Dhanushkodi Remparts of Dark Tourism

 Dhanushkodi - The Ghost Town

Located at the south eastern tip of Pamban Island or Rameshwaram Island, Dhanuskodi is one of the unique attractions near Rameshwaram. It is located around 20 km away from Rameshwaram. The name Dhanuskodi means "end of bow" which denotes the legend of Lord Rama and the Hindu sacred text Ramayana. One of the smallest towns in the world, with a length of just 50 yards, Dhanushkodi is the land border between Sri Lanka and India. It is around 15 km away from Sri Lanka border. This town has a long stretch of beach, running up to 15 km. The town of Dhanushkodi is surrounded by Bay of Bengal on one side and Indian Ocean on other side.

What Happend in Dhanushkodi

It was in 1964 when a cyclone hit the holy town of Dhanushkodi, which was a popular pilgrimage. A passenger train along with around 200 passengers which was running on Dhanushkodi railway line from Pamban bridge was also hit, killing all the people on the train. A total of more than 2000 people had lost their lives in this cyclone. Entire town was washed away with just a few ruins left in the entire town. The high tidal waves also destroyed the Pambam town. After this natural calamity, Madras Government had announced this town as unfit for residing and thus this town has been declared as a ghost town. 

What Left in Dhanushkodi

Presently only a few fishermen and their families stay in this town. After the cyclone, only the temple was left unaffected. Once at Dhanuskodi, one can see only a few remains of the yesteryear. Apart the ruins of temple, visitors can see a water tank of the railway station, Church & Post office. People come here to explore the historical background of this place, to see the strong structure of temple that could withstand a devastating cyclone. Many devotees also come to the holy land of Dhanuskodi to seek lord’s blessings, to touch the land which has great legend behind it.

History of Dhanushkodi

Dhanushodi's history can be traced much further back than the British era, to the time of Hindu mythology. A submerged chain of limestone shoals, known as Adam's Bridge, extends all the way from the furthermost tip of Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar. According to legends of Ramayana which is one of the most sacred Hindu texts, Dhanuskodi is the place where Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman along with Lord Hanuman and the vanara army had built a bridge to Lanka so as to rescue Goddess Sita who was in the captivity of demon Ravana. 

This bridge is known as Ram Setu. It is said by some to have stood above the ocean until a cyclone destroyed it in the 15th century. Others say that Lord Ram destroyed the bridge himself, with the end of his bow, after victoriously returning to India to prevent anyone else from using it. He also marked the spot where the bridge was to be built with an end of his bow. This gave rise to the town's name, Dhanushkodi (meaning bow's end). Regardless, Hindus believe that the shoals are the remnants of Ram Setu.

How To Reach Dhanushkodi

By Air: Madurai Domestic Airport, 160 km far away from the nearest connecting city to Rameshwaram and subsequently Dhanushkodi.

By Rail: Rameshwaram is the nearest railway station from Dhanushkodi which has plenty of trains running in tandem from Chennai and Madurai.

By Road: Rameshwaram is the nearest city located at a distance of 20 km from Dhanushkodi. Rameshwaram is well-connected by rail and road with major cities like Chennai and Madurai. 

Travel Like a Local in Dhanushkodhi

• From Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodhi is full day excursion tour. 
• Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodhi Govt. bus available after every 30 minute. Fare is only INR 30/-
• Taxi & Auto also you can hire. Auto takes around INR 800/- & Taxi charge around INR 1500/- return trip.
• Tourist are allowed at Dhanushkodi from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is not possible to shoot sunset pictures from Dhanushkodi.
• There are few vendors who sell snacks & fruits near the place. There is such type of restaurant.
•  Best time to travel October - March