Introduction

The blurry land trail tracing its way across the ocean from Rameshwaram to northwestern Sri Lanka is well brought out in the satellite images by NASA in 2002. In addition to this, there are several equally illustrative aerial images of the mythical Ram Setu (aka Adam’s Bridge) - a strip of land straddling the ocean that connects the island of Rameshwaram with Mannar in Sri Lanka. The origin of this geological formation – as the scientists call it – takes root in Hindu mythology which points to an episode from the great Sanskrit epic, Ramayana. Goddess Sita, Lord Rama’s wife was held captive by demon king, Ravana in Sri Lanka. This threw him in great predicament on how he would cross the mighty ocean to Sri Lanka and rescue Sita. In need came his friend Lord Hanuman who with the help of the monkey army built a bridge of stepping stones across the ocean. Lord Rama then crossed-over to the other side by walking this trail.

Small wonder, Hindu pilgrims from afar turn up at this site, a U-shaped beach on the tip of Dhanushkodi, from where begins this legendary chain of reefs, limestone shoals, sandbanks, and islets that stretches for about 48 kilometers (30 miles) before dropping a little ahead of the Lankan shore.

Adam’s Bridge slices through the ocean and separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). The sea over the sandbanks is rather shallow; some stretches are dry, while the others are just 3 to 30 foot (1 to 10 meter) deep in places. The bridge first found mention in the western world in “historical works in the 9th century” by Ibn Khordadbeh in his ‘Book of Roads and Kingdoms’. It was referred to as Set Bandhai or Bridge of the Sea. An earlier map that calls this stretch ‘Adam’s Bridge’ was drawn out by a British cartographer in 1804. The name ‘Adam’s Bridge’ traces its roots to an Islamic legend according to which Adam used the bridge to reach ‘Adam’s Peak’ in Sri Lanka. Atop which he is believed to have stood on a foot in penance for thousand years, leaving a massive hollow impression resembling a footprint.

Visit this beach at the tip of Dhanushkodi in Rameshwaram, and experience a piece of history

Special Attributes

Lord Rama is believed to have walked this land trail straddling the sea almost till the Sri Lankan coast, to rescue his beloved wife Sita from demon king, Ravana.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Hire a taxi

Enjoyed by

Nature Lovers, History Lovers, Senior Citizens, Backpackers, and those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of the island town. The sun could be harsh in the noon, so carry along your sunglasses, hat, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

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Facilities

After spending some time on this legendary beach, continue to the ruins of ancient temples in Dhanushkodi.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Try making sand castles on this beach - it’s a lot of fun. You will spot many others too making sand hills here.

Type of site

Beach