Reasons to Visit Dhanushkodi - The Ghost Town
Image Source: Prabhu B Doss/Flickr
In the state of Tamil Nadu lies the little-known Dhanushkodi. Located at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island, the town was once a thriving tourist spot. But in the December of 1964 a cyclone wreaked havoc on this coastal destination turning it into the ghost town it is today. Today it is a beautiful and bountiful place worth visiting and here are reasons why!
1. The Call of the Sea
Prisitne blue waters, white sands that stretch undisturbed for miles, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises all on a quiet stretch of beach that feels like your very own paradise. Although said to be haunted at night, it is extremely safe in the day and is visited by a few tourists and locals.
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Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
2. The Lure of Mythology
Visit the Ram Setu, a series of limestone rocks leading from Dhanushkodi to the shores of Sri Lanka. The myth or reality, depending on what you believe, is that "Ram Setu" or "Adam’s Bridge" was built by Lord Ram during his conquest on Lanka to rescue Sita from the evil Ravana. According to the Ramayana and local folklore, Lord Ram broke the bridge with his bow and arrow at the bequest of the new king of Lanka after the war. It is this story that gives the town its name "Dhanushkodi", dhanush meaning bow in Sanskrit.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
3. The Pilgrimage to Pamban Island
The island is a small piece of land located between India and Sri Lanka and is also known as Rameswaram Island. The main town on the island is also the centre of the pilgrimage to Rameswaram and a hub for hundreds of devotees.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
4. The First Sea-Link in India
The Pamban Bridge that connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India is an engineering wonder in itself. It is the second longest sea-bridge in India after the recently completed Bandra-Worli Sea-link in Mumbai. The train journey across this bridge affords stunning views. Another interesting fact is that the bridge, which was damaged in the infamous cyclone, was then reconstructed within 48 days and is considered an achievement.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
5. The Confluence of Mighty Waters
The roaring blue waters of the Indian Ocean and the serene green waters of the Bay of Bengal meet at the end of Dhanushkodi Beach. The drastic difference in the characteristics of the female Bay of Bengal and the male Indian Ocean make for a sight worth beholding.
Image Source: news.rgyan.com
6. The Serene Shores
The Ariyaman Beach is a clean, fun beach where one can kick back and relax or play a game of football. The waters are tame and ideal for a swim. There are a few snack vendors serving local fare. Tip: Be wary during jellyfish season.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The next time you're sitting on a crowded beach with noisy folk, think of all that Dhanushkodi has to offer and plan a holiday to this offbeat destination and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
