ChothaviLai Beach

ChothaviLai or SothaviLai beach is one of the most important beaches in Kanyakumari district. The beach here stretches over 4 km which make it one of the longest beaches in Tamil Nadu. It is also one among the most seriously affected areas of the district during the 2004 Tsunami.

It is said that there are many places in this area are related to Mahabaratha.  Once Pandavas (except Dharma) went to a pond to take bath. A ghost, the guard of the pool told them to make a pooja to God, the owner of the pool to get permission . But the brothers didn't mind it and went for bath. The ghost got angry and made the brothers unconscious or dead.

After some time, Dharma came to that place and shocked seeing his brothers dead. He requested the ghost to make his brothers alive. Then he made a pooja and the brothers got up. Even now we can see a very small pond, near the beach named "Nachu Poikai" (means "poison pond") and a small temple near by.

There after name of the place became "SETHA VILAI" means "Death Place". As the time go on, SethaviLai become "SothaviLai" or "ChothaviLai".

Ambala Pathi and Kumaran Thazhai are famous temples near by. Another beach called Sanku thurai Beach also near to this.