Situated 500 km south of Chennai, off the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, one will feel the expansive Bay of Bengal induce a certain kind of serenity into one's soul
Journeying along the length of this bridge to reach a remote Island, situated 500 km south of Chennai, off the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, one will feel the expansive Bay of Bengal induce a certain kind of serenity into one's soul. Not far off from Sri Lanka, the said Pambam Island, was used as a strategic port by the British to smoothen its trade relations with Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Its accessible by the 2.2 km long Pamban bridge — the longest bridge in India constructed over a bay.
India's First Ever Sea Bridge
This, also India's first ever sea-bridge, which initially ran up to the south-eastern tip of the island to Dhanushkodi town, is a historical and engineering marvel. Despite the region being vulnerable to the vagaries of cyclones and severe storms, the bridge has withstood. Incidentally, Dhanushkodi, washed away by the cyclone in 1964 has now ended up almost being a ghost town. All that is now left of its existence is the remnants of its railway lines, a Church and some dilapidated settlements of some former inhabitants. If one can get to that tip, one can all the more be bathed in solitude. There is also a small incentive in visiting this town. The former connects, lying between India and Sri Lanka, Adam's bridge, which is now submerged underwater is visible from that point. Apparently that zone is under the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka, if mobile network messages are to be followed.
The President's Land
The island, also known as Rameswaram Island after its most famous town, is unable to grow any own crops of its own despite being surrounded by the sea and the sand. It also has no provision for generating electricity of its own going to the high wind speeds of that area. There are, though, few solar panel installations following the initiative of the late president APJ Abdul Kalam — easily the most famous son of this land, that provides electricity to some residents. In fact, one of the most visited sites on this island, is the humble two-storeyed house of the late formal president which still remains packed to the gills with his books.
Visit Guide
From Madurai, the nearest airport to the island, it will take about 3 hours 30 minutes to travel 160 kilometres by road to reach Rameshwaram. One can also avail a train that plies almost every hour from the Madurai Railway Station. Besides lodges one will find 3-star and 4-star hotels for staying. October to March is the best time to visit.
