Key Highlights
- Located between Rameswaram and the trident‑themed Dhanushkodi, it marks India’s furthest trafficable point.
- Its two‑sided maritime view showcases the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
- Named “India’s Last Road” in national tourism material, it attracts pilgrims and history enthusiasts alike.
Detailed Insights
The route stretches roughly twenty kilometres from the pilgrimage hub of Rameswaram to the coastal settlement of Dhanushkodi. Beyond the town, a narrow sandy arm—Arichal Munai—terminates the mainland. Historically, this place was linked to the epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama allegedly began constructing the legendary Rama Setu (Adam’s Bridge) to reach Lanka. The area suffered catastrophic damage during the 1964 cyclone, which washed away much of the town’s infrastructure and left the railway line submerged. Presently, the stretch forms part of NH 87, developed to accommodate an increasing influx of tourists and devotees. Travelers often pause at the tip to witness sunrise and sunset over a horizon where two vast oceans lie side by side.
Key Concepts
- Ram Setu – Mythical stone bridge connecting India to Sri Lanka between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.
- Palk Strait – Narrow waterway separating mainland India from Sri Lanka, visible from the coastal route.
- Arichal Munai – The terminal sand point marking the end of India’s continental landmass.
- 1964 Cyclone – Devastating storm that turned Dhanushkodi into an abandoned town.
- NH 87 – National highway segment that now covers the former shore route, open to private and bus traffic.