Description
General information about the beach
Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is a quieter and cleaner beach south of Marina. It has cafés, restaurants, and picnic areas, as well as excellent conditions for swimming and sunset watching.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
2 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Elliot's Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +29.0°C, warms up to +32.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Elliot's Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.6 m.
Elliot's Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Elliot's Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 2 000 metres.
Elliot's Beach: when is the swimming season?
The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Elliot's Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — minimal. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Elliot's Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: . We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Elliot's Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Elliot's Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor.
Elliot's Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Murugan Idli Shop, Kebab It, Mash Resto Cafe. Cuisines available: South Indian, Indian, Fast food. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Elliot's Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Flip-flops, Cash, Camera, Picnic mat.
Elliot's Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time is November to February when the weather is most comfortable. In the morning it is cooler and there are fewer people. In the evening — beautiful sunsets.
Elliot's Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Exercise caution on rocks. Littering is prohibited.
Elliot's Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families, morning joggers and lovers of quiet walks. Suitable for picnics and sunset watching. Not suitable for swimming due to strong currents.
Elliot's Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Elliot-s Beach is one of the cleanest and safest beaches in Chennai, known as "Bessie" among locals. The Kaj Schmidt Memorial and Velankanni Church are located here. The beach is the end-point of Marina Beach and is popular for morning jogs.
Elliot's Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Golden sand, One of the cleanest beaches in Chennai, Kaj Schmidt Memorial, Velankanni Church, Promenade for walks, Cafés and restaurants nearby, Suitable for families. Cons: Swimming not recommended, Strong currents, Can be crowded, Periodic water quality warnings, Noisy.
Elliot's Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Kaj Schmidt Memorial, Velankanni Church, Marina Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Elliot's Beach: how do I get to the city of Chennai?
The beach is located near the city of Chennai. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Chennai.