Elliot's Beach (Besant Nagar)

Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, lies on Beach Road in Besant Nagar, a southern coastal neighbourhood of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is generally cleaner and quieter than Marina Beach to the north and is popular with joggers, families, students and young professionals who come for the sea breeze and the relaxed atmosphere. The beach sits beside the Ashtalakshmi Temple and near the Schmidt Memorial, a small monument to a Danish-born engineer that stands on the sand.

What visitors do here is walk along the shore, sit on the sand and watch the waves, or enjoy snacks from the cafes and stalls on and around Besant Avenue. Sunrise is a favourite time for runners and yoga groups, while the evening draws families and couples to watch the sunset over the town. Small shacks sell fresh coconut water, corn and fried snacks, and a number of cafes nearby serve coffee, breakfast and light meals. Swimming is discouraged because of strong currents, so most people stay on the sand or wade at the water's edge. The temple at the northern end is an easy add-on, and its multi-level tower is a notable landmark on the shoreline.

A typical visit lasts one to two hours. The beach is open at all hours, but the most comfortable window is roughly 6:00AM to 8:00PM. Early morning and sunset in the cooler months from November to February give the best light and temperatures, and the sand is usually less crowded than Marina. Weekend evenings and public holidays are busier, with more families and food vendors. Good photo angles include the fishing boats near dawn, the Schmidt Memorial and the temple tower in late light.

Elliot's Beach is reached by app cab or auto from Adyar or Thiruvanmiyur, and MTC buses run along Besant Nagar Beach Road. Visitors should keep an eye on belongings, avoid the sand late at night when lighting is limited, and take litter away with them.