Chennai, Tamil Nadu · beach
At a glance: Elliot’s Beach, also called Besant Nagar Beach, offers a distinct coastal outing in southern Chennai. Its neighbourhood setting and the Karl Schmidt Memorial provide a recognisable focus. Plan a short shore walk rather than a continuous journey from Marina.
Listed vegetarian options. Shown distances are approximate straight-line distances; road routes may be longer.
Vegetarian dining on Second Avenue, Besant Nagar, with Indian starters, curries, rice and broader cuisine choices.
Ragada Patties · ₹365
Est. for two ₹1,245 · Hygiene not assessed
0.5 km away (straight line)
The Adyar branch of Cream Centre, with channa, breads, paneer dishes and a wider vegetarian menu.
Channa (370g) · ₹550
Est. for two ₹1,500 · Hygiene not assessed
1.3 km away (straight line)
Pan-Indian vegetarian dishes, South Indian rice preparations and desserts in Gandhi Nagar, Adyar.
Paneer Tikka · ₹375
Est. for two ₹1,195 · Hygiene not assessed
2.4 km away (straight line)
Elliot’s Beach, also called Besant Nagar Beach, offers a distinct coastal outing in southern Chennai. Its neighbourhood setting and the Karl Schmidt Memorial provide a recognisable focus. Plan a short shore walk rather than a continuous journey from Marina.
This guide uses the named Karl Schmidt Memorial on the beachfront as its map anchor. Agree on that landmark before exploring separately. A specific meeting point is more useful for arranging pickup than asking a driver to find an unspecified stretch of beach.
Tamil Nadu’s public transport operator lists Besant Nagar Beach as a tourist destination, while national tourism identifies it as Elliot’s Beach. Use both names when asking for directions. Look at the relationship between the open sand and the adjoining urban streets.
Begin with a comfortable section and keep the return distance in mind. Walking a little way along the shore and returning to the memorial can be enough for a first visit. Use the routes currently opened to the public and respect temporary barriers.
Ashtalakshmi Temple is a separate destination in the wider Besant Nagar coastal area. Its darshan windows and internal circulation require their own planning. Combine visits only after checking the temple session and the approach that suits your group.
The surrounding neighbourhood has food businesses, but each venue determines its menu and service hours. Select a clearly identified vegetarian outlet, ask about ingredients and review current prices. Leave time for a seated break if anyone finds sand or prolonged standing tiring.
Enjoy the water from the shore and follow local police instructions, weather notices and marked restrictions. Keep children within sight and away from the surf. Avoid assuming that a busy beach, gentle-looking sea or another visitor’s actions establish safe water access.
Allow a suggested hour for a modest walk and the memorial setting. Early morning or late afternoon can make outdoor time more comfortable. Carry water, keep public passages clear and confirm your pickup point before leaving the beachfront.
Visiting Hours
Entry Fee: No current general shoreline tariff was established from the primary sources viewed. Purchases, parking and nearby venues are separate.
Verified: October 2026
Address
Karl Schmidt Memorial, 24 th Cross Street, Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600090
How to Reach: Use Karl Schmidt Memorial, 24 th Cross Street, Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090. Navigate to the named map anchor and confirm the permitted approach on arrival.
Yes. Government tourism and transport sources use these names for this coastal destination.
The Karl Schmidt Memorial on the Besant Nagar beachfront, Chennai 600090.
The beach and Ashtalakshmi Temple are separate visits; check temple darshan and service arrangements individually.
An hour is a suggested modest shore outing; choose a distance that suits your group and the weather.
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