The tip of the bow
Located about 20 km from Rameshwaram, Dhanushkodi marks the southeastern tip of Pamban Island, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. Rich in mythology and history, it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama began construction of the legendary Ram Setu to Lanka — its Tamil name, meaning "tip of the bow," recalls the bow Rama used to mark the starting point.
Where an army built a bridge out of faith
According to the Ramayana, it was from this shore that Lord Rama's Vanara Sena — led by the architects Nala and Nila — began the construction of the Ram Setu, the great bridge of floating stones that would carry Rama's army across the sea to rescue Sita from Ravana in Lanka.
Each stone, tradition holds, was inscribed with Rama's name before being set upon the water — an act of devotion so complete that even the laws of nature made way for it. Standing at Dhanushkodi today, looking toward the distant shoals of Sri Lanka, is to stand at the very starting point of that act of faith.
Three stops that define a visit here
Sethubandhanam, the Starting Point
The shore believed to mark where the Vanara Sena laid the first stones of the Ram Setu — a quiet, powerful spot for reflection and prayer.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple
An active place of worship dedicated to Rama in his bow-holding form, commemorating the spot where Vibhishana surrendered to Rama and was crowned king of Lanka.
Arichal Munai
The island's land's end — a narrow point where you can watch the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean visibly meet in two distinctly coloured stretches of water.
Mythology, devotion, and coastline in one afternoon
With its blend of mythology, history, and breathtaking coastal scenery, Dhanushkodi is one of the most memorable attractions near Rameshwaram — best visited by jeep or shared van along the coastal road, with a stop at Arichal Munai to watch the two seas.