Besant Nagar, named after Annie Besant, a renowned colonial British activist, is a posh residential neighborhood in South Chennai, India. It is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is about 15 km (9.3 mi) from the airport. Its best-known landmark, Elliot’s Beach, also called Besant Nagar Beach, offers endless sea views, incredible sunsets and sunrises, thus attracting tourists from around the world. Active travelers can indulge in water sports at this golden beach. There are are numerous street food stalls, cafes, and multi-cuisine restaurants nearby. While here, visit the 247-ac (100-ha) Theosophical Society, encompassing a mosque, church, and Buddhist and Hindu temples. This upmarket area also comprises many temples, some of which are age-old. To make the most of your trip, book one of these best Airbnb vacation rentals in Besant Nagar, India.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2024.
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1. Charming rental with an expansive terrace
This bright and spacious rental is on the second floor of an apartment building located in a safe neighborhood. Four people can sleep across its two bedrooms. It is easily accessible via an elevator. One of the perks of this place is the expansive terrace with a seating area, where you can relax and take in the spectacular sea views.
It has a full kitchen. But if you fancy dining out, there are restaurants and cafes nearby. A grocery store is within walking distance of the apartment.
Traveler's tips
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There are many roadside stalls and eateries on and along Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar. A short stroll away from the apartment is Brewklyn Cafe (https://www.instagram.com/brewklyncafe/), featuring a pleasant view of the charming beach. The fries, burgers, and shakes at this cafe are crowd favorites. I also love their cheese skewers and beef strips.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
211 meters (0.2 ft) from Besant Nagar BeachAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
it’s best to call the number that comes with the booking and speak to the staffthe place is great otherwise and the staff is really niceLocation:
great place & fantastic location to stayRead more reviewsCleanliness:
very neat and clean house in the beach front with all amenities
2. Cozy room with access to a garden
This upper-floor room in a bungalow is well-furnished and private. Personal touches give it an artistic and vintage flair. Guests staying here have access to the TV room, WiFi, a coffee maker and a refrigerator. Breakfast is provided every morning. There’s also a lush garden where you do your morning yoga. Elliot’s beach is nearby, where you can soak up the sun and salt. Free parking is available on the premises.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
1.07 km (0.7 mi) from Besant Nagar BeachAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
she is a very good hostthe hosts are amazing and make you feel at homethe host suman is helpful and friendly and makes sure any requests made are meteveryone was friendly and welcomingsuman was a great host and the caretaker assisted us with anything we wantedLocation:
location is fabthe house is located in a calm areathe location of the house is so well placedwould definitely choose this place againthis place is located at a very serene & beautiful locationCleanliness:
it is a very clean spacious and well decorated roomthe room was very comfortable and clean with a very cozy bedthe toilet is sparkling clean and the icing on the cake is the house helpRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the room is very comfortable with en suite and there is excellent wifi toothe bed was extremely comfortable as wellwe had nice conversations over breakfastthe room is very well furnished
3. Budget-friendly house close to the beach (from USD 34)
This two-bedroom house has basic furnishings and can sleep up to four people. It comes with mod cons such as wireless internet access, a washing machine, air conditioning, and a TV. There’s also a kitchen with cooking basics and a refrigerator, so you can whip up delectable meals whenever hunger strikes.
Located in a quiet neighborhood, this house is perfect for those seeking convenience and comfort above luxury. It has a separate entrance, a garden, and access to sea views from the rooftop. This house stands out because of its location — it is within walking distance of Elliot’s Beach. There are several cafes and restaurants nearby.
Top guest reviews
Host:
most importantly our host anand have been most helpfulthe host is responsive to requests and takes effort to make your stay a comfortable onehost was very responsive and was able to fullfill all our needsanand is a lovely host very communicative and helpful can't really ask for moreone of the most amazing airbnb i've been to in chennai with wonderful host mrRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is ideal near a festive beach and foodie heavenwill recommend this place and will come again
4. Well-appointed room in a peaceful neighborhood (from USD 30)
This cozy, bright and breezy room is located in a quiet neighborhood. It is equipped with all amenities you need for a comfortable stay. It has a mini-fridge, an electric kettle, and free wireless internet access. Guests have access to the kitchen, where they can prepare light meals and snacks. Home-cooked breakfast is available at an additional charge.
A balcony garden opening from the room offers extra space to unwind. Above all, host Sheryl’s unmatched hospitality enlivens your visit, and her welcome package is a testament to that. If you’d like to enjoy the flavorful South Indian fare, there are several restaurants within walking distance of the property.
Traveler's tips
The Chennai chapter of the Theosophical Society sits just a 10-minute drive from this neighborhood, or you can even take a leisurely stroll through the charming lanes of Besant Nagar to reach the expansive campus on the bank of Adyar River. Apart from iconic structures such as the Headquarters Hall and the temples of different faiths, the ground is filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna, the central attraction being the Great Banyan Tree. I was fascinated by the greenery on my visit here. I still remember the rows of bats I saw hanging from fruit trees. There is also a library which is used by many researchers. Sometimes the campus doesn't allow visitors, especially during specific annual events. So, make sure to visit their website for the latest updates: https://www.ts-adyar.org/
Top guest reviews
Host:
she was the perfect host and made sure that i felt at homesheryl is one awesome hosti can’t recommend her more highly she is an outstanding hostsheryl is an amazing host we loved our stay in her peaceful homesheryl is a fabulous hostLocation:
please don't hesitate to choose her placepeaceful street safe neighbourhood lots of trees walking distance from shops restaurantsit is located in a safe and quiet area full of treesechoing all past comments on how spectacular sheryl's place is - location - perfectsheryl's home is in a beautiful green location and is a very stylish spaceCleanliness:
the room is very very clean everyday it will be cleanedyou will have clean sheets towels and the big bathroom is so cleanplace is quite clean and quietthe bathroom is also perfectly clean and tidybathroom was clean and had plenty of hot waterRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
it has air conditioning and fancomfortable room with balcony and attached toiletthe bedroom bathroom and balcony are all tastefully and thoughtfully decorated for maximum comfortthe beach many stand-up south indian coffee spots the theosophical society are all within comfortable walking distancesi enjoyed the traditional south indian breakfasts and the special seafood lunch she made
5. Spacious house for six (from USD 107)
This modern and well-appointed house is located in a peaceful neighborhood. The tree-lined avenue in the locality adds a foresty flair. The house has three bedrooms, making it well-suited for a family or a group of six travelers.
It is close to all amenities and within walking distance of the beach. After a long day out, you can relax in the living room, which comes with a sofa set and a TV. When feeling peckish, rustle up something delicious in the kitchen with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. In case of doubt or queries, your responsive host comes to the rescue.
Top guest reviews
Host:
thanks to a great host…the experience was just awesomeganesh was very responsive all along and very helpfulclose to the beach very helpful staffLocation:
fantastic location close to the beachbest location of chennaithis is a beautiful apartment close to besant nagar beachneighbourhood is great food options plenty and groceries close bychennai’s best beach eliot beach major restaurants major departmental stores are on walking distanceCleanliness:
the flat is clean and spaciousthe place was very cleanvery nice place very clean and homely aurathe house was clean and had all the basic amenitieswe enjoyed our stay at this place a wonderful apt - clean comfortable and great locationRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
a big thanks to ganesh and vishy for making our check-in/check-out very smooth and our stay very comfortable
6. Well-equipped room for solo travelers (from USD 17)
Located in the safe neighborhood of Kalakshetra, this single-bed rental is perfect for a solo traveler. It is close to all conveniences and provides easy access to the public transport options. Elliot’s beach, Kalakshetra foundation, and Theosophical Society are within walking distance of the property. A short drive takes you to the famous Indian Institute of Technology and Anna University.
A daily maid service ensures clean and excellent maintenance. Guests staying here have access to the kitchen, washing machine, and dryer. One-third of electricity is generated from the rooftop solar power.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts are fantasticvasanthi and sivakumar sir were amazing hoststhe hosts could not have been more helpfulboth vasanthi aunty and kumar uncle are great hoststhey were helpful with local tips tooLocation:
great location to shops restaurants and the city and airportthe location is perfect - at a walkable distance from the beach eateriesthe location is superb in terms of safety access to local stores restaurants and the beachit was located so close to the school which made it very easy for my daily routinethe house is in a very safe area close to a really pretty beachCleanliness:
the airbnb is very clean and it felt homely and comfortablethe place is clean and comfortable and a slice of peace in the craziness of chennaithe place was extremely cleanthe room is comfortable very clean and very very quietthe maintenance i would give 110%/100 or even more spotless and clean absolutelyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
i enjoyed using the communal kitchen and living spacei really loved the sumptuous south indian breakfastthe room is comfortable and the atmosphere was homelythe tv is on during evenings but other than that its peaceful & in a quiet area
7. Three-bedroom apartment overlooking the beach (from USD 116)
Located on the first floor, take a few flights up the stairs to this three-bedroom apartment. Spacious and clean, it ensures a relaxing stay. Elliot’s beach opposite it guarantees some cool sea breeze. In the evening, you can go for a calming stroll along the promenade.
It is independent and secure with a private entrance, and has a parking space for two mid-sized cars. It can easily accommodate up to six people. Plus, guests are offered exclusive terrace access from where you can enjoy stunning sea views.
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely place and an amazing hostgreat host and is very proactive in providing detailsthank you anand for hosting usboth the property and its guests deserve better care from the host at this pointanand was a very responsive and accommodative hostLocation:
easy access to all shopsthe place is nice private and comfortable and the location is unbeatablenice spacious place right next to the beachanand’s is a great placeCleanliness:
a clean place in the perfect placecould have been better with checkin procedures and cleanlinessanand's place is clean spacious with 2 bedrooms with attached shower and a large kitchen and living roomRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
beach front private terrace wifi with good speedthe house is spacious and comfortable and will suit both families and groups
8. Private room with a balcony (from USD 21)
This private room is within walking distance of Elliot beach. It has an air cooler and a private balcony surrounded by lush trees — a calm space to unwind and enjoy the view. The bathroom is shared. When not burning calories in the home-styled terrace gym, laze in the antique Indian-styled swing. If you wish to explore the city, public transport is a five-minute walk away. There’s internet access and a TV in the house for indoor entertainment.
Top guest reviews
Host:
raj is a great hosthighly highly recommend and thank you raj for being such a fantastic hostraj is cheerful and intelligent person with kind hospitality and attentive heartwhat an amazing host i felt quite at home during my short visitraj was an excellent hostLocation:
besant nagar is a good location and rajs house is perfectly located 300 mtrs away from the beachvery beautiful location right by elliott beachthe house is located in a nice location far from the main roads next to the beachthe location is excellent - just a couple of minutes walk from beach in a peaceful residential neighborhoodthis is a wonderful and peaceful place in a great location near elliot’s beachCleanliness:
the room is very clean and spaciousits very safe and cleanhouse itself is very clean neat and cosyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the room is comfortable and overall the stay was pleasant
9. Luxurious condo with stunning sea views (from USD 77)
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay with spectacular sea views and soothing wave sounds, this two-bedroom beachfront condo is for you. Watch picturesque sunrises and sunsets from the comfort of your spacious living area overlooking the sea.
Modern, tasteful and well-equipped, the condo’s open concept maximizes space and ideally suits a small family or a group of four. Charges apply for additional guests. A minimum of four nights stay is required, and discounts for weekly and monthly stays are available. You have access to the condo except for a locked closet in the second bedroom. It has a secure indoor parking space for your vehicle, and with an additional fee, you can avail of the maid services.
Top guest reviews
Host:
narayanan the property manager was so helpfulthe project manager was responsive and delightfullots of helpful people esp mr narayanthis is a wonderful family friendly homethe security guards in the building were very kind and helpfulLocation:
the location is really nicethis is a great location in a great part of the citygreat place and location (especially for a family) great apartmentbeautiful condo great relaxed location very helpful hostthe apartment is in a very good neighborhood and is close to markets and shopsCleanliness:
the bathrooms were clean and were kept dryfind your zen in this clean spacious and well-stockedthat being said we have some minor issues which could be better like cleaning of appliances and faucetsthe home was clean and very comfortableour only advice would be to give it a deep clean between guests we enjoyed our stayRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
a/c wifi and all basic amenities were all wonderfulroomy apartment with an amazing balcony highly recommendedthat said the apartment seems to have seen better daysgreat location and comfortable stay and very good internet connectionthe apartment building is well maintained and easy to get to with autos and cabs
10. Bright and airy room in a posh residential area (from USD 24)
This private, one-bedroom rental can accommodate up to two people. The room has windows that welcome plenty of natural light, giving it an airy feel. Guests have access to laundry facilities, a full kitchen, a garden, and WiFi available on site. A short walk takes you to Elliot’s beach and a plethora of restaurants. Though it’s part of a bigger house, it has an independent entry and parking space.
Top guest reviews
Host:
smiling and helpful hostsconsiderate host and care takerwonderful host and helpful caretakersvery helpful host and caretakerswonderful host and facility is just perfectLocation:
nice location very near to beachalso it's location is the highlightexcellent location and value for moneygood privacy and locationexcellent location and value for money propertyCleanliness:
room was clean and all essentials were thereclean private space in a calm neighbourhoodthe place is little congested for two people but it is clean and neatwe were impressed with the cleanliness and locationthe room and washroom are very well maintained and cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
it’s a beautiful room in a quiet and pretty part of chennaithe room by itself was also clean and had all the necessary amenities
Explore the upscale neighborhood of Besant Nagar
If you’re looking for a tranquil vacation by the sea, base yourself in the coastal neighborhood of Besant Nagar. It is home to the popular Elliot’s beach, laid-back cafes, and delicious restaurants. For an unforgettable experience, book any of the above listed Airbnb vacation rentals in Besant Nagar, India.
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