Once upon a time, Dhanushkodi wabbs a busy and flourishing town – with homes , schools, church, temple, post office and railway station. Thousands resided in this tiny town, recognized as one of the country's richest fishing belts. It was also the only land border between India and Sri Lanka, and acted as a major port for many pilgrims and traders. Many devotees visited the temple and church in the area , making it a preferred tourist spot.
A depression formed in the South Andaman Sea at 5 ° N 93 ° E on 17 December 1964. It intensified into a cyclonic storm on 19 December. After December 21, 1964, it marched westward at a pace of 400 to 550 kilometers per day, almost in a straight line. It crossed Vavunia in Sri Lanka on 22 December and made landfall on the night of 22–23 December 1964 at Dhanushkodi.
An estimated 1,800 people died in the cyclonic storm on 22 December including 115 passengers on board the passenger train from Pamban-Dhanushkodi. The entire city was marooned, and the Madras government declared Dhanushkodi a ghost city, unfit for living.
How to get there
Since there is no direct link to Dhanushkodi, you must first get to Rameshwaram, which is located approx. 12 Near Dhanushkodi. Rameshwaram is well connected by rail from the major cities of South India, such as Trichy, Chennai, Thanjavur and Coimbatore. Or, you can take a flight from Rameshwaram to Madurai which is about 3.5 hours drive away.
Lost Land has slowly gained tourist attention
The city is gradually coming alive after the horrific incident and has started to appear on the radar of intrepid travelers searching for an offbeat destination. Its serenity and calm, azure sea, soft white sand and ruins fascinate travelers along its sandy shoreline.The remains of a mosque, train station, church and the then residents' homes can be seen. In fact, tourists can relax on the beach and listen to the sounds of the mighty Indian Ocean waters and the Bay of Bengal. There are also one or two small shacks on the beach, and a tiny tea stall.