Karl Schmidt Memorial — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

The Karl Schmidt Memorial in Chennai is a tribute to a Dutch sailor, Kaj Erik Gjolstad Schmidt, who sacrificed his life in 1930 while attempting to save a drowning girl at Elliot’s Beach. The memorial, originally erected by the then Governor of Madras, Sir George Frederick Stanley, was later damaged by the elements and the 2004 tsunami but was renovated in 2014. It is the only heritage structure on the beach and is a poignant reminder of bravery and sacrifice.

The memorial is simple yet striking, with an inscription that commemorates Schmidt's heroism. Located near Elliot’s Beach, the site is surrounded by other attractions like Ashtalakshmi Temple and the Velankanni Church.

While the memorial is not a major tourist hotspot, its significance makes it a quiet and reflective place to visit, particularly if you're interested in history and paying respects to an unsung hero. The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is cooler.

Though it doesn't offer any elaborate amenities or services, the memorial's tranquil setting by the beach adds to its appeal. If you are in the area for a leisurely walk, it’s worth a visit for its...

This white brick structure stands out amidst the makeshift kiosks and food stalls that dot the sandy shore of Elliot's beach fondly known as Bessy beach. The structure raised in 1930 is dedicated to the memory of a Danish sailor KAJ Schmidt who lost his life rescueing an English girl from drowning at sea. Legend has it that the Governor was furious finding the girl at a party that same evening as though nothing had happened. And he commissioned the building of the memorial. A small epitaph on the memorial talks of the gallantry of the sailor.

Today inspite of the fence around the structure and the renovations done to it, the structure which incidentally lacks a stone foundation has been significantly weakened by the natural effect of the sea water and the anthropological effect of the young visitors who choose to use it as a canvas to display their graffiti skills and a stage to pose from for their photoshoots.

Yet the simple white structure continues to stand on. Now turned into an icon of the beach itself. Continuing to draw a crowd of curious tourists and beachcomers. And it will probably continue to stand on bearing witness to bravery of that...

The Karl Schmidt Memorial is an engineering milestone celebrating an European mariner who suffocated in 1930 attempting to save the existence of a young lady. It is situated at Elliot's Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The landmark was in a neglected state,but has as of late been reestablished.

As per antiquarians, Schmidt, who had gone to the sea shore, saw an English young lady getting into the water who before long began battling against the tide. In a fruitful endeavor to save her life, he lost his own.The English young lady, who Schmidt saved from the ocean, gone to a gathering the next night like nothing had occurred. The then lead representative, who was evidently irate with her, assembled the remembrance to check Schmidt's chivalrous...