As a child, I often wondered why there was no bridge connecting India with Sri Lanka. I had been to a number of causeways, which connected lands across the sea, and I was curious as to why we hadn’t built something like that between India and Sri Lanka. Apparently, I realized later, that thousands of years ago, we had.
In Hindu mythology, this is known as the Rama Setu, the place where Lord Rama with the help of the “vanar sena” or the apes’ army, built a bridge across the sea to reach Lanka and defeat the demon King Ravana. This bridge connected what is now known as Rameshwaram in India to Talaimannar, Sri Lanka.
The Rama Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is however not just a mere myth. Satellite pictures, dredging and scientific findings show that even today there is a line of shoals submerged in this stretch, which once connected the two land masses. In fact, large vessels cannot travel in this strait, as the depth of the sea in some areas is only a few feet.
Today, the island of Mannar is one of the 25 districts of Sri Lanka. Talaimannar and Mannar are the two main towns located on the island of Mannar, right off the coast of mainland Sri Lanka. Once a town known for year-round pearl fishing, in the Portuguese and the Dutch era, Talaimannar now retains the charm and beauty of a coastal Sri Lankan town. Not only is the Ramayana influence evident, but you will also catch glimpses of Portuguese, Dutch and Arab cultures in the architecture and monuments.
Things To Do In Talaimannar
- Adam’s Bridge: Take a 15 kilometre boat ride along the former land connection between India and Sri Lanka. The bridge is now separated in 18 parts and is made of limestone shoals. For mythology and history enthusiasts, it would be interesting to walk on the sand banks which were once trodden by Lord Rama. The grandeur of the Indian Ocean, the beautiful sunsets and the natural beauty of the region further add to the charm of this attraction.
- The Baobab Tree: Believed to have been planted by the Arabs, this tree has the record for the largest circumference of any tree found in Sri Lanka. The tree is native to Africa, Madagascar and Australia, and is said to be around 800 years old! Anything living for that long is definitely worth seeing.
- St. Mary’s Church at Madhu: Located on the Talaimannar main road, this Portuguese style church is home to the statue of Our Lady of Madhu, or a depiction of Virgin Mary. This beautifully crafted statue attracts Buddhist, Hindu and Catholic visitors for its religious significance every year.
Aerial view from Talaimannar of the Rama Setu | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons | Planemad
Getting There
Road: A 30-kilometrelong causeway connects the Mannar Island to mainland Sri Lanka. Buses from Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Colombo reach Mannar frequently.
Sea: You can take a ferry ride from Rameshwaram, which is only about 30 kilometres away from the island.
Air: The nearest domestic airport is Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ), which is around 80 kilometres from the Mannar Island.