Elliot"s Beach is situated at Besant Nagar, which is just 60 kms away from the city of Chennai and to the south of the Marina Beach where the visitors can spend hours enjoying the sandy beaches and also relishing a sun bath under the sunny shades. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore. Elliot`s Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the city of Chennai.
During the era of the British Raj in the country, this spectacular beach was a favourite haunt of the British ex-patriates. Innumerable tourists visit this beach for seeking respite from the monotony of daily urban lifestyles of the Chennai city.
Etymology of Elliot"s Beach
Elliot"s Beach is widely popular as "Bessie". It is also referred to as the "Besant Nagar Beach", due to its location. Elliot"s Beach has been named so after the Governor of Madras, Edward Elliot.
Activities at Elliot"s Beach
As the beach does not offer much activity, it is ideal for long walks. Elliot"s Beach is ideal for swimming, hanging around and resting. It is also an ideal picnic spot. The solitary structure in the center of this beach is called the "Karl Schmidt Memorial". It is named so in the honor of a Dutch sailor who lost his life while saving a drowning swimmer in this beach. It is one of the most notable landmarks on the famous beach and also a key attraction for the tourists. Elliot"s Beach is set in the midst of serene and sparkling surrounding. Elliot"s Beach near Chennai is quite clean and tidy with a wide-ranging choice of restaurants and fast food stalls for any tourist to enjoy while watching the sea waves.
Nearby Attractions at Elliot"s Beach
Apart from the coastal beaches, the Elliot"s Beach has special treats for the tourists, all set in the surrounding areas. These are namely;
•Ashta Lakshmi Temple: Consecrated to the Hindu deity, Lakshmi, Ashta Lakshmi temple is quite diverse from any of the typical temples of South India. Since this temple is not even 20 years old it has the touch of modern day techniques of building temples. It is dedicated to the eight manifestations of the Goddess Maha Lakshmi, also known as the "Deity of Wealth and Peace".
•Velankanni Church: At the southern end of the beach, is the famous Velankanni Church which was built in the honour of the "Lady of Health", also famous as "Madonna of Velankanni". It is also believed by the followers that the "Lady of Health" holds miraculous powers. This is a key attraction among the tourists; it is a replica of the original church, situated at Velankanni; it is quite worth to pay a visit.
How to Reach Elliot"s Beach
Situated 60 km from Chennai and easily accessible via road with buses, taxis, call cabs, and auto rickshaws are at service.
