Stretching roughly 50 kilometers across the Palk Strait, Ram Setu—also known as Adam’s Bridge—is one of the most fascinating and debated structures in the Indian subcontinent. This chain of limestone shoals connects India’s Pamban Island with Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island, and has long captured imaginations with its blend of mythology, history, and geology.
According to the ancient epic Ramayana, the bridge was built by Lord Rama and his monkey army to rescue Sita from Lanka. This version is deeply rooted in faith, and surprisingly, carbon dating of nearby materials suggests an age of about 7,000 years—echoing the timeline of the epic. On the other hand, scientists argue it’s a natural formation, shaped by coral reefs, sandbanks, and sedimentation over time. Yet, its strikingly straight alignment keeps the debate alive.
Historical records suggest that Ram Setu was once walkable, with travelers using it to cross the strait on foot before storms submerged parts of the path. The shallow sea depth—ranging from 3 to 30 feet—adds weight to these accounts.
The floating stones of Rameswaram, believed to be remnants of the bridge, add a layer of wonder. Some claim they defy gravity by floating on water, though science attributes this to pumice-like volcanic rocks.
Known by many names—Rama’s Bridge, Nala Setu, Adam’s Bridge—this formation holds spiritual and cultural significance across religions and communities.
Whether built by divine architects or formed by nature, Ram Setu continues to inspire awe and curiosity alike.