Dhanushkodi Tamil Nadu

Dhanushkodi धनुष कोडी

Dhanushkodi is a ghost town situated at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, India. Once a vibrant port and railway hub linking India to Sri Lanka, it was devastated by a powerful cyclone in December 1964, with winds up to 280 km/h and 7‑m waves. Nearly 1,800 people perished, including 115 train passengers. The government subsequently declared it unfit for habitation.

Geography & Mythology

Located roughly 20 km from Rameswaram, and about 24 km from Talaimannar, Sri Lanka 

Flanked by the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Gulf of Mannar/Indian Ocean on the other. 

The name “Dhanushkodi” literally means “end of the bow” in Tamil, connected to the Ramayana legend that Lord Rama broke his bow at this point after his army built a bridge (Ram Setu/Adam’s Bridge) to Lanka 

  

History & Ruins

• Before the cyclone, it thrived with a customs office, post office, hospital, church, hotel, shops, and a railway terminus for the famous “Boat Mail” linking Chennai to Sri Lanka.

• Today, scattered ruins of the railway station, church, and post office remain—haunting reminders of the past .

Access & Tourism

• A sealed road (NH‑87) now connects the village of Mukundarayar Chathiram to Dhanushkodi and further to Arichal Munai. Prior to 2016, access was possible only on foot or by jeep through sand.

• Plans are underway to introduce an e‑pass system and shuttle buses for vehicles to manage tourist flow and protect the fragile coastline

• There's also a proposal to restore the 17 km rail link between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi; studies and approvals are in progress 

There are few clicks from my camera...