You are reading this post. So, this means you are planning a trip to Dhanushkodi. This post is a 2-day Dhanushkodi itinerary. But if you are searching for a detailed guide, head to — Dhanushkodi, India’s southernmost tip. Here you will find helpful tips, sightseeing, travelling and hotel recommendations.

Now back to the main topic. Before I dive into the itinerary, here’s a little backstory of Dhanushkodi.

Dhanush means arrow, and Kodi means head. When put together, Dhanushkodi means arrowhead. Ravana had kidnapped Sita and imprisoned her in Lanka. Ram had to cross the Palk Strait to reach Lanka. He decided to build a bridge, the Ram Setu. So he shot an arrow. The arrowhead marked the bridge’s starting point. That’s how the town gets its name, Dhanushkodi.

Until 1480, the Ram Setu was visible from Dhanushkodi. People could walk a few meters across the bridge. But the 1480 cyclone submerged the stone structure underwater. From the air, you can see sections of the Ram Setu.

Later, during British rule, Dhanushkodi played an important role. It served as a connecting town between India and Sri Lanka. Dhanushkodi was the last station. People then took a ferry to Sri Lanka. The hamlet was flourishing. In 1964, there was a cyclone. It washed away the entire civilization and buried it underwater. The government declared Dhanushkodi dangerous and unfit for habitation. People left, and soon Dhanushkodi became a ghost town. To date, some fishermen still live here.

PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND DHANUSHKODI

Many people travel to Dhanushkodi on a day trip from Rameshwaram. Despite being an abandoned town, Dhanushkodi has a lot to offer.

Whatever you want. Dhanushkodi has it. Beach? Check. History? Check. Views? Check. Weekend destination? Budget-friendly? Architecture? Check, check and check.

Ramanathaswamy temple, the 22 sacred kunds, Pamban Bridge and Ariyaman beach. These are some of the places to visit around Dhanushkodi.

Most of the attractions are close. You can visit them in a day. But if you want a leisurely pace, you can extend the tour over two days.

I have compiled two itineraries. The first one is for one day and the second one is for two days.

1-DAY DHANUSHKODI ITINERARY

The 1-day Dhanushkodi itinerary is hectic but covers all the tourist places. If you are short of time and want to visit everything, this itinerary is for you.

DAY 1

Begin your day at 4 am, earlier if possible. Because many people start queuing up at 3 am for the morning darshan. First, visit the Agni teertham and then move towards the 22 kund snan (bath). The kunds are inside the temple establishment. After your holy bath, change into dry clothes. Now it’s time for the darshan. Depending upon the rush, you can opt for a regular darshan (free) or the special one (small fee). This entire ordeal takes a few hours.

Exit the temple and head to a restaurant for breakfast. Order a hearty breakfast because it’s going to be a busy day. Next on the agenda is transportation. Have your vehicles? Good. Otherwise, hire a taxi for the day.

Drive to Dhanushkodi. On the way, stop to see the ruins of the railway track, the church and houses. From Dhanushkodi, drive for 5.3 km to Arichal Munai, the tip of the Indian peninsula. Try to spot the Ram Setu. The bridge was visible from here before 1480. On the way back, stop by one of the beaches. Splash around in the water, but no swimming. By now, you must be hungry. Small shacks serve fresh fish. Or head back to Rameshwaram for a vegetarian lunch.

Next is the House of Kalam, Dr Abdul Kalam’s childhood home. It is now a museum. After touring the museum, drive to Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge. Watch the setting sun. Lucky ones can even see a train on the Pamban Bridge.

After dinner, you can turn in for the night or revisit the Ramanathaswamy temple.

DHANUSHKODI ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS

The 2-day itinerary includes all the places mentioned above and more. Unlike the rushed 1-day itinerary, you can explore the town leisurely.

DAY 1

The Ramanathaswamy temple opens at 4 am. You should bathe and be waiting in line by then. Because later it gets crowded. Also, you should visit the 22 kunds before going to the temple. The water of each kund varies in salinity, minerals etc. There are two lines for darshan— the regular darshan line and the VIP darshan line. You can also visit the other shrines inside the temple.

After exiting the temple, it’s time for breakfast. Recharge yourself with some authentic south Indian breakfast.

Rameshwaram has various temples dedicated to different gods, for example, the five-faced Hanuman, the Laxman tirtham and the Villoondi teertham. Spend the afternoon visiting the temples and kunds. After lunch, spend a relaxing evening at Ariyaman beach, 30 minutes away.

Trees line the 2 km stretch of Ariyaman beach. It is a clean beach and a popular picnic spot. Stop at Pamban Bridge for a quick photo session en route to Ariyaman beach. Stop here to watch the sunset on your way back.

After dinner, turn in early. But if you’re up for more, revisit the Ramanathaswamy temple. The evening time sees less foot traffic.

DAY 2

Today no need to wake up early. Eat a hearty breakfast. Arm yourself with water bottles, a cap and some snacks. Now you are all set.

Today’s first stop is the House of Kalam. It is the childhood home of India’s former president Dr Abdul Kalam. After touring the museum, it’s time to visit India’s southernmost tip, Dhanushkodi.

On the way, stop to see the ruins of the railway track, the church and houses. From Dhanushkodi, drive for 5.3 km to Arichal Munai, the tip of the Indian peninsula. Try to spot the Ram Setu. The bridge was visible from here before 1480. On the way back, stop by one of the beaches. Splash around in the water, but no swimming. By now, you must be hungry. Small shacks serve fresh fish. Or head back to Rameshwaram for a vegetarian lunch.

On the way back, stop at Kothandaramswamy temple. Vibhishan fled Lanka and surrendered to Ram at this place. Also, Vibhishan’s crowning by Ram took place here. The temple has shrines of Ram, Sita, Laxman, Hanuman and Vibhishan.

Return to Rameshwaram. You have visited all the major attractions. However, there is one thing you haven’t done. Shopping! Yes. Any trip is incomplete without souvenirs. Rameshwaram is known for its silk sarees and dress materials, and handicrafts. Shop till you drop. Enjoy your last few hours in Rameshwaram.

CONCLUSION

I have drafted two itineraries — one-day and two-day itineraries. Alter them to suit your timings. The one-day itinerary is for those who have limited time. The two-day itinerary is for a leisure trip.

I have included only Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. You can add Madurai to your itinerary.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

You must go on adventures to find out where you belong.

sue Fitzmaurice