Talaimannar Pier & Lighthouse
தலைமன்னார்
The old lighthouse at the western tip of the island and the former ferry pier to India, with fishing boats lining the beach. It is the starting point for views of Adam's Bridge.
Talaimannar lies at the westernmost tip of Mannar Island. From 1914, a train-and-ferry link ran from the pier here to Rameswaram in India, an important route between the two countries. It was suspended in 1984 because of the civil war, and the pier has been abandoned ever since, with its remnants still visible. The white lighthouse marks the island's western end, and fishing boats crowd the beach, where in the early morning you can watch fishermen haul in their nets. The railway has been restored to Talaimannar, so you can arrive by train. It is about 30 km from Mannar town, reachable by tuk-tuk or hired car, and is worth a half day together with Adam's Bridge. Naval personnel are stationed near the lighthouse and pier, so ask before taking photos.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Adam's Bridge (Rama Setu)
- St. Sebastian's Cathedral, Mannar
- Mannar Fort
- Mannar Baobab Tree
- Vankalai Sanctuary
- Thiruketheeswaram Temple
- Doric Bungalow, Arippu
- Giant's Tank