Edward Elliot's Beach

Elliot's Beach (popularly known as "Besant Nagar Beach" or "Bessie") is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, India. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore,[1] and is named after Edward Elliot, onetime chief magistrate and superintendent of police, Madras.[2] It has the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Kovil nearby.[3] In the colonial era, it was a fairly exclusive place limited to white people. As of 2016, there are many restaurants near the beach.

Edward Elliot's Beach
  • Besant Nagar Beach
  • Bessie
TypeSandy beach
LocationBesant Nagar, Chennai, India
Coordinates12.999529°N 80.272411°E / 12.999529; 80.272411
EtymologyEdward Elliot
Operated byCorporation of Chennai

There is a police outpost at the beach and the crowd is policed by means of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to prevent drowning mishaps. In 2010, there were 11 drowning cases reported off Elliots Beach.[4] In August 2012, the government sanctioned two more all-terrain vehicles for patrolling the beach.[5]

Karl Schmidt memorial
Schmidt Memorial in the evening

A prominent landmark on this beach is the Karl Schmidt Memorial. The memorial is named after the Dutch sailor who lost his life in the process of saving others from drowning.

Elliot's Beach is one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the city of Chennai. It is located towards the south of Marina Beach.

Besant Nagar Beach Road

The Ashtalakshmi Temple, located near the southern end of the beach, is around 20 years old and has modern style architecture. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and appears different from the rest of the temples in South India.

Elliots beach at night

See also

References
  1. Frederick, Prince (28 October 2012). "Marina vs Bessie". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  2. V., Sriram. "Of Mrs. Napier and Mr. Elliot". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
  3. "Elliot's Beach". Local109.in. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  4. siva jasz, A. (5 January 2011). "10 all-terrain vehicles on city beaches before Kaanum Pongal". The Times of India. Chennai. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  5. "Jaya sanctions 9 all-terrain vehicles for policing beaches". Business Line. Chennai: The Hindu. 2 August 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
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