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Elliot's Beach, India - Things to Do in Elliot's Beach

Things to Do in Elliot's Beach

Elliot's Beach, India - Complete Travel Guide

Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is one of Chennai's most beloved coastal destinations, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Located in the upscale Besant Nagar neighborhood, this pristine stretch of golden sand is significantly cleaner and less crowded than Marina Beach, making it a favorite among locals and tourists seeking a more relaxed beach experience. The beach is named after Edward Elliot, the Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Madras during the British era. The area surrounding Elliot's Beach has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, and shops that cater to Chennai's young and cosmopolitan crowd. The beach itself offers stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Bay of Bengal, while the adjacent Karl Schmidt Memorial adds a touch of historical significance to the location. With its wide promenade, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere, Elliot's Beach represents the modern face of Chennai's coastal lifestyle.

Top Things to Do in Elliot's Beach

Beach Walking and Sunrise Viewing

Take leisurely strolls along the expansive shoreline of Elliot's Beach, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The beach offers excellent opportunities for photography, meditation, and simply enjoying the rhythmic sounds of the Bay of Bengal waves.

Booking Tip: No booking required - arrive early morning (5:30-7:00 AM) for the best sunrise experience. Evening visits (5:00-7:00 PM) are ideal for sunset views. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Visit Ashtalakshmi Temple

Explore this magnificent temple dedicated to the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi, located just a short walk from Elliot's Beach. The temple's unique architecture combines traditional South Indian design with modern elements, and its seaside location offers spectacular ocean views.

Booking Tip: Free entry, open 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily. Visit during evening hours for the beautiful aarti ceremony. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering.

Cafe Hopping in Besant Nagar

Discover the vibrant cafe culture around Elliot's Beach, with numerous establishments offering everything from South Indian filter coffee to international cuisines. The area is known for its cozy bookstore cafes, beachside eateries, and trendy hangout spots popular with Chennai's youth.

Booking Tip: Most cafes operate 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM with average costs of ₹200-500 per person. Weekday visits offer better seating availability. Look for cafes with sea-facing terraces for the best experience.

Shopping at Besant Nagar Market

Browse through the local markets and boutique stores in the Besant Nagar area, known for unique handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. The area offers a mix of traditional Tamil Nadu crafts and contemporary fashion, making it perfect for finding authentic mementos.

Booking Tip: Markets open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with best selection available in the afternoon. Bargaining is expected - start at 50-60% of quoted price. Look for stores with good reviews for authentic handloom products.

Theosophical Society Gardens Visit

Explore the serene 260-acre campus of the Theosophical Society, featuring ancient banyan trees, peaceful walking paths, and the historic Adyar Library. The gardens provide a tranquil escape from city life and house some of Chennai's oldest and most magnificent trees.

Booking Tip: Entry fee ₹10 for adults, open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Thursdays). Best visited in early morning or late afternoon. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit including the library and gardens.

Getting There

Elliot's Beach is easily accessible from Chennai city center and Chennai International Airport. From the airport, take a taxi or ride-sharing service (₹300-500, 45-60 minutes depending on traffic). Local buses including routes 21G, 5B, and 19B connect the beach to various parts of Chennai. The nearest suburban train station is Thiruvanmiyur (2 km away) on the Chennai Beach-Velachery line. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available from all major areas of Chennai, with typical fares ranging from ₹150-400 depending on distance and traffic conditions.

Getting Around

The Besant Nagar area around Elliot's Beach is highly walkable, with most attractions, cafes, and shops within a 1-2 km radius. Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient option for short distances (₹50-150 for local trips), though ensure the meter is used or negotiate fare beforehand. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola operate extensively in the area with reliable service. Local buses connect to other parts of Chennai, while bicycle rentals are available from some hotels and cafes for exploring the beachfront area. The wide, well-maintained roads make cycling a pleasant option during cooler hours of the day.

Where to Stay

Besant Nagar
Adyar
Thiruvanmiyur
Velachery
Guindy
Mylapore

Food & Dining

Elliot's Beach area boasts an exceptional dining scene that perfectly captures Chennai's evolving culinary landscape. The beachfront and surrounding Besant Nagar neighborhood offer everything from traditional South Indian breakfast joints serving crispy dosas and filter coffee to upscale restaurants featuring contemporary Indian and international cuisines. Popular spots include seaside cafes with ocean views, cozy bookstore eateries, and local institutions known for authentic Tamil Nadu specialties like Chettinad cuisine and fresh seafood. The area is particularly famous for its coffee culture, with numerous establishments serving the region's renowned filter coffee. Street food options abound, offering local favorites like sundal (spiced legumes), fresh coconut water, and various evening snacks, while fine dining restaurants cater to those seeking more sophisticated culinary experiences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Chennai

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Annalakshmi Restaurant

4.5 /5
(12566 reviews) 3

Kailash Parbat- Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

4.7 /5
(7743 reviews) 3

Avartana

4.7 /5
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Savya Rasa

4.5 /5
(3820 reviews) 4

Broken Bridge Cafe Indian Restaurant

4.6 /5
(2530 reviews) 3
cafe meal_takeaway

Dakshin

4.6 /5
(2213 reviews) 4
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When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Elliot's Beach is during the cooler months from November to February when temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F) and humidity levels are more comfortable. This period offers pleasant weather for beach activities, outdoor dining, and sightseeing. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall but can be beautiful for those who enjoy dramatic coastal weather, though beach activities may be limited. Summer months (March to May) can be quite hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35-40°C (95-104°F), but early morning and evening visits remain enjoyable. The beach is particularly magical during sunrise (6:00-7:00 AM) and sunset (6:00-7:00 PM) throughout the year, offering cooler temperatures and stunning photographic opportunities.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings for the most peaceful beach experience and better parking availability, as weekends can get quite crowded with local families and college students.
Try the famous filter coffee from local institutions like Murugan Idli Shop or Saravana Bhavan, and don't miss the evening street food vendors who set up along the beach promenade after 5 PM.
The Karl Schmidt Memorial at the northern end of the beach offers excellent sunset photography opportunities and is less crowded than the main beach area - it's also a great spot for quiet contemplation.

Explore Activities in Elliot's Beach