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Places of interest

Dhanushkodi Sea Bridge

4.7 · 1,180 reviews
Desolate and reflective
59XJ+7H8 Dhanushkodi Sea Bridge, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Interesting facts
1

The 1964 Rameswaram cyclone completely submerged the Dhanushkodi railway station and severed the link to the mainland.

2

The Pamban bridge area is one of the few places in India where travelers can stand between two distinct bodies of water—the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

3

Remnants of the colonial-era brick and iron infrastructure are still visible at low tide.

4

Dhanushkodi is geographically significant as the end of the land transport route in Southern India.

5

The site remains largely uninhabited due to the devastation caused by the 1964 storm.

Overview

Dhanushkodi Sea Bridge refers to the remnants of the old Pamban railway bridge and the connecting causeway infrastructure located at the eastern tip of Pamban Island. The site marks the point where the railway line once extended toward the ghost town of Dhanushkodi before it was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964. Visitors can view the exposed rail tracks and bridge pillars that extend into the shallow waters between the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The area is characterized by its stark, wind-swept landscape and its historical significance as the terminal point of the Indo-Ceylon Railway. The bridge area sits on a thin strip of land, representing the closest land point between India and Sri Lanka. The structure is no longer functional and serves as a historical marker of the town's pre-cyclone infrastructure.

Photo spot

The point where the rusted metal pillars of the old bridge meet the confluence of the two seas.

Insider tips

Bring adequate drinking water and snacks as there are no permanent shops at the edge of the bridge.

Wear footwear suitable for walking on sandy, uneven, and potentially sharp rocky surfaces.

Carry sun protection, as the area has virtually no natural shade.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk onto unstable, submerged ruins or venture into deep water, as currents in the Palk Strait can be unpredictable.

Good to know

Access may be restricted by local authorities during high tide or severe weather conditions.

Etiquette

Maintain respect for the historical and disaster-affected nature of the site.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-2 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning to avoid midday heat and the strongest winds.
Address
59XJ+7H8 Dhanushkodi Sea Bridge, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
9.198, 79.381
Get directions
Details
Historical SignificanceRemnant of the 1964 cyclone-destroyed Indo-Ceylon Railway
Terrain TypeCoastal sandbar and maritime ruins

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning to avoid midday heat and the strongest winds..

The point where the rusted metal pillars of the old bridge meet the confluence of the two seas.

Close by you'll find Old Dhanushkodi Railway Station, Kodanda Ramar Temple, Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple.