Dhanushkodi Beach, Rameshwaram, is the topmost sought after travel destinations in the Tamil Nadu tour package. This beach offers an offbeat experience to visitors in terms of its beauty and spectacular views.
The Dhanushkodi Beach, popularly known as Archal Munai by locals, is considered as one of the most beautiful sites in Rameshwaram that visitors simply cannot afford to miss. It makes for an enthralling landscape, owing to the endless blue waters of the ocean touching the wide stretch of sandy shores. Dhanushkodi, which lies 20 km away from the main town of Rameshwaram, is the place where the wonders of nature and man become one. A place shrouded in mystery and a place that is easily missed by the tourists because it is a place that is hard to reach.
It's here that the journey to Dhanushkodi begins through several fishing villages, accompanied by the mesmerizing views of the Palk Strait which stretches between India and Sri Lanka. Dhanushkodi will never cease to charm and surprise you with its unique mix of history, myth, mystery and unparalleled natural beauty. The surreal drive, with the glimmering waters, the uneven boundary walls, the sound of the sea and the salty breeze will be an unforgettable experience
Legends and Mythologies
The town of Dhanushkodi is believed to be the place where Lord Rama had ordered Lord Hanuman to build a bridge that could carry his army across to Sri Lanka, where the Demon King Ravana had kept Sita captive. As ordered, Lord Hanuman had obliged and it was here that the Ram Setu was built by the Vanara Sena.
After the war, when there was no use for it and Lord Rama broke it with the end of his bow. Dhanushkodi happens to be one part of that bridge. The other end of Rama's bridge is found in Talaimannar, the Sri Lankan border town, just 30 km into the ocean which is the closest land border with India. Strange as it may sound, until only 52 years ago, India and Sri Lanka were connected through these two towns.
All that changed on the night of 23 December 1964, when a cyclone of unprecedented scale hit the coast. So high were the waves that not only the coast but the entire town was taken in its wake. With its untouched beaches, sparkling water, and distance from the chaos of cities, Dhanushkodi Beach, Rameshwaram, is an exotic location in the Indian Ocean.
Things to do at the Dhanushkodi Beach
While sea lovers will love Dhanushkodi Beach to the core, it also proves to be a paradise for bird lovers. People can glare at the majestic migratory birds who fly to this place from the places as far as Australia. Owing to its crystal clear water, the coral reefs are easily visible and at this beach, visitors can indulge in sea surfing. One can enjoy the stunning views of the two oceans and a beautiful shoreline. Enjoy the sunbathing at the stretch of the sandy shore of the beach. It is a perfect place to collect the shells one can find the rarest of shells here.
How to reach Dhanushkodi Beach
For reaching the Rameshwaram one needs to cross over to the Pamban Island from the mainland. The best way to do this is by train, through the famous Pamban Bridge. From the Rameshwaram, one can hire a taxi or bus to reach the Dhanushkodi and from the town, tourists can travel either by jeeps or van to reach the beach.
Best time to visit Dhanushkodi Beach
One can visit the beach throughout the year but the monsoon season is not suggestible as the region experiences downpour and mild storms. Summers are not very hot either. The best time to visit the beach is during the winter season when the weather remains favorable for the Rameshwaram tour.
Places to visit near the Dhanushkodi Beach
Dhanushkodi is located almost on the edge of the Indian continent. This place is dotted with some of the most magnificent tourist places namely Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Adam’s Bridge, Pamban Island, Church, and Station ruin, etc.
Dhanushkodi Beach, Rameshwaram timings: 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Dhanushkodi Beach, Rameshwaram Entry Fees: Nil