Dhanushkodi is a small, sparsely populated beach town on the coast of Tamil Nadu. In 1964, Dhanushkodi was hit by one of the worst cyclones India had ever seen. Since then, Tamil Nadu has rebuilt this city to become one of the most unique and unusual beach towns in India.
This small town redefines the word isolated. This city, cut off from the rest of the world, seems untouched by time. While the rest of India races to advance in the race for prosperity, the city seems to be frozen in history reflecting its grandeur and beauty.
Places To Visit In Dhanushkodi
- Dhanushkodi Beach
Dhanushkodi Beach is one of the major attractions of this quaint town. The white sand beach is mostly deserted. So you can enjoy a quiet walk on the beach without worrying about disturbances from a huge crowd of beach-goers. Also, from time to time, you will see someone selling food and drink. In short, this beach experience is one you will remember.
- Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a group of 21 small and breathtakingly beautiful islands, as well as some adjacent coral reefs and shallow water habitats, located in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean. The park is also the core area for the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve and is home to a myriad of plants and animals in its marine, intertidal, and near-shore habitats.
When it comes to marine biodiversity, it claims to be one of the richest regions. Not only does the park have three aquatic ecosystems, which are coral reefs, sea grasses, and mangroves, but it is also home to salt marshes and distinct algae communities. The different estuaries, beaches, and forests in the park further enhance its beauty and showcase nature in all its glory.
- Adam’s Bridge
Adam’s Bridge, a natural bridge that connects India to its neighboring country Sri Lanka, is situated amidst a gorgeous setting of raw nature that can leave anyone inspired by its beauty in awe. The 50 km long and 3 km wide bridge begins as a series of shoals from Dhanushkodi (the tip of the Pamban Bridge in India) and ends at the island of Mannar in Sri Lanka.
Adam’s Bridge, also known as Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu, is believed to be a mythical bridge that is mainly a series of coral reefs and sandbanks. A lot of controversies are attached regarding the origin and structure of this legendary bridge. The place provides a very relaxed aura and is a delightful experience for travelers.
- Pamban island
If you are looking for a quiet recluse, Pamban Island is your favorite place. With spectacular beaches and a skyline dotted with towering coconut groves, this tiny island lies between the Indian peninsula and Sri Lanka. It forms the Rameswaram taluk of the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. The island is separated from the mainland by the Pamban Channel. Pamban is not only about religion, but it is also a nature lover’s paradise. The island overlooks the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
- Church and Station Ruins
Back in 1964, before the cyclone hit Dhanushkodi, there was a railway station and church close to the coast. They were destroyed in the cyclone, but their remains have survived and are simply fascinating.
- Ramar Patham temple
About 20 km from Dhanushkodi is the Ramar Patham Temple. A stone in the temple is believed to have the footprints of Lord Rama himself. It is believed that it is at this place that Lord Hanuman told Lord Rama that he had found Goddess Sita in Sri Lanka.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanushkodi
Q. Why is Dhanushkodi famous?
A – The town of Dhanushkodi is believed to be the place where Lord Rama ordered Lord Hanumana to build a bridge that could lead his army to Sri Lanka, where the demon king Ravana held Sita captive. As ordered, Lord Hanuman obliged and it was here that the Ram Setu was constructed by the Vanar Sena.
Q. Are tourists allowed in Dhanushkodi?
A – Take a trip to Dhanushkodi, one of the top tourist places in Tamil Nadu and you have reached the end of India.
Q. Why is Dhanushkodi called a ghost town?
A – After the disaster, the government, after analyzing the dangerous location of Dhanushkodi, declared it an uninhabited place. Hence the place became popular as a ghost town. Today no one lives here except about 50-60 fishermen and a few local shopkeepers.
Q. Why is Dhanushkodi called the last road of India?
A – Dhanushkodi is called the last land of India as Dhanushkodi is just 25 km away from Sri Lanka. Here the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet.
Q. Is Sri Lanka visible from Dhanushkodi?
A – No, it is not possible to see Sri Lanka from Dhanushkodi. It is about 18 km from Dhanushkodi Beach.
Q. Is Sri Lanka visible from Rameshwaram?
A – It is on Pamban Island which is separated from mainland India by the Pamban Channel and about 40 km from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. It is in the Gulf of Mannar at the tip of the Indian peninsula.
Q. Can we stay the night at Dhanushkodi?
A – Dhanushkodi can be reached by road from Rameshwaram only during the day till sunset. There is no arrangement for an overnight stay there.
Q. Which language is spoken in Dhanushkodi?
A – Tamil is the language spoken in Dhanushkodi and Rameswaram. The author, his family, his friends, and his teachers also spoke Tamil.
Q. Is Dhanushkodi the border of India?
A – Dhanushkodi is an abandoned town on the southeastern tip of Pamban Island. It shares the only land border between India and Sri Lanka.
Q. How was Dhanushkodi destroyed?
A – Half a century ago, Dhanushkodi was a flourishing town, until a cyclone destroyed it on the night of December 22, 1964. The storm wiped out almost all traces of human settlements. Since then, it resembles a ghost town.
Q. Why doesn’t India have any bridge to Sri Lanka?
A – By 1480, Sri Lanka and India were connected by a land bridge called the Adam’s Bridge, making it possible to travel from one country to the other easily. This natural bridge was destroyed by a severe cyclone.
