Dhanushkodi Travel Guide: The Last Land of India

The quick answer

You are asking	The answer
When should I go?	Any month from January to September works (the "When to go" box above has each one); January to March is the coolest, at about 27 to 30 °C by day. October to December is the north-east monsoon, the wettest months, when rough seas can close the road. Tamil Nadu Tourism suggests November to March.
How long do I need?	One to two hours at Dhanushkodi itself, half a day with the drive, the ruins and Arichal Munai. Add an extra evening to a Rameswaram trip, as this guide says.
What are the hours?	Daytime only. Police close the road in the early evening (sources say 5 pm or 6 pm), so be heading back by 5. Nobody may stay overnight.
How do I get there?	From Rameswaram, about 20 km by state bus, auto, taxi or your own vehicle; the road runs to Arichal Munai now. Distances, the bus and the nearest airport and station: Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi.
Is there a bus back?	Yes, the state buses (TNSTC) run both ways between Rameswaram and Arichal Munai. Check the last bus before you set out.
Where do I stay?	In Rameswaram: budget hotels, dharamshalas and the state tourism corporation's Hotel Tamil Nadu. There is nowhere to stay at Dhanushkodi.
Is there food and water?	A few stalls sell fried fish, snacks and fruit. Carry your own water, sunglasses and something against the sand.
Can I swim?	Better not: high waves and strong currents. Walk the beach instead.

Before you go (2026)

• The road shuts when the sea is rough. On 20 August 2026, during a swell-surge alert, police barricaded the road and turned every vehicle back. In the monsoon months and on alert days, ask at your hotel before setting out.
• Holidays bring long queues. On Sunday 7 September 2026 the line of vehicles stretched about 5 km. Go on a weekday, and early.
• Trains are back. The new Pamban rail bridge opened on 6 April 2025, and trains run to Rameswaram again after more than two years.

Dhanushkodi Travel Guide– Exploring Dhanushkodi opened up a new world to me! Sometimes I memorize that visit with joy.

Recently discussed with some friends cum travellers, Dhanushkodi was the place marked by us for its uniqueness and one of the untouched places in India.

Although, people who visit Rameshwaram sometimes miss the opportunity to explore this abandoned small town which connects you directly to Ramayana – one of the greatest epics of India telling the story of Lord Rama.

We recommend you, dear reader, to add an extra evening to your travel itinerary to see the beauty of Dhanushkodi and capture memories.

Dhanushkodi | The Last Land of India

Dhanushkodi, the very last stoppage of India, is also famous as the starting point of Rama Setu. Rameshwaram temple records say that Rama Setu or Rama Bridge was above sea level until it was damaged in 1480. Many of us think that Rameshwaram is the last land of India. And you know the irony – I thought the same until I went there!

After a massive cyclone in 1964, the Government labeled it as ‘not fit for human habitation’, and because of the town’s remote location and its past, Dhanushkodi is referred to as the ‘Ghost Town’.

Dhanushkodi | Getting There

You need to reach Rameshwaram first and go to Dhanushkodi using regular bus service or autorickshaw/taxi or by hiring a vehicle.

The Government bus fare from Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi is around Rs.30.

Rameshwaram is well–connected to all the major cities because of its religious importance. Dhanushkodi is roughly 25 km from Rameshwaram, and this journey would surely be fascinating as you would be going on a thin strip of concrete with the blue sea on both sides.

Want to come by air? Book your ticket to Madurai – the nearest airport to Rameshwaram or Dhanushkodi (180 km by road takes around 3.5 hours; 2026: Rameswaram's municipality gives 177 km from the airport to Rameswaram) and then hire a cab directly to Dhanushkodi. If you want to know secrets to book cheap flight tickets, we have made two videos for you:

Best Ways to Book Cheap Flight Tickets in Hindi : https://youtu.be/yX7RvwrC3uI

How to Book Cheapest Flight Ticket in Hindi : https://youtu.be/7GM8Kzp8e1k

Buses are available from Madurai to Rameshwaram which cost you around Rs.740 for a comfortable seat.

Charismatic Facts about Dhanushkodi –

1. It is said that Lord Rama and his army of apes & monkeys built this Rama Setu (Rama Bridge) to save his wife Sita from Ravana – The King of Lanka.

2. It is also known as Adam’s bridge as it connects Tamil Nadu in South India and Mannar island off the northern coast of Sri Lanka. However, there are different geological theories behind the origin of the bridge.

3. It was the 21st of December 1964, when the cyclone hits the small town of Dhanushkodi and did not spare anything but ruins and took many lives. (2026: the storm made landfall at Dhanushkodi on the night of 22–23 December 1964.)

4. During the disaster, a train running from Pamban to Dhanushkodi got submerged into the sea and around 115 passengers killed.

5. Four radio operators proved their bravery and rewarded because they chose to remain in Dhanushkodi to broadcast updates during the storm.

6. According to Indian mythology, Lord Rama destroyed the bridge with arrows from his bow after rescuing his wife Sita, so the name of the town became Dhanushkodi meaning the end of the bow.

7. This town is well-known for its ancient harbor.

8. This place will give you an urge to travel stronger than wanderlust.

Things to Remember before Heading to Dhanushkodi –

1. Do not forget to bargain while hiring a taxi or jeep from anywhere (especially Rameshwaram) to Dhanushkodi. Sometimes you do not get any vehicle to return so book accordingly. (2026: the state bus now runs to Arichal Munai and back; check the last one.)

2. Around 1–2 hours will be sufficient to explore the beauty of sea surroundings and photography/videography.

3. It will be hard to keep your eyes open without sunglasses because of the sandy beach, scorching sun, and extreme natural conditions. Also, you do carry a water bottle while visiting.

4. A face mask will be helpful to protect yourself from sand and COVID-19. You will thank me later. (2026: for the sand, mostly.)

5. Do not think of camping or night stay at Dhanushkodi. (2026: the road closes in the early evening; be heading back by 5 pm.)

Best Time to Visit –

Winter is the best season to visit Dhanushkodi. The months from April to June might be a good time to visit the place because it does experience hot summers but is not unbearable. (2026: one caution. October to December is the north-east monsoon here, the wettest months, and rough seas can close the road. January to March is the coolest of the easy months; the "When to go" box at the top of this page has each month.)

Where to Stay –

No facility is available to stay or any such thing at Dhanushkodi. You have the only option available in Rameshwaram where you can find several budget hotels, dharmshalas, etc. (2026: among them the state tourism corporation's Hotel Tamil Nadu.)

Hungry at Dhanushkodi?

You can probably find a few vendors selling fresh fruits, local meals, fried fish, and snacks or visitors. One thing to remember that Dhanushkodi is not any luxurious place, so keep yourself motivated at any moment.

Medical Aid –

The Government and the Rameshwaram temple trust provide free medical treatment for the poor.

Shopping at Rameshwaram – Bargain Like a Pro

(2026: the shops and timings below are as we listed them; we have not rechecked them, so confirm before you go.)

1. Kurinji Textiles – Pure Silk Clothes and Sarees
Location: GP Road in Rameswaram
Timings: 6 am – 8 pm
Specialty: Silk sarees, silk scarfs, and other dress material

2. House of Kalam – Handicraft and Textile Items
Location: 12/7, Mosque Street, Rameswaram
Timings: 8 am – 7 pm (Closed on Saturday & Sunday)
Specialty: Khadi bags, silk scarves, sarees, and handicraft items

3. Temple Shops – A Variety of Gift Items
Location: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Timings: 6 am – 7 pm
Specialty: Handicraft, hand fans, picnic baskets, shells, mirrors, and chandeliers

Things to Explore –

1. Serene beach surroundings; the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Indian Ocean on another side.
2. Ruined temple/church of Dhanushkodi.
3. Collect seashells at Dhanushkodi (Women from villages come to Dhanushkodi to collect different types of shells and sell them to earn a livelihood).
4. Build sandcastles and have some fun. If you make one, do not forget to share your creativity with TravelEscape.
5. Do try some fish fry at Dhanushkodi.

You will be surprised to see one of the world’s most dangerous train routes located in India. It is Pamban Bridge which connects Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India. Click to watch (2026: this was filmed on the old bridge; a new one, India's first vertical-lift sea bridge, carries the trains since April 2025):

What to Budget –

Are you a solo traveller? If yes, then to visit Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi will cost you around Rs.2000 for two days. You will be able to explore everything under Rs.3500 depends on how much you spend on things.

A visit to Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi with your family of 5-6 members will cost you below Rs.6000 for two days. (2026: these are 2023 figures; allow more now.)

About Dhanushkodi, what does Aparna say?

My experience was beyond my thinking when I get there. The beauty of the world and felt like the wind was taking me from the land to the sea. I was craving the smell of the warm sea breeze and the soft sand which was ready to cover my whole body.

I wanted to enjoy every moment like it was my last. I started to breathe the salty and sandy air, and then my body feels like beachy. As I saw the ocean from the endmost point of the land, I have a sensation that the spirit of the ocean moving me with its path.

So, if you are interested in visiting an untouched place, and have not been to Dhanushkodi before, it is something you need to rectify immediately.

Getting Around –

Most visitors to Rameshwaram or Dhanushkodi use a combination of buses or trains to get around. The princess of hill stations – Kodaikanal is such a gift of the forest, located 229 km from Rameshwaram. Madurai is the third–largest city in Tamil Nadu (151 km) and boasts 17^th century Meenakshi Temple and one of the top attractions Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

Distance to Top Cities from Rameshwaram –

1. Thanjavur (238 km)
2. Kanyakumari (310 km)
3. Munnar (340 km)
4. Yercaud (405 km)
5. Pondicherry (431 km)
6. Ooty (454 km)
7. Hogenakkal (464 km)
8. Kanchipuram (505 km)
9. Mahabalipuram (527 km)
10. Chennai (560 km)

Key points before you go

• Go between January and September (January to March is the coolest), on a weekday, early in the day.
• Be heading back by 5 pm; nobody stays overnight.
• Carry water, sunglasses and something for the sand; stay out of the water.
• Sleep in Rameswaram, and add an evening for Dhanushkodi.
• Read next: Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi (the road and the 1964 cyclone), the Rameshwaram travel guide, and our Sri Lanka trip.

TravelEscape is here to Answer all your Travel queries –

There is not more to explore or things to do but just a visit to Dhanushkodi will make you a surprise and a lifetime experience. If you are looking for how to plan a perfect trip or planning to travel to Rameshwaram or Dhanushkodi, TravelEscape is here to answer all your queries in the comment box below.

Thanks, Nameer Khan, for bringing this idea up and we appreciate your contribution to this blog. Nameer Khan is an enthusiastic traveller who enjoys putting pen to paper and love sharing his travel experiences.

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