Everyone is familiar with the Ramayana. Lord Ram, Sita and Laxman were on a vanvas (exiled). During their exile, Ravana kidnapped Sita and imprisoned her in his Lanka. Lord Ram wanted to rescue his wife from the clutches of Ravana. He had to cross the strait to reach Lanka. So Ram and his army built a stone bridge from India to Lanka. This bridge is the Ram Setu. Would you like to see it? If yes, travel to Dhanushkodi, India’s southernmost tip.

I visited Dhanushkodi in August 2021, when they lifted the COVID regulations. When we arrived here, the police informed us Dhanushkodi was closed. We were heartbroken but not discouraged. We were searching if there was another way to reach Dhanushkodi when I looked into the rearview mirror. The police were moving the barricades. We quickly started our car and went back. The police let us through. I don’t know why they changed their minds. But I’m thankful they did. We were only a few cars the whole way.

ABOUT DHANUSHKODI

Dhanushkodi is a small town in Tamil Nadu. Once upon a time, Dhanushkodi served as a bridge between India and Sri Lanka. People travelled between the two countries for trade and commerce. During British rule, there was a railway station. It was a flourishing fishing village with a train station, a post office and a church. In 1964, a cyclone wiped out the entire hamlet overnight. Since then, Dhanushkodi has been called a ghost town.

Even today, some fishermen still live in the area. You can see their huts on the way. While driving, you can see the ruins of the old structures. Travellers come here to marvel at Ram Setu.

NOTE:- Dhanushkodi is a ghost town. Therefore it is open from 6 am to 5 pm. Sometimes it is open till 6 pm.

HOW TO REACH DHANUSHKODI?

Dhanushkodi is a small village on Pamban Island. It lies in the Palk Strait that separates India and Sri Lanka. The Pamban bridge connects Pamban island to the mainland.

You have to pass through Rameshwaram to reach Dhanushkodi. You can arrive at the nearest train station (Rameshwaram station) or airport (Madurai airport). From here, hire a taxi, bus or autorickshaw to Rameshwaram. Then take the taxi to Dhanushkodi, 19.2 km away.

Dhanushkodi is at the end of Pamban Island. The only way to reach here is by road. This road is a part of national highway 87. Continue driving for 5.3 km to arrive at the end of the road. Here you will find the circle shown in many pictures.

PLACES TO SEE IN AND AROUND DHANUSHKODI

A cyclone hit Dhanushkodi in 1964. People deserted the village. But there are still a few places you can visit in and around Dhanushkodi, India’s southernmost tip.

You can tour all the sights in and around Dhanushkodi in a day. If you don’t want an activity-packed day, you can visit the sites over two days. The best way to sightsee is by hiring an autorickshaw or taxi for the entire day. You don’t have to worry about parking spaces or driving down narrow roads.

THE TOWN RUINS

While driving, you can see the ruins of the once flourishing village. Dhanushkodi was a well-established town with a running train station, a post office and a church.

The ruins of the railway station and church are popular among visitors. You can only see the pillars of the train station. But most of the church is still intact. Also, along the way, there is a pier. But during my visit, the police had barricaded the entrance. If during your visit it is open, do visit. It’s a good place for some snapshots.

Along the way, you can see a giant observation tower. The entrance was locked. It looked like it had been closed off a long time ago. I’m sure the view is killer from the top.

ARICHAL MUNAI

Arichal Munai is where everyone wants to go. It is the circle at the end of the road. You have to drive for 5.3 km from Dhanushkodi to Arichal Munai. It is a drive that you will imprinted in your memories. While driving, you can hear the Bay of Bengal on the left and the Indian Ocean on your right. It’s like racing towards a wormhole at the end of the road that will transport you to another dimension.

I remember driving down this road. There was no one in sight, only our car. The road to Arichal Munai separates the two water bodies. Think, emerald waters of the Bay of Bengal glitter on your left and icy blue waters of the Indian Ocean on your right.

The circle at the end marks the end of Pamban Island. A small pillar with the Indian emblem stands in the middle. Here, you can witness the joining of the two water bodies— the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

You can spot a few vendors selling shell accessories. In many pictures, I have seen small stalls. But since Dhanushkodi had just reopened, only small vendors were there.

DHANUSHKODI BEACH

The Dhanushkodi beach is adjacent to Arichal Munai. The Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet here, resulting in huge waves. The beach is dangerous and unfit for swimming. So, for public safety, the government has closed the bridge. Earlier a small stairway led to the beach. Now, concrete barricades stands there. Also, the area beyond the wall is laden with huge rocks. People have knocked down parts of the barrier.

NOTE:- You can walk among the rocks. But your safety is your responsibility.

While walking on the rocks, be careful. The boulders are unstable. I slipped on the rocks and sprained my ankle. Luckily, we were returning home in a few days. So I wasn’t worried about walking around on a swollen ankle.

But don’t be disheartened. There are other places where you can dip your toes. While driving, there are plenty of places to walk down to the beach. Stop at any of these places. But while at the beach, be careful. The sea is tumultuous and not suitable for swimming. But you can dip your toes in the ocean or walk on the beach.

THE RAM SETU

Dhanushkodi is India’s southernmost tip, and Ram Setu is the highlight. There are divided opinions regarding the bridge. According to the Ramayana, Ram and his army built this bridge to reach Lanka. But geologists state that the Ram Setu is a natural occurrence. The coral reefs or limestone shoals took place over time. Interestingly, the shoals are 18,400 years old, which coincides with the Ramayana.

Did Ram build that bridge? If yes, does that mean Ramayana took place? Or is the bridge a natural phenomenon? Well, no one knows the exact answer. Which theory do you believe? It is up to you.

Before my trip, I always read blogs about that place. This time it was no different. People often talk about seeing the Ram Setu. I was excited! I was finally going to see it myself. When I reached the end, I looked left and right. But the stone bridge was nowhere to be seen. I don’t know if I couldn’t see the Ram Setu because of the high tide or if it was never visible. I suspect the only sure way to see the stone bridge is in a helicopter or from a plane.

The Ramanathaswamy temple recorded that the Ram Setu was above sea level ,and people could walk a few meters across it. But in 1480, there was a cyclone, and the bridge sank. Maybe that is why people still believe that you can see the Ram Setu from here.

RAMANATHASWAMY TEMPLE

The Ramanathaswamy temple is a Shiva temple on Pamban Island. The temple compound is widespread, with four gopuras standing tall in each direction. There are 22 teerthams (holy water bodies) around the temple. Devotees bathe here before entering the temple. It is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. Therefore it is a revered pilgrim centre.

Lord Ram prayed to Shiva before crossing the bridge. He asked for forgiveness because he was on his way to kill Ravana, who was a brahmin. So for the puja, he needed a Linga. Hanuman flew to the Himalayas to get one. But Hanuman was a bit late. So Ram made a linga using sand. Later Hanuman brought the linga called the Vishwalingam. Ram said the Vishwalingam should be worshipped first and then the sand one. To date, the temple pujaris follow this tradition.

Aside from lingas, there are smaller shrines of other gods and goddesses in the temple, for example, shrines of Vishnu, Ganesh and others. The temple has the longest corridor among the Hindu temples in India. King Rebel Muthuramalinga Sethupathiy built this corridor.

TIMINGS:- The temple is open daily from 4 am to 1 pm and reopens from 3 pm to 8:30 pm. LOCATION:- Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526.

PAMBAN BRIDGE

The Pamban Bridge on the Palk Strait is a railway bridge. It was the only source of transportation between the mainland and Pamaban Island. Aside from that, it was also India’s first sea. Until 2010 it was the longest sea bridge. This year the Pamban bridge turned 108 years old. But the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, parallel to Pamban Bridge, has made the island more accessible.

Soon the bridge will be a world heritage site. The Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge offers impressive views of the Pamban Bridge. Or you can experience the joy of taking a train across the Pamban bridge. Take a train from Rameshwaram to the mainland or vice-versa. Stop by the road bridge in the evening to catch a pretty sunset. The lucky ones might even see a train.

LOCATION:- Pamban Bridge, Pamban, Tamil Nadu 623519.

HOUSE OF ABDUL KALAM

Everyone knows who’s Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He was and is one of the greatest minds and scientists of India. He was the most admired President of India. But do you know that he was born and raised in Rameshwaram? Yes, Dr Abdul Kalam was from Rameshwaram. His family lived in a hut. As the years passed, they expanded the hut. Now a building stands in its place. It is known as the House of Kalam.

The House of Kalam is a building with blue-tinted windows. House of Kalam is on a narrow street. So cars can’t go there. You have to park your vehicles on the main road and walk to the museum. However, parking is at your own risk. It is a 2-minute walk from the street.

In 2011, they converted the house into a museum. The museum offers a glimpse into the life of Dr Abdul Kalam. You can find pictures from his childhood, his achievements and awards. The museum showcases the journey of Abdul Kalam from a small-town boy to a renowned scientist and personality of India. It is a must-visit when in Rameshwaram.

TICKETS:- Rs. 5 per person. TIMINGS:- From saturday to Thursday, the museum is open from 8 am to 7:30 pm, and on Fridays, it opens from 8 am to 12:45 pm and 3 pm to 7:30 pm. LOCATION:- 12/7, Mosque Street, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526.

WHERE TO STAY?

When visiting Dhanushkodi, India’s southernmost tip, stay in Rameshwaram. Because it is a pilgrim centre, there are hundreds of hotels in the area. Also, Rameshwaram is only 20 minutes away.

TIP:- Book hotels a little further from the Ramanathaswamy temple. Because the roads near the temple are narrow, and most hotels near the temple don’t have parking spaces.

I have recommended three hotels — JKR Resorts and spa, Hotel Arjunaa and Rameshwaram Grand.

You can book the hotel online at makemytrip.com.

NOTE:- This is not a sponsored post.

JKR RESORTS AND SPA

Earlier, Hyatt ran the hotel. Now it is under JKR resorts and spa. It is a luxury hotel compared to the other hotels in Rameshwaram. I was planning on staying here but unfortunately couldn’t.

The hotel is large and offers various facilities, for example, ample parking, a souvenir shop etc. They have a long rectangular swimming pool. Also, they have an in-house pure vegetarian restaurant. The hotel is 2.38 km from the temple.

The hotel is large and offers various facilities, for example, ample parking, a souvenir shop etc. They have a long rectangular swimming pool. Also, they have an in-house pure vegetarian restaurant. The hotel is 2.38 km from the temple. You can opt for a King room or a twin beds room. The rooms are medium-sized with clean and spacious bathrooms.

LOCATION:- D. No.: 1A/1, near Kaatupillaiyar Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526.

HOTEL ARJUNAA

Hotel Arjunaa has several positive reviews on Google. If you are travelling with a driver, this is a good option. The hotel provides free of charge accommodations for drivers. Also, the temple is only 1.5 km away.

You can choose your accommodation from among an executive double room (double bed), an executive twin room (twin beds), a family room ( two double beds) and a king suite (king-size bed and a living room). The rooms are large, but the bathrooms are compact. The hotel has an in-house vegetarian restaurant. Hotel Arjunaa has ample parking space for vehicles.

It’s a good hotel for staying with friends and family.

LOCATION:- 15K1, Temple Road, near Bus Stand, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526.

RAMESHWARAM GRAND

I wasn’t expecting huge crowds in Rameshwaram during my visit. So I was without a hotel booking. All the good hotels were full, so I stayed at Rameshwaram Grand. And the hotel had numerous positive reviews on Google.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel near the temple, then Rameshwaram Grand is the one. Also, the hotel is near the Rameshwaram train station. It is a new building. The hotel staff is hospitable and friendly.

They have spacious rooms. Bathrooms are spacious and hygienic. Also, the parking space is limited. It is open parking. They have a watchman on duty. So your cars are secure.

LOCATION:- Railway Feeder Rd, opp. to Railway Station, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526.

BEST TIME TO VISIT DHANUSHKODI, INDIA’S SOUTHERNMOST TIP

Dhanushkodi is a coastal town. It means that it experiences hot summers. So the summer months, March to May, have high temperatures. And the road to Dhanushkodi is barren without much shade. You can travel during the summer if you don’t mind the heat.

There are lesser tourists during the monsoon months. Between June to August, the town experiences moderate rainfall and sometimes storms. Head out after checking the weather forecast.

September to February are the best months to visit Dhanushkodi. The monsoon clouds have sailed away, and winter is approaching. The temperatures are in the mid-twenties. Since it’s a coastal town, the temperatures don’t fall too far below. December has the lowest temperature. It is also the peak season. So avoid holidays or long weekends, to avoid large crowds.

TIPS

• No matter what month you are in Dhanushkodi, carry enough water. There are stalls here. But sometimes they might not be open, so come prepared.
• Avoid going to Dhanushkodi in the evening. It is dangerous.
• Rameshwaram is a renowned Hindu pilgrim. It is flooded with devotees all year round. So book hotels ahead of time.
• The Ramanathaswamy temple has a strict dress code. Men can wear long pants and t-shirts or Kurtis and pyjama or lungis and shirts. Women can wear saris, long skirts with a half-sleeved blouse or long pants and shirts and t-shirts. For more details, read — Dress code for South Indian temples.
• Most of the restaurants in Rameshwaram are pure vegetarian. You can find non-vegetarian restaurants if you search online.

CONCLUSION

Dhanushkodi is a coastal town on Pamban Island. Aside from being the tip of the Indian peninsula, Dhanushkodi has a lot to offer. You can visit the different temples of Rameshwaram, take a dip in the teerthams, and witness the merging of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. Scenic drive? Check. Turquoise or emerald waters? Check. Adventure water sports? Check. Weekend destination? Check. Dhanushkodi, India’s southernmost tip, has it all.

You can tour all the major sights in a day or two. Soon I will be uploading a 2-day itinerary for Dhanushkodi.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

Travel is an investment in yourself.

matthEw Karsten