Dhanushkodi can undeniably be called a hidden natural beauty of South India. While not many people live here owing to its geographical and climatic conditions, it still is one of the most fascinating places for tourists and adventure lovers who continue to visit Dhanushkodi.
It is situated in the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island in the state of Tamil Nadu. It, mostly, is uninhabited ever since the Rameswaram cyclone hit it in 1964, which more or less left the place destroyed. Now, there remain only the ruins of that catastrophe.
Furthermore, it is very intriguing to know that Dhanushkodi is located on the tip of Pamban island which is separated by Palk Strait. This place’s only land border lies between India and Sri Lanka which is one of the smallest borders in the world covering a stretch of just 45 meters.
This is, indeed, the kind of place where you can enjoy some of the most heart-melting views of nature. Especially the famous Pamban bridge cannot be missed if you are planning to visit Dhanushkodi. We can say that for a traveler this place is no less than heaven.
History of Dhanushkodi
It is intriguing to know that the name of this place translates into ‘end of the bow’. The bow mentioned here is of Lord Rama himself. As the legends suggest, after Ravana the demon king kidnapped Goddess Sita, Lord Rama had to travel all the way to Lanka to save his beloved. And when he reached the end of the geographical boundaries he came across the giant ocean. So, to cross it a bridge was needed to be constructed. And in this process of making this bridge, Lord Rama earmarked this very spot as the place from where the construction of the bridge would begin. He used his bow to mark the place and that is how the name of this place came into being.
Modern History of Dhanushkodi
Around five decades ago, this place was quite a busy town located along South India’s coast having all the necessities like a railway station, police station, etc. Everything was going perfectly until the day when a massive storm engulfed the whole region. The day was December 21, 1964. The tides had gone as high as 20 feet and left nothing but destruction and ruins. After this catastrophic event, the government declared this place to be uninhabitable. And now in the current timeline, only a few people live here. However, it continues to be a place that has time and again proven to be a great destination for travelers and history and mythology lovers.
Places To Visit In Dhankushkodi in 2025
1. Dhanushkodi Beach
Special Attraction: The confluence point of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, offering a surreal view of two seas meeting. It's also known for its serene, untouched shoreline.
2. Arichal Munai (Land's End)
Special Attraction: The last accessible point of India on the southeastern tip, where the land meets the endless ocean. It offers panoramic sea views and is a sunrise photography hotspot.
3. Ruins of the Old Church
Special Attraction: A haunting yet beautiful reminder of the 1964 cyclone, this structure still stands with its broken walls and sandy floors. It’s a popular backdrop for photos and history lovers.
4. Ruined Dhanushkodi Railway Station
Special Attraction: Once a busy stop before the cyclone, now a symbol of time frozen, this abandoned station speaks volumes about the town’s tragic past.
5. Ram Setu View Point (Adam’s Bridge View Point)
Special Attraction: Offers a glimpse of the mythical Ram Setu, believed to be built by Lord Rama’s Vanara Sena. It’s a spiritual and mythological point of interest.
6. Kothandaramaswamy Temple (En route to Dhanushkodi)
Special Attraction: This ancient temple survived the cyclone and is associated with Lord Rama, Vibhishana’s surrender, and the Ramayana epic.
7. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Nearby)
Special Attraction: Known for coral reefs, rare marine species, and clear waters—ideal for eco-tourism, boating, and marine exploration.
Best Time to Visit Dhanushkodi 2025
The ideal time to explore Dhanushkodi is during the winter months from October to March. The pleasant weather makes sightseeing comfortable and enjoyable. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Things to Do in Dhanushkodi
- Walk along the ghost town ruins and explore the remains of the old church, railway station, and post office.
- Capture stunning photographs at Arichal Munai, the land’s end point.
- Witness a peaceful sunrise at Dhanushkodi Beach.
- Visit the ancient Kothandaramaswamy Temple, associated with Lord Rama.
- Take a spiritual walk towards the Ram Setu viewpoint, believed to be the origin of the mythological bridge to Lanka.
- Enjoy birdwatching and spot migratory birds in the marshlands and coastal areas.
- Explore the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park through nearby boat rides.
- Experience a scenic drive from Rameswaram with the sea on both sides of the road.
Travel Tips for Dhanushkodi 2025
- Start Early: Visit Dhanushkodi early in the morning to avoid heat and enjoy clear views, especially for sunrise and sightseeing.
- Private Vehicles Only: Public transport is not available to the tip of Dhanushkodi. Hire a private jeep or drive your own vehicle (entry allowed only during permitted hours).
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) as the area becomes risky due to high tides and poor visibility.
- Carry Essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There are limited shops or amenities in Dhanushkodi.
- No Night Stay: Overnight stays are not allowed in Dhanushkodi. Plan your return to Rameswaram by evening.
- Respect the Environment: It's a sensitive ecological zone. Avoid littering and respect local customs.
- Network May Be Weak: Mobile network can be patchy, so download maps or guides in advance if needed.
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: The area is sandy and uneven in parts; sports shoes or sturdy sandals are ideal.
How to Reach Dhanushkodi
The abandoned town of Dhanushkodi is situated in Tamil Nadu at an approximate distance of 2,803, 1,616, 2,291, 626 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Dhanushkodi by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
From Dhanushkodi, Madurai Airport (IXM) is the nearest airport sited at about 200 km. In terms of passenger activity and aircraft movement, it is considered the 32nd busiest airport in India. Apart from that, Tuticorin Airport (TCR) is another airport situated 200-220 km from Dhanushkodi. However, both of these airports are not very close thus it becomes somewhat a lethargic task to travel via flights. But still, you can get a flight from major cities to reach here. From the airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of local transportation like a cab or a bus.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Dhanushkodi
By Train
The nearest railway station is located at a distance of around 18 km in Rameswaram. So, it won’t be an issue for you to travel to this place via rail networks. It has good connectivity via Madurai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and other important cities. The journey will take you around 1 or 1-and-a-half days on average to reach this place. You will have to cover further distance through some means of local transport such as a cab or perhaps a local rickshaw or auto.
By Road
It has overall good connectivity via road networks. If you have your own vehicle then it would be more convenient for you to travel. Dhanushkodi is connected with prominent nearby regions. For traveling, you can consider booking interstate/private buses or book a taxi. Otherwise, you can also take your own vehicle to reach here.
- From Madurai - 200 km via Kochi-Madurai-Dhanushkodi Airport
- From Thanjavur - 256 km via NH32
- From Dindigul - 254 km via NH87
Conclusion
Dhanushkodi, with its enigmatic charm and historical significance, is a destination worth exploring. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a nature lover, this town offers a surreal experience. Plan your trip to Dhanushkodi and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dhanushkodi
Q1: Where is Dhanushkodi located?
A1: Dhanushkodi is located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It lies near Rameswaram and is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other.
Q2: Why is Dhanushkodi called a ghost town?
A2: Dhanushkodi is called a ghost town because it was completely devastated by a cyclone in 1964. The storm destroyed the town’s infrastructure and killed hundreds, leading the government to declare it uninhabitable. Only remnants of buildings remain today.
Q3: How can I reach Dhanushkodi?
A3: You can reach Dhanushkodi by road from Rameswaram (about 20 km away). The nearest railway station is Rameswaram, and the closest airport is Madurai, around 170 km from Dhanushkodi.
Q4: What is the significance of Dhanushkodi in Hindu mythology?
A4: According to Hindu mythology, Dhanushkodi is the place where Lord Rama built the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge) to reach Lanka. The name 'Dhanushkodi' means 'end of the bow', referring to Rama’s bow.
Q5: What are the top attractions in Dhanushkodi?
A5: Top attractions include the Ram Setu viewpoint, ruins of the old church and railway station, Dhanushkodi Beach, and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, also known as Arichal Munai.
