Chennai Sightseeing - Elliott Beach

Popularly called just 'Bessie' by locals, Elliot's Beach is a calm and tranquil beach located towards the south of Marina Beach near Besant Nagar in Chennai. If you are looking for a clean and beautiful beach to soak up the sun in, without the frills and fancies of other activities, then this is the beach for you.

The beach does not have much to offer in terms of entertainment but its long stretches of sand are ideal for long walks. Walk into the lapping waves of the sea and splash around. Foreigners and locals love the beach for the solitude it offers. Four decades ago, Elliot's beach was said to have been the favorite haunt of foreigners seeking a secluded beach to sun bathe at.

The region is a highly popular pilgrim destination because of the most revered Velankanni church and the sacred Ashtalakshmi temple which are located at the far end of this beach.

The devout of all faiths throng to pray at the feet of Our Lady of Health, Madonna at this powerful church. There is also the Ashtalakshmi Temple here, dedicated to the eight manifestations of Goddess Mahalakshmi.  The Schmidt Memorial is another landmark here.

"Bessie" plays host to crowds that come here after a sanctifying trip to the religious places of worship. The beach is a popular hangout for youngsters by evening and night. Vendors and food stalls do good business through the day. Tantalize your palate with some of the yummy mouth-watering South Indian snacks and dishes which are available here at the fast food joints and small stores.