Introduction

This is about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from Kanyakumari, close to Sanguthurai beach. Chothavilai is a 4-kilometer (2.5 miles) stretch of fine sand and among the longest beaches in Tamil Nadu. After the havoc wrecked by the 2004 Tsunami, the beach was reconstructed and refurbished to attract visitors again. So when you arrive at the beach, you will pass through a recently erected entrance frame with motifs of seahorse and starfish among other fish and a white conch on the top of the frame. Ahead of which is a flight of stairs leading you down to the white sandy beach. The vista of the sparkling blue sea from the stair-end is mesmerizing. On either side the beach stretches as far as the eye can see, speckled with gazebo-style sitting area, a few rustic shanties and a watchtower. It is engrossing to watch the small white waves tirelessly crash against the shore and ebb away. Shallow water makes Chothavilai ideal for swimming. With high sand dunes in the background and an endless aqua blue sea stretching into distance, the few hours spent at this Kanyakumari beach will be truly memorable.

It’s a lovely drive through the newly built coastal road offering sweeping sea views. There are, however, no direct buses to the place from Kanyakumari. You need to first take a bus to Nagerkoil, and from there board into another bus for Chothavilai.

Special Attributes

This beach was devastated by the 2004 Tsunami. Make a trip to see how beautifully it has come up again.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

There are, however, no direct buses to the place from Kanyakumari. You need to first take a bus to Nagerkoil, and from there board into another bus for Chothavilai. Alternately, you can take a private taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kanyakumari.

Enjoyed by

Sun and sand lovers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. It gets very hot and sultry in the noon. And if you are visiting around then, wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, and carry your sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

You can also visit the Sanguthurai Beach located close by.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

This beach is ideal for swimming.

Type of site

Beach getaway/sun and sand