25 attractions in Dhanushkodi (back)

The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected area of India consisting of 21 small islands (islets) and adjacent coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean. It lies 1 to 10 km away from the east coast of Tamil Nadu, India for 160 km between Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) and Dhanushkodi. It is the core area of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve which includes a 10 km buffer zone around the park, including the populated coastal area. The park has a high diversity of plants and animals in its marine, intertidal and near shore habitats. Public access inside the Park is limited to glass bottom boat rides.

Dhanushkodi Beach lies on the tip of the Rameswaram island. In this beach, the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean merge which is known as Arichal Munai in Tamil. Before 1964, Dhanushkodi was a busy city with lots of crowds. The Dhanushkodi Beach attracted thousands of tourists each day. In 1964, Dhanushkodi was hit by a cyclone and was almost destroyed by it. It is considered a ghost town, as the place became uninhabitable. Tourists still visit Dhanushkodi Beach in large numbers. The main attractions of the beach are Ram sethu view point and the Adam's Bridge, which was said to be constructed by the army of monkeys for Lord Rama according to Hindu Legend. The Dhanushkodi beach is said to be not safe for those who cannot swim as the surf is above twelve feet at certain points.