Chothavilai Beach

Tamil Nadu, India

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Chothavilai Beach (also spelled Sothavilai) is a 4-kilometre stretch of white sand in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, located about 10–12 km from Kanyakumari town along the coast, making it one of the longest and most important beaches in the area.

It’s known for its calm, crystal-clear shallow waters, clean shores and relatively uncrowded, serene atmosphere, which make it especially suitable for swimming, walking, jogging and relaxing in nature. The beach features a children’s play area, permanent gazebos and a viewing tower that visitors can climb, offering panoramic views of the sea and spectacular sunsets that have made it popular for evening visits.

It was seriously affected by the 2004 tsunami but was restored and reopened as a major local tourist destination, with no entry fee and open 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant, and it’s easily reachable by road from Nagercoil or Kanyakumari, making it a good weekend getaway for those seeking a peaceful coastal experience.