In December of 1964, a disaster struck the small port town DhanushkodiIt not only took many lives but also swallowed the entire city. As a result, the small town – which was connected to the country only through the Pamban Bridge – was reduced to ruins.

It started when a super cyclone with wind speed of 270 km/hr hit Dhanushkodi. According to reports, tidal waves rose up to 20 feet. The Pamban Dhanushkodi passenger train, which had departed from Pamban with 110 passengers and 5 members of railway staff, was hit by high tidal waves and the entire train was submerged in water, killing all on board. The Pamban Bridge connecting India to Pamban Island was also destroyed, trapping 3,000 people.

More than 800 people were killed in Dhanushkodi alone and the total death toll was close to 1800.

For those who don’t know, Dhanushkodi is the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is located adjacent to Sri Lanka and the Palk Strait acts as a natural border. On a clear day, you can glimpse the Sri Lankan coast from the city.

The ruins of the railway station, once bustling with people, now stand as a poignant reminder of the past – a place where tourists come to view the remains of the structure.

Another important thing about Dhanushkodi is that it is located near Adam’s Bridge, also known as Ram Setu. It is a chain of limestone rocks amid Pamban Island, also known as Rameshwaram Island. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama built a bridge to reach Lanka to save his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.

At the moment, there is not much to do around Dhanushkodi as it is basically empty of much infrastructure. However, you can always visit its nearest town, Rameshwaram – where you can shop for silk sarees, handicrafts and textiles.

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