Elliot's Beach

Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach or Bessie, is an urban sandy beach in Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, along the Bay of Bengal. Named after Edward Elliot, a former Chief Magistrate of Madras, it is known for its relatively cleaner and calmer environment compared to Marina Beach. The beach features the Karl Schmidt Memorial, a promenade, and proximity to the Ashtalakshmi Temple and Velankanni Church.

Visitors can expect a wide sandy shoreline along the Bay of Bengal with a paved promenade and open beach area popular for walking, jogging and evening gatherings. The beach has the white Karl Schmidt Memorial at its southern end, views of fishing boats, food stalls and vendors along the approach road, and nearby religious structures including Ashtalakshmi Temple and Annai Velankanni Church. The atmosphere is lively in the evenings with families and local crowds.

The beach is named after Edward Elliot, who served as Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of the Madras Presidency in the early 19th century. The prominent Karl Schmidt Memorial on the beach was erected in memory of Karl Schmidt, a Dutch sailor who lost his life in 1930 while saving others from drowning.

Elliot's Beach is a major recreational and social gathering place for Chennai residents, especially for evening walks and family outings. Its location near the Ashtalakshmi Temple and Annai Velankanni Church gives it cultural and religious relevance, and it is an integral part of the Besant Nagar neighbourhood's community life.