Besant Nagar Tours

Besant Nagar, a popular neighborhood in Chennai best known as the home of Elliot’s Beach, was named after British activist Annie Besant, a prominent member of the Theosophical Society and staunch supporter of Indian self-rule. Besant Nagar is also home to many of the city’s wealthy citizens.

The Basics
Besides Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar’s most popular attraction is the 247-acre (100-hectare) Theosophical Society, with lovely grounds that include a mosque, church, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and a sizable religious and philosophical library. Also of interest in the neighborhood are Velankanni Church and Ashtalakshmi Temple. If all the sightseeing has made you hungry, the cafés and restaurants of Besant Nagar serve excellent South Indian cuisine.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Besant Nagar is a must-visit for those interested in spirituality.
• Wear sunscreen and comfortable footwear.
• Be careful of strong waves if you decided to wade into the sea.

How to Get There
Besant Nagar neighborhood is situated in southern Chennai, about 30 to 45 minutes by car from the city’s main Egmore Railway Station. By car it takes 20 to 25 minutes to get to Mylapore, depending on traffic, and 30 to 35 minutes to reach Fort St. George. The nearest commuter train station is Indira Nagar, located just west of the neighborhood.

When to Get There
Besant Nagar is a year-round destination, and the major factor to take into consideration when planning your visit is the weather. Chennai is generally at its most pleasant between the months of November and March, while April and May temperatures can be unbearably hot, and June through October weather can be rainy. Evenings are generally the most pleasant no matter what time of year you visit.

South Indian Food
Besant Nagar is full of great places to eat, so it’s an excellent place to try out South Indian cuisine. Popular items include masala dosas (crepes made with fermented rice and lentil flour and stuffed with seasoned potatoes), idli sambar (steamed rice cakes served with a watery lentil stew), and all sorts of rice dishes, from lemon rice to yogurt-drenched curd rice.