Christone Holidays| Travel Blog | South India Coastal Diaries

There’s something soul-stirring about watching the sunrise in Kanyakumari and seeing it set beyond the shores of Rameshwaram. My recent coastal trail from Kovalam (Kerala) to Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) via Kanyakumari and the Gulf of Mannar was more than just a journey—it was an immersive dive into the southernmost beauty of India.

Kovalam – Where Waves Whisper and Wellness Begins

My journey began in Kovalam, a crescent-shaped beach town near Thiruvananthapuram.I started the day walking along Lighthouse Beach, watching fishermen set sail against the pink-tinged sky. The air smelled of salt and sandalwood—thanks to nearby Ayurvedic centres.

Highlights:

• Surfed gentle waves with local trainers

• Enjoyed a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage

• Tried spicy Kerala fish curry at a beach shack

• Ended with a sunset stroll on Hawah Beach

Scenic Drive to Kanyakumari – Where Three Seas Meet

A 2.5-hour drive south brought me to Kanyakumari, India’s southernmost tip.Here, the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean converge in a dramatic blend of blue.

I reached by afternoon and explored:

• Vivekananda Rock Memorial (via ferry)

• Triveni Sangam where pilgrims perform rituals

• Thiruvalluvar Statue against the waves

• Magical sunset at the View Tower

Pro Tip: Wake up early to watch the sunrise emerge from the sea—it’s spiritual.

Through the Gulf of Mannar – Hidden Marine Treasures

Heading east along the coast, I touched parts of the Gulf of Mannar, a marine biodiversity hotspot.From Tiruchendur to Mandapam, I saw:

• Glass-bottom boat rides showcasing coral reefs

• Local pearl divers and salt pans

• Migratory birds near coastal wetlands

• Eco-trails and conservation centres

The coastline was less touristy—ideal for reflection and photography.

Dhanushkodi: Where Myth Meets the Sea

The Past: A Town Swallowed by the Sea

Once a bustling town with railway lines, a post office, and vibrant trade, Dhanushkodi was known as the southernmost tip of Rameshwaram Island—just a narrow strip of land where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. It was also a sacred site in Hindu mythology, believed to be the spot where Lord Rama ordered Hanuman to build the stone bridge (Ram Setu) to reach Lanka, hence the name ‘Dhanushkodi’ or ‘End of the Bow’.

But Dhanushkodi’s thriving life met a tragic end on December 22, 1964, when a massive cyclone struck the region. A passenger train carrying over 100 people was washed away, and the entire town was devastated overnight. Declared a “ghost town” by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Dhanushkodi has remained uninhabited ever since.

The Present: A Silent, Surreal Landscape

Today, Dhanushkodi is a hauntingly beautiful coastal stretch, visited for its mythological significance, surreal beauty, and eerie remnants of the past. With the ocean on both sides, the journey to Dhanushkodi feels like driving on a water-suspended pathway. Visitors can still see the ruins of the old railway station, church, and houses, all slowly reclaimed by the sands.

A new road now connects Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi, making it accessible for tourists. The land’s end point, known as Arichal Munai, offers breathtaking views of the sea and is considered the closest accessible point to the mythical Ram Setu.

Discover this dramatic coastal finale with Christone Holidays.

🚐 Experience it with Christone Holidays

With Christone Holidays, experience Dhanushkodi not just as a destination, but as a story etched in wind and waves. Walk through the silence of ruins, feel the echoes of history, and stand where legends were once lived. Our guided coastal trail from Kovalam to Rameshwaram ensures you don’t just visit Dhanushkodi—you understand it.

Explore the stories etched in stone with Christone Holidays.

From the shores of Dhanushkodi, glimpse the faint trail of Ram Setu beneath turquoise waters – a sacred bridge believed to have been built by Lord Rama’s vanara army, now a visible marvel from space and a mythological gateway between India and Sri Lanka with Christone Holidays.

 From the shores of Dhanushkodi, glimpse the faint trail of Ram Setu beneath turquoise waters – a sacred bridge believed to have been built by Lord Rama’s vanara army, now a visible marvel from space and a mythological gateway between India and Sri Lanka with Christone Holidays.

From the shores of Dhanushkodi, glimpse the faint trail of Ram Setu beneath turquoise waters – a sacred bridge believed to have been built by Lord Rama’s vanara army, now a visible marvel from space and a mythological gateway between India and Sri Lanka with Christone Holidays.

🕉️ Ram Sethu: The Past in Detail

Ram Setu, also known as Let Christone Holidays take you through the soul of Rameshwaram, where every corridor tells a legend and every stone reflects the grandeur of South Indian temple architecture., is a chain of limestone shoals, sandbanks, and submerged rocks spanning about 48 km from Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka.

According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama's army of vanaras (monkey warriors), led by Hanuman and engineered by Nala, constructed this floating bridge to reach Lanka and rescue Sita. The structure was said to be made of stones that floated on water due to divine blessings. The bridge was known as Setu Bandhanam in ancient texts and is revered as sacred by Hindus even today.

Historical records and ancient maps from as early as the 16th century (by Dutch and British cartographers) reference this stretch as a walkable or passable landmass at low tide. Satellite imagery by NASA and ISRO also reveals a linear stretch connecting the two nations, fueling both faith-based and geological discussions.

🕊️ Why is it called Adam's Bridge?

The name “Adam’s Bridge” originated from Islamic and later Christian traditions. According to some Islamic legends:

• Adam, after being expelled from paradise (heaven), descended to Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka.

• From there, he is believed to have crossed over to the Indian subcontinent via this natural chain of shoals.

• British cartographers during the British colonial period referred to this formation as "Adam’s Bridge" on their maps based on these legends.

🕉️ In Hindu Tradition: Ram Setu

In Hindu belief:

• It is known as Ram Setu (Rama’s Bridge).

• It is believed to have been built by Lord Rama’s Vanara (monkey) army to cross over to Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka) to rescue Sita, as narrated in the epic Ramayana.

• The structure aligns with the path described in the ancient text, which adds cultural and mythological significance to the formation.

Distance from Dhanushkodi to Sri Lanka

• Approximate distance from Dhanushkodi to the Sri Lankan coast (Mannar Island):➤ 30 km (18.6 miles) across the Palk Strait.

• On clear days, Sri Lanka’s outline can sometimes be faintly seen from Arichal Munai, the last accessible tip of Dhanushkodi.

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Was There Ever a Road or Passage?

Yes – historically, before the 1964 cyclone:

• A railway line (the Dhanushkodi Branch Line) connected Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi town.

• From Dhanushkodi, passengers could board a ferry to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka.

• A rail-ferry connection allowed travelers to journey from Chennai (then Madras) to Colombo, making Dhanushkodi a major transit hub.

However, the 1964 cyclone destroyed Dhanushkodi and submerged much of the connecting track and infrastructure. Since then, there has been no direct land route, although a new road (NH-49 extension) now connects Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi for tourist access.

With Christone Holidays

Embark on a spiritually enriching and historically immersive journey from Kovalam to Dhanushkodi, tracing legends, lost towns, and ancient connections. Christone Holidays ensures your visit to Dhanushkodi and the view of Ram Setu becomes a moment of reflection, awe, and cultural discovery.

With Christone Holidays

Embark on a spiritually enriching and historically immersive journey from Kovalam to Dhanushkodi, tracing legends, lost towns, and ancient connections. Christone Holidays ensures your visit to Dhanushkodi and the view of Ram Setu becomes a moment of reflection, awe, and cultural discovery. – The Land of Faith and Forgotten Shores

🛕 Architectural Grandeur of Ramanathaswamy Temple

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is not just a spiritual beacon, but an architectural marvel that reflects the brilliance of Dravidian temple design. Situated on the serene island of Rameshwaram, the temple is renowned for its symmetry, intricate carvings, and sheer scale.

🔹 The Longest Temple Corridor in the World

One of the most awe-inspiring features is its corridor system, believed to be the longest among all Hindu temples in India. Measuring nearly 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in length, the corridor is supported by 1,212 intricately carved granite pillars, each showcasing unique floral and mythological designs. Walking through this corridor feels like stepping into a rhythmic procession of stone artistry.

🔹 Massive Gopurams and Mandapas

“Massive East Gopuram of Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram, standing tall with intricate sculptures.”

The temple boasts towering gopurams (gateway towers), with the East Gopuram reaching a height of 53 meters, acting as a divine beacon over the Bay of Bengal. The mandapas (pillared halls) within the complex host exquisite stone carvings and traditional ceiling artwork that narrate episodes from the Ramayana.

🔹 The Sacred Wells

 “Pilgrims at one of the 22 sacred theerthams inside Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for spiritual purification.”

The temple houses 22 theerthams (sacred water wells) within its premises, each believed to have spiritual healing properties. Pilgrims traditionally bathe in these waters before offering prayers—an ancient purification ritual still practiced today.

🔹 Granite Construction on a Sandy Island

The temple's location on a sandy island made its construction challenging. Granite had to be transported from distant places, including mainland Tamil Nadu. This makes the engineering of the temple as fascinating as its spiritual significance.

✨ Experience it with Christone Holidays

Christone Holidays guide you through the silent, sculpted corridors of Ramanathaswamy Temple, where faith meets fine stonework, and mythology echoes through every carving.

Let Christone Holidays take you through the soul of Rameshwaram, where every corridor tells a legend and every stone reflects the grandeur of South Indian temple architecture.

Finally, I arrived at Rameshwaram, where spiritual energy and coastal calm coexist.Walking across the Pamban Bridge, I was greeted by the rhythm of waves and temple bells.

I explored:

• Ramanathaswamy Temple: Massive corridors and sacred wells

• Dhanushkodi Beach: The ghost town washed away in 1964, still hauntingly beautiful

• Ariyaman Beach: Serene and clean, ideal for families

At sunset, I stood at the edge of Dhanushkodi, gazing toward Sri Lanka’s silhouette. The wind whispered stories of faith, storms, and survival.

🌊 Reflections: A Trail Etched in Tide and Time

This coastal trail from Kovalam to Rameshwaram gifted me:

• Sunrises that inspire

• Beaches that heal

• Cultures that connect

• Stories that stay

Whether you’re a beach lover, a spiritual seeker, or a marine enthusiast, this route along India’s southern coast will leave footprints on your soul.

📌 Travel Tips

• Best Time: October to March

• Local Transport: Hire a cab or self-drive for flexibility

• Must-Pack: Sunscreen, light cotton wear, waterproof camera, eco-bottles

• Bonus: Try coastal cuisine—Kerala’s seafood, Tamil Nadu’s filter coffee and kothu parotta