Adam's Bridge (Rama Setu)
இராமர் பாலம்
A chain of sandbanks about 48 km long that runs intermittently from the western tip of Mannar Island toward India. Legend says it is the “Rama Bridge,” built by Rama’s army of monkeys.
Adam’s Bridge is a string of limestone shoals and sandbanks about 48 km long between Mannar Island and Rameswaram in India, separating the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait. The Hindu epic Ramayana says Rama built it with his monkey army to rescue Sita, while Islamic and Christian traditions link it to Adam. From the coast at Talaimannar, you can see the nearest sandbank in the distance. At certain times, local boats with navy permission run trips to the first sandbank, where you can stand on the sand and see waters of two different colours on either side. Whether trips are running must be confirmed locally in Mannar or with the tourism office. The sandbanks lie in a sensitive maritime zone, so do not cross into restricted waters on your own. Strong waves during the southwest monsoon often cancel boat trips, so winter and spring are the best seasons to visit.
Opening hours
Depends on boat tour availability
Nearby sights
- Talaimannar Pier & Lighthouse
- St. Sebastian's Cathedral, Mannar
- Mannar Fort
- Mannar Baobab Tree
- Vankalai Sanctuary
- Thiruketheeswaram Temple
- Doric Bungalow, Arippu
- Giant's Tank