Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is the abandoned sandspit 'ghost town' at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island, destroyed by a 1964 cyclone and reached via an 8km 4WD beach track. It's used by Rameswaram kiters mainly as a downwind run in the strong Gulf of Mannar trade winds rather than a standalone launch spot, since it has no on-site facilities or rescue.

advancedflat water

Two Seas at Dhanushkodi, iconic water meeting point — rajaraman sundaram / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Bay of Bengal at Dhanushkodi — Suresh Babunair / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Dhanushkodi beach at sunset — rajaraman sundaram / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Horse on Dhanushkodi beach — rajaraman sundaram / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Wind

best months	Jun Jul Aug Sep Dec Jan Feb Mar
season notes	SW monsoon (Jun-Sep) and NE trade season (Dec-Mar) both bring strong, consistent wind to the exposed spit.
avg knots	15-25
wind name	SW monsoon / NE trade winds
quality	strong and consistent, but check for offshore-wind scenarios before launching
typical kite sizes	9-12m

Water

type	flat
wetsuit	boardshorts

Levels

beginner	no
intermediate	yes
advanced	yes
notes	Advanced riders favour the exposed open spit; best used as a downwinder destination rather than a beginner launch given the lack of facilities.

Launch & crowd

description	Reached via an 8km 4WD beach track from Rameswaram/Kathadi; no kite infrastructure on site.
rescue	none confirmed - riders should bring their own safety/rescue support
vibe	remote and largely deserted; a handful of kiters and day-tripping tourists visiting the ruins

Hazards

no on-site facilities or rescue
verify wind isn't blowing offshore before launching
remote location - requires a local 4WD guide
shifting sandbanks

Tips

most commonly ridden as an 8km downwinder starting from Rameswaram/Kathadi rather than as a dedicated launch
combine with sightseeing the 1964-cyclone ghost-town ruins

Travel basics

airport	IXM Madurai
getting there	4WD beach track from Rameswaram, arranged via the Kathadi kite school
accommodation	base out of Rameswaram/Kathadi
cost level	mid
no wind	ghost-town ruins, temple sightseeing

Nearby: Swami's Bay / Kathadi

Sources: breeza.io · iksurfmag.com