
Besant Nagar Beach Chennai
Chennai's beloved 'Bessie' beach offers vibrant street food, lively evenings, and serene sunrises. A perfect blend of relaxation and local culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded

Besant Nagar Beach Chennai
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chennai's beloved 'Bessie' beach offers vibrant street food, lively evenings, and serene sunrises. A perfect blend of relaxation and local culture.
"Evenings are livelier, with lots of activities, food and entertainment. But you can't park your car if you go later than 4.30pm."

🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive before 4:30 PM on weekends for car parking. Otherwise, opt for bikes or public transport. :car:
🚶♀️ Morning Walks
Enjoy serene morning walks with cool sand and fresh sea air. Pigeons often gather early morning. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunrise Serenity
Eastern shore
Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Bay of Bengal, painting the sky with vibrant colors. A truly soul-soothing experience.

Street Food Delights
Along the promenade
Indulge in a variety of local street food, from spicy bajjis to cheesy chicken nachos. A foodie's paradise!

Karl Schmidt Memorial
Southern end of the beach
A historic landmark offering panoramic views of the coastline. A popular spot for photos and reflection.

Evening Strolls & Vibe
Beach promenade
Experience the lively evening atmosphere with music, games, and a refreshing sea breeze. Perfect for unwinding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Budget Bites & Beach Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive before 4:30 PM on weekends for car parking. Otherwise, opt for bikes or public transport.
:car:🚶♀️ Morning Walks
Enjoy serene morning walks with cool sand and fresh sea air. Pigeons often gather early morning.
:athletic_shoe:🍜 Budget-Friendly Eats
Explore numerous street food stalls offering delicious and affordable snacks like sundal and bajjis.
:moneywithwings:📸 Photo Ops
Capture stunning sunrise and sunset views, plus the iconic Karl Schmidt Memorial.
:camerawithflash:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Arrive before 4:30 PM on weekends for car parking. Otherwise, opt for bikes or public transport.
:car:🚶♀️ Morning Walks
Enjoy serene morning walks with cool sand and fresh sea air. Pigeons often gather early morning.
:athletic_shoe:🍜 Budget-Friendly Eats
Explore numerous street food stalls offering delicious and affordable snacks like sundal and bajjis.
:moneywithwings:📸 Photo Ops
Capture stunning sunrise and sunset views, plus the iconic Karl Schmidt Memorial.
:camerawithflash:🧘♀️ Peaceful Escape
Find a quiet spot to relax, reflect, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves.
:ocean:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Besant Nagar Beach is a vibrant and popular spot in Chennai, loved for its lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings, and its diverse street food offerings. Visitors appreciate the beautiful sunrise and sunset views, making it a great place for relaxation and photography. However, parking can be a challenge during peak times, and the beach can get quite crowded on weekends.
"Great beach near Besant nagar. Very peaceful.
If you're taking a car only early mornings are recommended. Evenings are livelier, with lots of activities, food and entertainment. But you can't park your car if you go later than 4.30pm. Bike or public transport is recommended in the Evenings. There are a lot of eateries around."
Jaiyah shruthiy T
"Visited Edward Elliot's Beach in the morning — it's very close to the IIT Madras campus 🏫🌊. The place was less crowded and offered a soul-soothing experience 🌅. The soft light of sunrise looked truly beautiful ✨, and the fresh, crisp air carried a mild scent of the sea 🌬️🌺. The beach was calm and peaceful 🧘. Walking barefoot on the cool, damp sand felt grounding and refreshing 🏖️👣. It’s the perfect spot to relax, reflect, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of nature 🌿💭. There are plenty of shops along the shore 🛍️, hinting that the evenings here must be lively and vibrant 🎉🌆."
Swarup Garai
"Beautiful, clean and so serene. Loved every second of sitting there."
Bhagyashree Kotwal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Besant Nagar Beach is well-connected by public transport. You can take local buses to the Besant Nagar bus stop. Auto-rickshaws and ride-sharing services are also readily available. For a more scenic route, consider a taxi or your own vehicle, but be mindful of parking during peak hours.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can be challenging, especially on weekends. For cars, it's recommended to arrive before 4:30 PM. Bike parking is generally more accessible.
The most budget-friendly option is to take a local bus. Many routes terminate or pass through Besant Nagar. Sharing an auto-rickshaw with friends can also be cost-effective.
Yes, cycling to Besant Nagar Beach is a popular option for locals. There are dedicated lanes on some main roads leading to the area, and it's a great way to enjoy the city's coastal breeze.
The closest suburban train station is Thiruvanmiyur, which is a short auto-rickshaw or bus ride away from Besant Nagar Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Besant Nagar Beach is a public space and does not have an entry fee. You can enjoy the beach and its surroundings for free.
Besant Nagar Beach is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the most enjoyable times to visit are during sunrise and sunset, and the street food stalls are typically active in the evenings.
Swimming is generally permitted, but it's advisable to be cautious of the currents and tides. Lifeguards may not always be present, so swim at your own risk.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. You're welcome to capture the beautiful scenery and moments.
No, all activities like enjoying street food, playing games, or simply relaxing on the sand are free or pay-as-you-go for food and games. No advance booking is required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You must try the 'sundal' (chickpea salad), 'bajjis' (fritters), and 'masala corn'. For something more substantial, look for stalls selling 'meen varuval' (fried fish) or cheesy nachos.
The Karl Schmidt Memorial is a lighthouse-like structure dedicated to a German sailor who drowned while saving a child. It offers a great vantage point for photos and sea views.
Yes, you'll find numerous stalls selling small trinkets, beachwear, and local handicrafts. It's a good place to pick up a small memento of your visit.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy jogging, walking, playing beach games, flying kites, or simply relaxing and people-watching. The evenings are particularly lively with street performers and vendors.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Children can enjoy playing in the sand and shallow waters. There are also vendors selling toys and snacks that kids usually love.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Besant Nagar Beach is famous for its affordable street food. Look for stalls selling sundal, bajjis, chaat, and corn. There are also newer budget-friendly brands offering items like ice cream and nachos.
Yes, the area around Besant Nagar Beach has a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries catering to various tastes and budgets, from casual dining to more upscale options.
Absolutely! Many street food stalls offer vegetarian options like sundal, bajjis, and various chaats. Most restaurants in the vicinity also have extensive vegetarian menus.
Try the local 'meen varuval' (fried fish) if you're a seafood lover, or indulge in unique ice cream flavors from newer stalls. The variety of street food is a unique experience in itself.
Yes, there are mosques and other prayer facilities located within a short distance from Besant Nagar Beach, making it convenient for visitors who need to observe their prayer times.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours – sunrise and sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Early mornings are also great for capturing serene, less crowded scenes.
The Karl Schmidt Memorial, the shoreline with its waves, the vibrant street food stalls, and the general panoramic views of the sea are all excellent subjects for photography.
Drone usage might be restricted in public areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone to avoid any issues.
Landscape photography, street photography capturing the lively atmosphere, and candid shots of people enjoying the beach are very popular.
Yes, capturing the local street food vendors, families enjoying their time, and the general hustle and bustle of the beach provides a glimpse into Chennai's coastal culture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are also plenty of open spaces for kids to run around. While swimming is possible, always supervise children closely due to potential currents. The Karl Schmidt Memorial can be an interesting point of exploration for older kids, offering a bit of local history and great views.
💰 Budget Travelers
Getting to the beach via local bus is also the most economical option. Instead of expensive restaurants, immerse yourself in the authentic local flavors available right on the beach. This makes Besant Nagar Beach an ideal spot for backpackers and those looking to experience Chennai on a shoestring budget.
couples
Enjoy a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand along the shore, or share some delicious street food from the numerous stalls. Finding a quiet spot to sit and simply enjoy each other's company amidst the lively atmosphere can be surprisingly intimate. The Karl Schmidt Memorial also offers a scenic spot for couples to take photos and enjoy the panoramic views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vibe of Bessie: More Than Just a Beach
Evenings are when Bessie truly comes alive. The promenade buzzes with activity, lined with numerous street food vendors selling everything from crispy bajjis and spicy sundal to more elaborate dishes like fried fish and cheesy nachos. Families gather, friends chat, and the air is filled with the aroma of delicious food and the sounds of laughter. It's a place where you can truly soak in the local Chennai vibe and unwind after a long day.
Beyond the immediate beach experience, the surrounding area of Besant Nagar offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a complete destination for a day out. The Karl Schmidt Memorial stands as a quiet landmark, offering a moment of reflection amidst the lively atmosphere.
A Food Lover's Paradise: Street Eats at Bessie
Beyond these classics, you can find stalls selling 'masala corn,' 'pani puri,' and other popular Indian street snacks. For those craving something more substantial, vendors offer 'meen varuval' (spicy fried fish) and other seafood delights. Newer food stalls have also emerged, offering items like cheesy chicken nachos and unique ice cream flavors, adding to the culinary adventure.
When exploring the food scene, remember that evenings are the prime time for these culinary delights. It's advisable to carry cash, as many street vendors may not accept digital payments. Enjoying these local flavors with the sound of the waves is an quintessential Besant Nagar Beach experience.
Navigating Besant Nagar Beach: Practicalities for Visitors
When it comes to comfort, wearing comfortable footwear is essential, especially if you plan on walking along the shore or exploring the street food stalls. While the sand is soft, the promenade can be extensive. For those looking to capture memories, the beach offers numerous picturesque spots, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, and be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
For visitors seeking a more tranquil experience, early mornings are ideal. The beach is less crowded, the air is fresh, and the sunrise provides a beautiful backdrop. This is also a great time to observe the local birdlife, including the pigeons that often gather. Whether you're there for the food, the views, or the relaxation, a little planning goes a long way in enjoying all that Besant Nagar Beach has to offer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit