The Submerged Lands Of Dhanushkodi ,Tamil Nadu (Unexplored Lands)

Dhanushkodi lies on the southernmost tip of Rameshwaram Island in the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. It was originally a pilgrim place where travelers visited. According to Hindu mythology, Ramayana, Lord Rama built a bridge from Dhanushkodi to Talaimanar in SriLanka with the help of squirrels and monkeys to bring back Sita who was abducted by Ravan, the King of Lanka. This bridge is known as the Rama Bridge or the Adam's Bridge which is said to be made of boulders  and rocks. It is believed that a cyclone during the15th century washed away the Adam's Bridge which people say could be accessed by foot.

Ruins At Dhanushkodi

The distance between Talaimanar and Dhanushkodi is about 31km, and is the closest land border between India and Sri Lanka. Trade and exchange of goods flourished between these places through ferry service. In 1964 a super cyclone hit this region. Tides  more than 10ft submerged this active fishing town and killed 1000s of people. The Boat Mail, a passenger train which originated from Chennai Egmore was swept away with its 115 passengers and staff on the stormy night of December ’64 off the tracks at Dhanushkodi. The locals say that the waves reached till Rameshwaram Temple where people took refuge.

The Ride By The Tempo

After the recent tsunami in 2004 Dhanushkodi

bares an even devastated look. The only modes of approach to this place is via tempos and jeeps taken for hire from the naval post at Moonram Chatiram. This 7km ride is an exhilarating trip through the sand dunes and waters of this shores, and is a ride to be  experienced by all adventure lovers. At Dhanushkodi one can walk on the sands of this once inhabited place which is now found in ruins. There is a small thatched shop which provides tea and hot fritters, and the few locals around take the role of a guide and show us the view around this place. The view of the merging seas of Indian Ocean and Bay Of Bengal and the Trail of Adam's Bridge sighted at a distance is worth the bumpy journey.

A trip to this place reminds us of the quote, "Nothing Is Permanent" - A place which stood bustling  with people a few decades ago,  now lies as a mass of  rumbles and ruins, sunk deep in the sands and corroded by the saline seas.