Dhanushkodi: The Ghost Town of India

Dhanushkodi is a cyclone-hit-now- abandoned town at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island of the state of Tamil Nadu separated by mainland by Palk Strait. The town was destroyed during the 1964 Rameswaram cyclone and remains uninhabited in the aftermath. It shares the only land border between India and Sri Lanka, which is one of the smallest in the world at 45 metres in length on a shoal in Palk Strait. It is located around 20 km away from Rameshwaram and 15 km away from Sri Lanka. This town has a vast stretch of beach, running up to 15 km and is surrounded by Bay of Bengal on one side and Indian Ocean on other side.

How to reach?

Dhanuskodi town can be reached from Rameshwaram only via jeeps and buses. Many passenger jeeps run from Rameshwaram to Dhanuskodi town. There is no road to the beach so the vehicles are driven on the sandy path itself. All the vehicles are allowed till the parking zone. Post that, tourists must walk up to the beach and the town. As you approach the lands’ end, there will be no mobile network. A ride down this 20 km long straight road leading to the ruins of the township is an exciting experience.

Where to stay?

You can stay at Rameshwaram and take a bumpy ride to Dhanushkodi. It requires at least half of a day from Rameshwaram to visit this place, advisable in the early evening or in the morning

What to see?

Its scenic beauty is very captivating, surrounded with vast expanse of ocean and shimmering sand. Once at Dhanuskodi, one can see remains of the yesteryears. You can witness a sandy shoreline with ruins dating back to those days of 1967. Although with the stunning views of the two oceans and a beautiful shoreline, Dhanushkodi is a picturesque place to be, there's an eeriness to the fact that what once used to be a town so significant, is nothing more than a ruin now. Apart the ruins and the dilapidated remains of what was once a flourishing town, tourists can see the ruins of the offices and the hospital, school, railway station, temple and a church. Many devotees also visit this place to witness the land where Lord Ram is believed to have started his journey to Lanka. The famous Kodandarama Kovil temple is located here, which signifies the start of Lord Rama travel to Lanka for rescuing Goddess Sita. Go click crazy over unstoppable currents of the sea, local hutments, mysterious church, and cyclone devastated railway tracks, and Ram Sethu if you are fortunate enough.

Dhanushkodi will never cease to charm and surprise you with its unique mix of history, myth, mystery and unparalleled natural beauty. A visit here will take your breath away and is a visual treat with incredibly beautiful views of the clear blue sea, no rough tides, long stretch of sand which gradually changes colors with the setting of the sun and the rising of the moon.