Some tourist destinations are emotional and are wrapped in history, spirituality and natural as well as serene beauty. Yes, Dhanushkodi is one such place which is emotionally attached to me and I feel nostalgic wherever I think of this place. It was in our bucklist since long and finally we got the opportunity of visiting Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi on 18th April 2026.
An evening visit to Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram was the highlight of our South India trip and was an unforgettable journey through sacred legends, windswept shores, tragic ruins and a breathtaking sunset over the sea. Located at the southeastern tip of India, this small uninhabited place has turned into a dream destination of tourists and is gaining popularity.
Dhanushkodi is one of the most sacred places for Hindu due to it's connection with Ram Setu. Moreover, geographically Dhanushkodi is located at the place where Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean (Gulf of Mannar) meet. Once upon a time, a thriving town of fishermen in the Pamban Island of Tamil Nadu, now stands as a haunting tragedy or so to say haunting beauty reminding nature's fury.
Day 2 - Early morning darshan and Madurai to Rameswaram Drive via Pamban Road Bridge. After the 3.5 hours enjoyable journey across Pamban Bridge we had a sound sleep in the hotel room.
When Sri Rama with vanara sena reaches the shores of Dhanushkodi, Vibhishana (younger brother of Ravana) surrenders to
Sri Rama and seeks refuge at this place only. Sri Rama gives him refuge and after defeating / killing Ravana, Sri Rama crowns Vibhishana as the King of Lanka at this place only.
As per sacred texts, this place also signifies Sri Rama's departure point to Sri Lanka. And Kodanda, Sri Rama's bow (dhanush) was signified the flagpost (kodi in Tamil) for the war. Hence the place got its name Dhanush (bow) kodi (flagpost).
The Kodanda Ramaswamy temple enshrines the black stone idols of Sri Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana symbolizing the importance of the event and place. The temple is modest with stone carving / paintings depicting Ramayana scenes specially Vibhishana scenes. The temple is on the shores, yet the structure survived the 1964 massive cyclone that devastated the entire Dhanushkodi village. This is the only surviving structure from the 1964 devastating cyclone.
Though much of Dhanushkodi is in ruins, the temple is still functioning symbolizing the power of faith and endurance against nature’s aggressions.
Most of the tourists are shouting 'Jai Sri Ram' and then posing for selfies / clicks. I guess, they are from the north. I personally believe that true devotion to Sri Ram lies in maintaining of the sanctity of the place than show-off.
Palk Strait is a narrow strip of shallow waterway in the sea separating southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu in India from the northern coast of Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar in the southwest. Arichal Munai is the tip of Dhanushkodi and the closest point of India-Sri Lanka border.
Arichal Munai is also the point of confluence of Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean (Gulf of Mannar). When you face eastwards to Sri Lanka, to your right you is Indian Ocean and to the left is Bay of Bengal. During our visit we could clearly make out the waves. While the waves of Indian ocean to our right are flowing northwards, the waves of Bay of Bengal flowing to west, dashing each other. We could clearly see and make out the difference.
Vehicles are not allowed to go beyond a certain point, approx 2 - 3 Km away, wherefrom tourists have to walk till the end point. The road leading to the end point, is occupied by local vendors on either side, selling all kinds of stuff, right from eatables like mango pieces to decor items made of sea shells. We walked slowly towards the spot and our bad luck, the approach road and the road encircling the end point was under construction and there were stones scattered everywhere on the road.
Honestly speaking, I had high hopes of this place on watching various travelers' Insta reels, YouTube Videos and Shorts, but in reality everything looked very different and not so glossy as seen in the reels or shorts.
Tourists were not allowed to go neither to the beach and nor to the Ram Setu point. There is a circular platform with a pillar at the centre on which stood our National Emblem. The tourists are busy taking reels and selfies at this spot standing on the platform. Despite all the discomfort in scorching heat, with the vast stretch of blue sea all around was an awesome experience. We could faintly see the windmills of Sri Lanka at the distant horizon, a sight that made us realize just how close another country lay across the waters.
After taking few pics and videos we silently enjoyed the beauty of the majestic ocean. 'Arichal Munai' is the south-eastern tip of Dhanushkodi in Pamban Island, Tamil Nadu. The place is surrounded by bue sea water on the three sides with a narrow strip of road leading to Rameswaram. We don't even know how much time we spent at this place glaring at the majestic spell-binding view of the shallow calm waters of Bay of Bengal silently merging with the rough waves of Indian Ocean (Gulf of Mannar). We could clearly make out the difference between the ocean waves and the sea water.
The weather was too hot and sultry, the winds were not so pleasant, even then the uniqueness of the place made us overlook the discomfort. Standing at the last road of India's mainland and thinking of its historical significance was a great experience - an experience beyond description.
The greatest disappointment at this place was that the tourists were neither allowed to enter the beach nor the Ram Setu point. Standing at the crowded place, standing on the stony under-construction road, we spent long time staring at the blue wavy seas with mixed feelings.
Today, the skeletal remains of the railway station stand as a solemn memorial to that tragedy.
I stood amidst the ruins of the railway station and imagined my mother as a little girl walking through this, once upon a time, bustling station, unaware of the tragedy that would one day reduce it to rubble. My mother is now in her heavenly abode and this visit was my silent tribute to her cherished childhood memory.
The cool sea breeze, the rhythmic sound of the waves, and the changing colors of the sky made the evening, one of the most peaceful moments of our trip. We took several photographs and videos, but some of the best moments of the evening are best preserved in our heart.
The sacred temple, the last road of India, the pathetic ruins of Dhanushkodi town and the stunning sunset combined to create an experience that touched our hearts deeply.
It is truly a place that will leave you with memories long after the journey ends.
Respect the Environment: Avoid littering, avoid use of plastic and help preserve the unique coastal ecosystem
A family travel story by Sobha Kalyani
An evening visit to Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram was the highlight of our South India trip and was an unforgettable journey through sacred legends, windswept shores, tragic ruins and a breathtaking sunset over the sea. Located at the southeastern tip of India, this small uninhabited place has turned into a dream destination of tourists and is gaining popularity.
April 18th 2026 - Day 2 of our South Trip
On Day 1 - Visit to Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple.Day 2 - Early morning darshan and Madurai to Rameswaram Drive via Pamban Road Bridge. After the 3.5 hours enjoyable journey across Pamban Bridge we had a sound sleep in the hotel room.
Our Journey to Dhanushkodi from Hotel Rameswaram Grand
At around 4:00 pm we started for Dhanushkodi visit in a hired cab. A half-day / few hours road trip to Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram is enough to explore the places in and around. Being mid-April, the weather was hot and humid, a typical coastal climate but our excitement to explore Dhanushkodi overshadowed the discomfort. As we drove along the scenic road with stretches of sand and sparkling blue waters on either side, we could immediately sense that this was going to be a memorable evening of our family trip.
Our First Stop - Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple
After driving for a while enjoying the blue seas and golden sands, our first destination was the ancient and revered Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple. By the time we reached the temple, it was crowded with pilgrims and tourists. There is no entry fee and no parking fee. Visitors can park their vehicles anywhere around the temple and walk away. There are some local vendors in front of the temple selling tender coconuts and other local stuff.
Sri Kondanda Ramaswamy Temple - Historical and Spiritual Significance
Standing in serene isolation near the sea, this temple is one of the most sacred sites connected with Sri Rama. The temple is dedicated Sri Kondanda Rama (Sri Rama holding dhanush) and very sacred to Hindus as the place had given shelter to Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman.
As per sacred texts, this place also signifies Sri Rama's departure point to Sri Lanka. And Kodanda, Sri Rama's bow (dhanush) was signified the flagpost (kodi in Tamil) for the war. Hence the place got its name Dhanush (bow) kodi (flagpost).
The Kodanda Ramaswamy temple enshrines the black stone idols of Sri Rama, Sita Devi, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishana symbolizing the importance of the event and place. The temple is modest with stone carving / paintings depicting Ramayana scenes specially Vibhishana scenes. The temple is on the shores, yet the structure survived the 1964 massive cyclone that devastated the entire Dhanushkodi village. This is the only surviving structure from the 1964 devastating cyclone.
Though much of Dhanushkodi is in ruins, the temple is still functioning symbolizing the power of faith and endurance against nature’s aggressions.
Spent Few Moments in a Peaceful Ambience
The quiet surroundings with sandy shores, sparse vegetation and the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean gives a serene and spiritual ambiance to the place. Added to the serenity the religious / historical significance makes the place deeply spiritual. We spent few moments at this place with closed eyes and folded hands and prayed Sri Rama - a few moments that were filled with reverence and calmness.My Thoughts on this place
This is highly revered place for Hindus as Sri Rama and Hanuman stayed at this place for a while. Such a revered place has to be uplifted and well maintained with sanctity. But unfortunately, the entrance itself is full of disposables. The tourists / pilgrims need to be aware of the importance / sanctity of the place and should avoid disposing trash in the surroundings.Most of the tourists are shouting 'Jai Sri Ram' and then posing for selfies / clicks. I guess, they are from the north. I personally believe that true devotion to Sri Ram lies in maintaining of the sanctity of the place than show-off.
Arichal Munai - The Last Road of India's Mainland in the South
Our next destination was Arichal Munai often described as the last accessible point of India's mainland. We continued our drive to reach the last road of India's mainland in the south. The view on either side with sandy shores and sea water was giving some kind of mixed feelings. As we were nearing the destination, the driver pointed out something white white at very far away distance on the horizon and told that those structures are of Sri Lanka. Those structures were windmills clearly visible to the naked eyes.
What Is Arichal Munai?
“Arichal Munai” are the Tamil words which literally mean “eroding point.” This narrow strip of land / road marks the end of the India's mainland beyond which there is only vast stretches of sea / ocean towards Sri Lanka. This is the closest point to Sri Lanka, which is approx. at a distance of 30 Km across the Palk Strait. After the 1964's devastating cyclone, Dhanushkodi was not easily accessible to tourists. 'Arichal Munai' - the last road was laid in 2017 making easily accessible.Palk Strait is a narrow strip of shallow waterway in the sea separating southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu in India from the northern coast of Sri Lanka. It connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar in the southwest. Arichal Munai is the tip of Dhanushkodi and the closest point of India-Sri Lanka border.
The Ram Setu Connection
Arichal Munai is near the starting point of Ram Setu, the chain of limestone shoals built by Sri Rama's Vanara sena to reach Sri Lanka. Ram Setu is presently not visible as it is fully submerged in the ocean. However NASA satellite pictures reveal the existence of the ancient submerged bridge. The bridge separates Gulf of Mannar from Palk Strait.
Arichal Munai and Ram Setu - Our Experience
It was a joyous ride with stretch of unexplored beaches on either side of the road which came closer as we were approaching the end point. There is no specified parking place for vehicles which are parked one either side of the road and in the mid of the road as well blocking the narrow road. In a mid-April's hot and sultry weather, the narrow road was jam-packed with vehicles with no proper parking rules, and with a flood of unruly crowd mostly from other states other than South India. We hardly found south Indian tourists at this place.Vehicles are not allowed to go beyond a certain point, approx 2 - 3 Km away, wherefrom tourists have to walk till the end point. The road leading to the end point, is occupied by local vendors on either side, selling all kinds of stuff, right from eatables like mango pieces to decor items made of sea shells. We walked slowly towards the spot and our bad luck, the approach road and the road encircling the end point was under construction and there were stones scattered everywhere on the road.
Tourists were not allowed to go neither to the beach and nor to the Ram Setu point. There is a circular platform with a pillar at the centre on which stood our National Emblem. The tourists are busy taking reels and selfies at this spot standing on the platform. Despite all the discomfort in scorching heat, with the vast stretch of blue sea all around was an awesome experience. We could faintly see the windmills of Sri Lanka at the distant horizon, a sight that made us realize just how close another country lay across the waters.
The weather was too hot and sultry, the winds were not so pleasant, even then the uniqueness of the place made us overlook the discomfort. Standing at the last road of India's mainland and thinking of its historical significance was a great experience - an experience beyond description.
The greatest disappointment at this place was that the tourists were neither allowed to enter the beach nor the Ram Setu point. Standing at the crowded place, standing on the stony under-construction road, we spent long time staring at the blue wavy seas with mixed feelings.
Dhanushkodi Railway Station Ruins - A Walk Through Time
After spending long hours at Arichal Munai, we started our return journey. On the way, we stopped at the haunting remains of the old Dhanushkodi Railway Station. As it was evening time very few visitors were seen at this place. The driver told that vehicles are not allowed to enter Dhanushkodi after 5 p.m. Visitors who enter the place before 5, move around and leave Dhanushkodi before it gets dark.The 1964 Devastating Cyclone - Tragedy
On the night of 22nd December 1964, a catastrophic cyclone struck Dhanushkodi and the entire village was swept away with the sea waters and was completely destroyed. A passenger train that was about to reach Dhanushkodi Railway Station was engulfed by the giant tidal waves with no single survival. The intensity of damage caused was beyond repair by the govt. And the ruins presently stand as historical evidences. Later, the government had declared Dhanushkodi unfit for habitation.Today, the skeletal remains of the railway station stand as a solemn memorial to that tragedy.
My Personal Connection with Dhanushkodi Railway Station
Dhanushkodi Railway station was very special and emotional for me. The reason, when my mother was around 8-10 years old, she visited this very Railway Staion at Dhanushkodi with her grandmother and traveled by train from Dhanushkodi to Madras (present Chennai). And this was long before the 1964 cyclone that changed everything forever.I stood amidst the ruins of the railway station and imagined my mother as a little girl walking through this, once upon a time, bustling station, unaware of the tragedy that would one day reduce it to rubble. My mother is now in her heavenly abode and this visit was my silent tribute to her cherished childhood memory.
Dhanushkodi - The Ghost Town is Every Tourists' Dream Destination
Dhanushkodi was a small port town during the British Rule in India mainly used for trade of goods from India and Sri Lanka. Tea from Sri Lanka and spices from India were transported to Europe. After the aftermath of 1964 super cyclone, it became a deserted town with ruins and was inaccessible. It's just a decade or so, could be due to social media reels and shorts, Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi are being flooded mostly with north Indian tourists. There are also good number of tourists from West Bengal and Odisha. It has become a dream destination for a majority of north Indians. Despite the heavy rush of tourists to this place, Dhanushkodi is not livable and there are not hotels or beach resorts to stay. Tourists are not allowed to stay after sunset when it gets dark.Watching Sunset at the Gulf of Mannar
Our final stop in Dhanushkodi was the sunset point overlooking the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mannar. There is a rustic wooden bridge without railings, into the sea where we saw very few tourists waiting for the sunset view. The place was much much better than 'Arichal Munai', less crowd, calm and serene except for gushing sound of the waves. A tranquil experience which will be cherished forever.
Watching the Sun Sink into the Sea
As we were enjoying the cool and tranquil breeze in the gushing sound of the waves the Sun slowly began its descent. The sky transformed into different shades of crimson red, orange, gold and greyish and it seemed an oil painting on canvas. We and the very few tourists present, were silent admirering the stunning beauty of Mother Nature. The reflection of the colors on the waves of Gulf of Mannar enhanced the beauty of nature which created a mesmerizing spectaclur view and a truly relishable visual feast.
Returning to Rameswaram
After sunset, we began our drive back to Rameswaram carrying with us bundles of unforgettable memories. Dhanushkodi had offered us much more than scenic beauty. It gave us- Spiritual enrichment at Sri Kodanda Rama Temple and also by distantly watching Ram Setu point.
- Geographic wonder at Arichal Munai as we could watch sunset in sea in the eastern part of India.
- Emotional reflection at the railway station ruins as I remembered my dear mother who happened to visit this place during her childhood days.
- Pure natural beauty of the majestic ocean and sea water and the graceful sunset by sea.
My Final Thoughts
Our evening trip to Dhanushkodi was more than just a sightseeing excursion. It was a journey through mythology, history, personal memories and nature’s splendor. It is a photographers' paradise, especially during the golden hour.The sacred temple, the last road of India, the pathetic ruins of Dhanushkodi town and the stunning sunset combined to create an experience that touched our hearts deeply.
It is truly a place that will leave you with memories long after the journey ends.
Respect the Environment: Avoid littering, avoid use of plastic and help preserve the unique coastal ecosystem
A family travel story by Sobha Kalyani
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