Name: Dhanushkodi
Rating: 3.7

Adam's Bridge, Dhanushkodi Overview

Adam's Bridge, a natural bridge that connects India with its neighbouring country Sri Lanka, is set amidst a gorgeous setting of raw nature that can leave anyone awe inspired by its beauty. The 50 kilometres long and 3-kilometre wide bridge starts as a chain of shoals from Dhanushkodi (tip of India's Pamban Bridge) and ends at Sri Lanka's Mannar Island. Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is considered as a legendary bridge which is mainly a chain of coral reefs and sandbanks. This mythical bridge has a lot of controversies associated regarding its origin and structure. The place offers a very relaxed aura and is a blissful experience for the travellers.

Dhanushkodi is the last tip of Rameshwar Island, and the Ram Setu Point is located a few meters away from Dhanushkodi. Adam's Bridge is an age-old structure which is believed to be around 1.7 million years old. The earliest mention of this bridge can be found in the Indian Sanskrit epic Ramayana, written by Valmiki. It was built by the Vanara army of Rama and was used to rescue Sita from Ravana. The stones used to make this bridge was adorned by the name of Lord Rama and were hence believed to float in water. However, scientific studies reveal that these stones were nothing but air trapped within a shell of silica. This property made them light and made them float on the water surface. This geographical formation steeped with myths and legends is a perfect way to enjoy one's vacation while exploring nature at its best.

History of Adam's Bridge

According to some documents and researchers, this 30-mile long bridge which separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait, was once passable on foot up to the 15th century until it was deepened by the storms. The record at the Rameshwaram Temple suggests that the Rama Setu was once completely above the sea level until it was destroyed in a cyclone in AD 1480. The calculated age of Adam's Bridge is said to be around 125,000 years to 3500 years, which somehow matches the age of the Ramayana.

It is considered to be 1.7 million years ago and served as the link between India and Sri Lanka since the time of Ramayana. Lord Rama and his army reached Lanka to rescue Sita, via this bridge and hence it is also known as Rama Setu. Although, the history of its formation is a highly disputed topic. Sri Lankan historians have highly condemned this theory as they call it a gross distortion of Sri Lankan history. Studies by NASA call this bridge a 30 kilometre long naturally occurring chain of sandbanks. After various court cases and issuing of affidavits, Madras High Court passed its verdict stating that Rama Setu is a man-made structure.

The bridge was reportedly passable on foot until the 15th century. After that, the channels got deepened due to storms. The bridge was completely above sea level until it was hit by a cyclone in 1480. Thus, the history of Adam's bridge has hundreds of clash of opinions.

Architecture of Adam's Bridge

This Bridge is a natural formation made up of rocks, small islands, stretches of reefs and sandbanks. Some of the sandbanks are dry, and the sea at this point is quite shallow that significantly affects the navigation. The sea at most places is 3 feet deep and goes up to maximum 30 feet deep at some locations. The length of the entire bridge is around 48 km or 30 miles, and its width is about 3 km. This chain of limestone shoals is a former connection between India and Sri Lanka. The precariously placed limestones give a dramatic appeal to the area. Adam's bridge has an enormous contribution in the mythological existence of the surreal tales.

Facts about Adam's Bridge

1. Believed to have originated during the times of Rama and Ravana.It is a popular belief that Rama's Bridge was constructed by Lord Rama for rescuing his wife Sita from Ravana, with the help of Hanuman and his army.
2. The Sri Lankans often believe that the Adam's Bridge was constructed by Ravana, using floating rocks made of weightless corals to reach India whenever he wanted.
3. Carbon syncing proves that the bridge is around 7000 years old, around the same time as Ramayana.
4. Adam's Bridge derived its name from an Islamic legend according to which Adam used this bridge to reach "Adam's Peak" in Sri Lanka.
5. A cyclone in 1480 destroyed the bridge. Before this, the bridge was allegedly passable on foot.
6. The bridge is constructed of “floating rocks”. Silica trapped in air essentially.

Best Time To Visit Adam's Bridge

The weather in the area is stable throughout the year. However, you can best enjoy the perfect view between November and March by avoiding the excess heat and hot winds.

Tips For Visiting Adam's Bridge

The place does not offer mobile network connectivity, so better be prepared for that.

How To Reach Adam's Bridge

The best way to reach Adam's bridge is through a taxi. There are jeep services that will take you right to the heart of it and the local temples where you can witness the floating stones that were used in the bridge. Otherwise, the best option to explore the area is on foot at least till the sea, and the bridge is walkable too.