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Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram
We can find locations like Dhanushkodi very rarely that are geographically, historically, and mythologically enriching. Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram is one such location that tourists visit to witness multiple sides. This site is even more attractive because the location is related to Ramayana, and the area even got its name from there. A major cyclonic storm had destroyed the town, but this place has retained its charm. Moreover, this is a popular tourist spot offering unparalleled beauty. Read this article to learn everything about Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu.
Location of Dhanushkodi:
Rameshwaram, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Dhanushkodi timings
6 am to 6 pm on all days
Overview of Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram
Dhanushkodi is a small and one of the least populated beach towns. It is an isolated town on the Tamil Nadu coast. Located only 20 km from Rameswaram, Dhanushkodi is one of the most unique places you can visit in Tamil Nadu. The name Dhanushkodi translates to “End of Bow”, and this location is also related to the Hindu epic Ramayana. With a length of only 50 yards, it is one of the smallest towns in the whole world.
Moreover, this location is the last land in India before Sri Lanka. The distance between Dhanushkodi and Sri Lanka is only 15 km. The Bay of Bengal surrounds the town of Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other.
Religiously, this town was always significant, and people still visit here to witness remnants of the Dhanushkodi temple. In 1964, a violent storm hit Dhanushkodi at a speed of approx 280 km per hour, and that cyclone changed the mode of this town forever. The majority of this town was completely wiped off after this violent event. Not just that, it also hit a passenger train and killed all the people who were travelling at that time. In total, more than 1800 people lost their lives.
Furthermore, a massive chunk of the town came under the water and remained submerged. Everything happened so highly that the Government declared it a Ghost town, Dhanushkodi. This meant that this town is no longer fit for habitation.
What’s more?
After this cyclone, only the Dhanushkodi Temple was left unaffected. At present, there are ruins of temples. Apart from that, there is a water tank, a church, and a railway station. Because of the legend associated with it, people still visit the city. They came here to see the devastating effect of the cyclone. It is like a historical trip where you can learn about the past.
How to reach Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram
There are no direct modes of transport in Dhanushkodi. You won’t find Dhanushkodi railway station or airport here. However, you can reach it in multiple ways.
- By air
It is not the most comfortable route if you are willing to fly to Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram, as no airports are nearby. The nearest airport is in Madurai, which is the option you can choose if you travel from a distance. The distance from Madurai to Dhanushkodi is about 198 km. You may not get direct buses or cabs from Madurai to Dhanushkodi; in that case, you will have to travel to Rameshwaram. From there, you can get cabs or buses to reach Dhanushkodi.
- By train
The nearest railway station to Dhanushkodi is Rameswaram. The distance between them is 18 km, and the station is connected to all the nearby locations and major cities. From Rameswaram to Dhanushkodi, you have multiple options for travelling. You can either get a taxi, hire a car, or even avail yourself of local transport like a tuk-tuk.
- By road
You can find regular bus services from Rameswaram to reach here. If you travel from anywhere nearby, you can opt for buses until Rameshwaram. The time to travel from Rameswaram is about 30 to 45 minutes. You can also drive your own vehicle to reach here. A lot of travelers also travel from Bangalore to Dhanushkodi via Salem—Madurai road. It would take around 11 hours to get there from Bangalore.
At present, a new road is being constructed, and it is an extension of National Highway 87. It runs till Pamban Island and Rameswaram. If you can travel by bus, you can get the bus from Agni Theertham in Rameshwaram. Every 30 minutes, you will get buses from here, and the ticket price is Rs. 30 per person. Auto rickshaws are also an excellent option for traveling on this route, costing Rs. 800 for a two-way trip. You can also hire a car for Rs. 1500 for a round trip. However, the Border Security Force of India guards the final stretch, and entry is possible only till 6 pm. So the last bus will also be available before 6 pm. Do keep that in mind.
Dhanushkodi History
Before the cyclone attack, Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram was a significant location. The British took extra care to develop this small town as a connection point between India and Sri Lanka. Previously, the transport of goods served as an important port between the two countries. It was also easy to travel there as well. Passengers used to take trains from Madras, Chennai at present, to Danushkodi. From there, they used to take ferries to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. It was also possible for them to take another train to reach Colombo as well. At that time, Dhanushkodi had its own hospital, church, post office, schools, hotels, etc.
Legend of Dhanushkodi
Another thing that goes back with the history of Dhanushkodi is its legend. A chain of submerged shoals is present here: the Ram Setu Dhanushkodi or the Adam’s Bridge. According to popular belief, Lord Rama, along with his army of monkeys, built this rock bridge so that he could cross the location to reach present-day Sri Lanka. He reached there to save Devi Sita from demon king Ravana. Until the 15th century, the bridge was above the ocean. However, according to popular myths, Lord Rama destroyed the bridge himself while he was victoriously returning so that no one else could cross it further. He also marked the end of the bridge with the back of his bow. The town of Dhanushkodi got its name from there.
Some historians and experts believe the story is valid; therefore, many devotees visit this sacred spot to witness it. One of the places the devotees visit is the most famous Kodandarama Kovil Temple. According to beliefs, it is where Lord Rama started his journey to Lanka.
Dhanushkodi Tourist Places
You can find some charming, tranquil locations in Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram. This is one of the comparatively calmer locations. So whenever you visit there, ensure you don’t take advantage of these spots.
- Dhanushkodi Beach
This is a central Dhanushkodi tourist place that attracts many tourists. Moreover, the beach’s beauty makes it one of the most serene locations here. It is one of the most peaceful and quaint locations. You can enjoy some quiet time and unfiltered beauty here. This is a white sand beach and is one of the secluded locations.
Furthermore, this beach is unlike any other commercial beach so that you can enjoy a different vibe here. Some sellers also sell food you can enjoy while sitting on the beach or strolling around. It will surely be a memorable experience for you.
- Adam’s Bridge or Ram Setu
This is undoubtedly one of the major attractions in Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram. It is a natural bridge 50 km long and 3 km wide. According to popular belief, Lord Rama, along with Lord Hanuman and his army of monkeys, made this bridge to reach Lanka to save Devi Sita from the evil clutches of Ravana. This is a chain of coral reefs and sandbanks and looks beautiful. Also, Dhanushkodi is the last tip of Rameswaram, and this ancient bridge is a few meters away. You cannot miss out on visiting this location.
- Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
Spread across an area of 6.23 sq km, the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is one of the popular tourist destinations in this area. The park has three aquatic ecosystems: sea grass, coral reefs, and mangroves. Moreover, the park is beautiful with its estuaries, forests, and beaches. So make sure you visit this marine park.
- Church and Station ruins
The 1964 cyclone destroyed the town to an unrecognizable stage. However, whatever remains looks fascinating so that you can check them out.
- Ramar Patham Temple
This temple is located in Dhanushkodi and holds a lot of importance. According to beliefs, this is the location where Lord Hanuman told Lord Rama that he had found Devi Sita in Sri Lanka. Also, the devotees believe that there are footprints of Lord Rama in this temple.
Wrapping Up!
Rameshwaram Dhanushkodi is one such location you need to explore on your own to learn about its offers. From its historical importance to mythological and religious relevance, this location is rich in its values. Remember the importance of its strategic geographical location, which makes it even more alluring. So, if you are ever travelling to Rameshwaram or Tamil Nadu, this is undoubtedly a must-visit spot.
Moreover, the beauty of Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram will win over your heart in all sorts of ways. You will feel fascinated as you visit the location and learn about all the myths attached to it. Witnessing the town of Dhanushkodi Rameshwaram will be an experience in itself. So let me know when you are planning a visit to this location. Also, let me know if this article is helpful for you in planning a trip there.
