Place Details:
Dhanushkodi is located on the southernmost tip of the Pamban Island. It was one of the most important trade centres on the island and the only part of Pamban that had a port connecting directly to the neighboring country, Sri Lanka. It was also one of the pit stops for most people visiting Rameswaram as tourists or pilgrims who visited the town to paya visit to the Ramanathaswamy Temple. One of the legends associated to Dhanushkodi, is that hen Rama was on his way back to Rameswaram, he crowned Vibhishana to be the king of Lanka. While returning however, Vibhishana adviced Rama to destroy the bridge once all of his people reach the other end of the island safely. Hence, by the time Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and the entire army reached this tip, Rama broke the bridge with one end of his bow, hence naimg this town Dhanushkodi which roughly translates to one end of the bow.
ALSO READ The haunting real life story of a ghost town named Dhanushkodi
However, close to half a century ago, on December 23, 1964 a cyclone moving from Sri Lanka, which was called Ceylon back then, hit Dhanushkodi and submerged the town. In fact, the cyclone also took down a Pamban-Dhanushkodi passenger train killing all of the 150 passengers on board.
ALSO READ 6 hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in India
Approximately 800 people lost their lives in Dhanushkodi, and soon the town could not be inhabited. All the ruined churches, temples and houses among other structures remain the same way, even after five decades. However, it has gained quite some importance off late because of the new bridge to be built here which will connect India to Sri Lanka. In fact, several backpackers and off-beat travelers who’re constantly looking for unique experiences tend to find their way to Dhanushkodi’s pristine beach!
Photograph courtesy: Prabhu B Doss/Creative Commons
BEST TIME TO VISIT RAMESWARAM
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Rameswaram is as given below. The best time to visit Rameswaram is also specified.
