travellers

5. Keys Select Hotel Katti Ma, Chennai

• Distance: Around 3.5 km
• Highlights: Budget-friendly, comfortable rooms, good location
• Good for: Short stays and business trips

6. Sea La Vie – Covelong Beach Resort (for beach vibes)

• Distance: A bit farther (~20 km), but has a direct beach view
• Highlights: Resort feel, sea view rooms, calm surroundings
• Good for: Relaxing beach holidays or weekend getaways

End Words

Besant Nagar Beach is one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in Chennai. Whether you’re looking to relax, enjoy local street food, visit nearby temples and churches, or just watch the sunrise, this beach has something for everyone. It’s clean, calm, and perfect for spending time with family or friends.

With nearby attractions like Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple, and plenty of hotels to stay in, it’s a great place for both locals and tourists. So, if you’re in Chennai or planning to visit soon, don’t miss out on this lovely beach experience.