A travelogue by Sovan Bandopadhay

Some Magical Moments in Pamban and Dhanuskodi

• Sovan Bandyopadhyay

 

As my Posting in Chennai and Consequent posting as District Nodal Officer in Ramanathapuram district of Tamilnadu, popularly known as Ramnad, till the date of Election, which is on 19th April, I was sad. Sad, because I have been posted about 584 km away from Chennai, which means I have to be stationed here, in Ramanathapuram for more than One Month. But, duty is duty. No escaping. So I packed my Bags(read, suitcases) and arrived in Ramanthapuram on 20th March, via Madurai. The road journey of almost 120 km from Madurai to Ramanathapuram was smooth, and the road itself was fantastic with abundant nature around. Till 23rd March, time went in settling down, meeting different District officers, building my team etc. Most of the movements were within the city of Ramanathapuram only, the District Headquarters of Ramanathapuram District. It's a small Mofussil Town with nothing significant. It's popular among people of Ramanathapuram District for  the renowned Sri ValliduMurugan Temple.

 

On 24th March, I decided to start moving around the district, my jurisdiction. So, along with some of my team members, I went to visit Rameswaram town, which is famous for Rameswaram Temple. 

 

Rameshwaram, a tranquil town nestled on Pamban Island, boasts an iconic landmark—the Pamban Bridge. To reach Rameswaram, we have to cross the bridge. This architectural marvel effortlessly connects Rameshwaram to mainland India, encapsulating the island’s beauty and rich history. As I embarked on this unforgettable journey, not knowing what's lying ahead, I found myself immersed in a blend of nature’s charm and human engineering ingenuity. Stretching approximately 2 kilometers, Pamban Bridge serves as the primary mode of transportation connecting the mainland to the island. Though my trip to Pamban Bridge was just a casual visit, part of my duty, it came out to be an immersive experience. Gliding over the very first, the oldest, and formerly the longest ocean sea bridge of India, is nothing sort of a spellbinding adventure. The panoramic view of the sparkling sea under the clear blue sky and sparkling sun, speckled with colourful fishing vessels, and the thrill of traversing the bridge (we got down from the car at Ramanathapuram side and walked up to the end of the bridge on Rameswaram side) became an unforgettable memory etched in my heart. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow on the bridge, highlighting the intricate latticework of its design. Tourists, like myself, captured the scene with their cameras, while locals went about their day with a practiced ease. By zooming out the camera of my mobile,I watched a fisherman cast his line, the rhythmic motion strangely calming amidst the bustling bridge. The cluster of colourful fishing trawlers on the blueish–cum- greenish water, a Lighthouse in the background, made me feel that I am watching a picture of Greece in any travel magazine. And I was elated to feel that India's varied natural beauty is no less than any other(s) all over the world. How badly I missed my camera. The salty breeze whipped through my hair as I stood on the iconic Pamban Bridge that afternoon. The Railway bridge, alongside the road bridge, a marvel of Indian engineering, snaked out towards Rameswaram, a thin line connecting island and mainland.The old bridge has got damaged beyond repair. So, movement of Trains over Pamban Rail Bridge is suspended. A new Bridge is coming up just beside the old one. Cars, bikes rumbled by, creating a symphony of movement on this vital artery. Below, the turquoise waters of the Palk Strait shimmered, dotted with colorful fishing boats.Aahhh....I felt like I was in heaven, on cloud nine. Simply mesmerising. 

 

If you ever find yourself in Rameshwaram, don't miss the chance to embark on this remarkable journey across the Pamban Bridge. Remember, it's not just a bridge, it's a testament of human endeavour  and a gateway to wonder. It’s a place where the undulating waters of the Palk Strait meet the unwavering spirit of engineering brilliance.

 

After soaking in the sights and sounds of Pamban Bridge, I continued my journey to Dhanushkodi, the ghost town at the tip of Pamban Island. The road, after we negotiated the narrow winding streets and lanes of Rameshwaram was breathtakingly beautiful. As we approach the end/tip point, sea appeared on both sides of the road. It seemed like the road is going through the sea, or into the sea. Mesmerising!!  As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I reached this fascinating, yet slightly eerie, destination. The remnants of structures, stark against the vastness of the beach, whispered stories of a bygone era. The wind carried the sound of crashing waves, a constant reminder of the power of nature. We reached the end point, alighted from the car and settled on the western side of the point, where Sun was bidding adieu for the day. 

 

The true magic unfolded as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sky transformed into a breathtaking masterpiece. Fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple bled into each other, creating a spectacle that left me speechless. The reflection on the wet sand added another layer of beauty to the scene. The western sky was holding this canvas before my eyes, on the other side, in the eastern sky the round moon was slowly and silently making its appearance. What a magical contrast on two opposite canvases. I felt so humbled.

Standing there, on the edge of the land, with the endless ocean stretching before me and the sky ablaze with color, I felt a sense of awe and peace. It was a moment suspended in time, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature.

The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the sunset. Standing there, on the edge of the land, with the endless expanse of the Indian Ocean before me, I watched the fiery orb dip below the horizon, and felt a sense of awe and peace. The sky transformed into a canvas of fiery colors, reflecting beautifully on the wet sand. The silence, broken only by the waves, was almost profound.It was a moment suspended in time, a reminder of the power and beauty of nature.

Dhanushkodi, with its dramatic beauty and haunting past, offered a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of Pamban Bridge. It was a journey through time, a reminder of the constant change that shapes our world. While Dhanushkodi might not be your typical tourist destination, it offers something far more profound - an unparalleled sunset experience. If you're looking for a place to escape the ordinary and witness nature's artistry at its finest, then a trip to Dhanushkodi during sunset is a must!If you're ever in Tamil Nadu, I highly recommend this unique experience. Just be sure to reach Dhanushkodi before sunset to witness the magic for yourself!Just remember, plan your trip accordingly, as visitors are not allowed after 5:00 p