With buildings still standing and haunting ruins by the beach, this former coastal town is as atmospheric as it gets.
Dhanushkodi, a stunning ghost town on India’s south-eastern tip, is a reminder to the tragedy that unfolded there nearly sixty years ago.
It was once a thriving place, but on December 22, 1964, a devastating cyclone ended that all and reduced the place to a wreck.
Now, what remains on the edge of Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu are the leftovers of a railway, plus buildings including a ruined church and post office.
The eerie setting has made it a key location on the tourist trail with history buffs and general sightseers alike soaking it up.
However, there are some restricted areas due to fears over potential collapse and safety.
Glowing reviews of the area have been placed on Tripadvisor.
Dr Rajesh Bhola, a Travel and Spiritual Writer and Columnist, posted: “It is a place which gives a feeling of some divine presence. Two big oceans converging into a big sea give a magical sense of His divine presence. The place is worth seeing. A must visit for all tourists visiting Rameshwaram.”
Another poster added: “The walk up to the beach is lined with a number of small shops selling huge variety of stuff made of sea shells etc.
“The beach itself is small and clean and there’s an uninterrupted view to the horizon with a few other visitors, without any boat or sun bathers.
“We spent about an hour there walking on sand and marvelling at the pollution free environment and clear sky. Ruins of church and other buildings added a surreal touch.”
Dhanushkodi is located at the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, making it a significant location on the map anyway.
The ruins are about 11 miles from the town of Rameswaram.
During the cyclone, it caused the sinking of Pamban-Dhanushkodi passenger train, resulting in numerous casualties.
During the clean up operation, the government declared Dhanushkodi as unfit for habitation and the town was abandoned over night.
The area is often called the Land’s End of India because it is at the southernmost tip.
Also nearby is Adam’s Bridge, aslo known as Rama Setu, – a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built a bridge (Rama Setu) to reach Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
