Dhanushkodi lies at the south-eastern tip of Pamban Island, about 20 km by road from the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram. Until 1964 it was a busy small town, the Indian end of the ferry route to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, with a railway station, a church, a post office and homes. Today it is a line of broken walls on a narrow strip of sand between two seas, Palk Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mannar to the south.
It is one of the most atmospheric places in Tamil Nadu, and a natural half-day trip from Rameswaram.
On this page
The 1964 cyclone
On the night of 22–23 December 1964, a severe cyclone struck Rameswaram island with very strong winds and a storm surge estimated at around 7 metres. Dhanushkodi was overwhelmed. Estimates put the number of dead at about 1,800, including the passengers of a train on the Pamban–Dhanushkodi line that was swept away. The metre-gauge railway to the town was destroyed and never rebuilt, and the government declared the town unfit for living. A small fishing community still lives here in simple huts.
What to see
- Church ruins: the roofless shell of the old church is the most photographed structure in the town.
- Railway station and other ruins: fragments of the station, water tank and houses, half buried in sand.
- Arichal Munai: the end of the road, marked by a monument. Beyond it a sandbank runs out towards Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), the chain of shoals towards Sri Lanka, which in Hindu tradition is the bridge built by Rama’s army.
- Two seas: along the drive the sand strip narrows until you can see Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar on either side of the road.
- Kothandaramaswamy Temple: about 13 km from Rameswaram on the way, a small temple where, by tradition, Rama crowned Vibhishana. It was the only structure in the area to survive the 1964 cyclone.
Getting there
For decades after the cyclone, the last stretch could only be crossed on foot or in four-wheel-drive vans over the sand. A new road of about 9.5 km from Mukundarayar Chathiram to Arichal Munai was completed in 2016–17, and ordinary cars can now drive right to the tip. Our drivers take you from Rameswaram, stopping at the ruins, the viewpoints and Arichal Munai.
Timings and rules
There is no ticket, but access is controlled. At the time of writing, police at the checkpoint send vehicles back before dark, so it is not possible to stay for sunset at the tip, and overnight stays are not allowed. Visitors report that entry can close by late afternoon, so check locally and plan to arrive in the morning. The road can also be closed in rough weather.
Best time to visit
October to March is the most comfortable season. Go in the morning, when the light is soft and the wind usually lighter; by midday the sand and sun are fierce. The north-east monsoon (roughly October to December) can bring storms that close the road for a day or two.
Safety and practical tips
- Do not swim: currents here are strong and there are no lifeguards. Paddling at the water’s edge is the most you should do.
- Sun and wind: there is almost no shade. Carry water, a hat and sunglasses.
- Facilities: only a few small stalls and very basic toilets, so use facilities in Rameswaram first.
- Respect the ruins: they are what remains of people’s homes; do not climb on unstable walls.
- Combine: the Ramanathaswamy Temple early in the morning, Dhanushkodi afterwards, is a comfortable plan.
Visiting from Pondicherry
Rameswaram is about 429 km from Pondicherry, so Dhanushkodi is best seen as part of a longer trip. Our Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari tour and Grand Tamil Nadu temple tour include it by car with driver. See our beaches page for other coastal ideas.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Dhanushkodi?
A severe cyclone on 22–23 December 1964 destroyed the town and its railway line. About 1,800 people are estimated to have died, and the town was never rebuilt.
Can you drive to Arichal Munai?
Yes. A road of about 9.5 km from Mukundarayar Chathiram to Arichal Munai was completed in 2016–17, so ordinary cars can reach the tip.
Can I watch the sunset at Dhanushkodi?
Usually not at the tip. At the time of writing, police send vehicles back before dark, and overnight stays are not permitted.
How far is Dhanushkodi from Rameswaram?
About 20 km by road from the Ramanathaswamy Temple to the old town, with Arichal Munai a few kilometres further.
Is it safe to swim at Dhanushkodi?
No. The currents are strong and there are no lifeguards.
