Ram Setu / Adams Bridge, Rameshwaram - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 22 km from Rameswaram Railway Station, Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama Setu or Rama's Bridge is a chain of natural limestone shoals off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Rameswaram pilgrimage tour.

The Ram Sethu connects Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island to the Mannar island of Sri Lanka. This 48 km long chain of natural limestone shoals bridge separates the Gulf of Mannar (southwest) from the Palk Strait (northeast). Certain sections of this bridge are above water, and the surrounding sea typically does not exceed a depth of 1 meter (3 feet), which poses challenges for maritime navigation. Geological studies indicate that this formation was once a land link between India and Sri Lanka.

Numerous intriguing mythological narratives explain the origin of this structure. As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, along with his monkey army, constructed the bridge to reach Lanka and rescue Goddess Sita from the demon king Ravana. In Valmiki's Ramayana, the bridge is referred to as Sethubanthan. According to Islamic tradition, Adam traversed this bridge to reach Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka.

In addition to these myths, there are significant scientific explanations regarding the formation's existence. The Geological Survey of India, through 'Project Rameswaram,' posits that the islands of Rameswaram in India and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka were exposed to the surface between 7,000 and 18,000 years ago. It is theorized that the structure represents a large tombolo, a coastal formation of sandbars that connects an island to the mainland, which fragmented into a series of shoals due to fluctuations in sea levels thousands of years ago. Also, the historical temple records from Rameswaram indicate that Adam's Bridge was entirely above sea level until 1480, after which it became submerged due to natural disasters.

Various scientific investigations characterize it as a series of shoals, coral reefs, sand spits, or barrier islands. Nevertheless, the site remains a significant landmark, drawing both pilgrims and adventurers. Access to Rama Setu is available via Dhanushkodi, where tourists can hire boats from Dhanushkodi Beach to explore the sand dunes.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free