Besant Nagar
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Besant Nagar is one of Chennai's most elite neighbourhoods, named after the famous lady theosophist Annie Besant, and adjoins the Theosophical Society. The Theosophical Society HeadQuarters located here, is famed for its Banyan trees and serene settings. It was founded in 1875, and is a worldwide body whose primary objective is Universal Brotherhood. Kalakshetra Academy, the world famous dance school started by Rukmini Devi Arundale is also present in this locality.
Besant Nagar is primarily a residential neighbourhood comprising of mainly posh dwellings, but also comprises a few slum colonies, mostly belonging to the fishermen toiling the seas near Besant Nagar Beach. It is also home to a number of eminent personalities residing in the area. Originally a quiet residential area, the popularity of the nearby Elliot's Beach, has led to a steady increase in commercial activities.
Apart from the usually crowded and extremely vibrant Elliot's beach, It is also home to many popular places of worship - The Varasiddhi Vinayaka temple, Ashtalakshmi Kovil, Arupadai Murugan Kovil, Ratnagirishwarar Kovil and the Velankanni Church.
The area also boasts a wide variety of eat-outs like Eden, Cascade, Lotus Pond, Subway, Vishranthi, Planet Yumm, Fruit Shop on Greams Road, Tharavad, Dhabba Express, Barista, Khaana Khazaana and Kumarakom that reflect the growing multiculturalism of the neighbourhood.
Nearby localities include Adyar and Thiruvanmiyur.
