Why Is Ram Setu Also Called Adam’s Bridge?

Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) is a legendary network of limestone shoals that connects Pamban Island (India) to Mannar Island (Sri Lanka). Despite its religious, historical, and geological significance, the double name combines Hindu myth and Islamic-Christian lore.

Ram Setu vs Adam’s Bridge: What’s the Link?

The Name "Ram Setu"

According to Hindu legend, it was built by an army of Vanaras (monkey warriors) led by Lord Rama to save Sita, as told in the ancient epic Ramayana. Thus, it is known as Ram Setu or Rama's Bridge. This mythical connection elevates it to the status of a Hindu holy site, attracting people from sites like Rameswaram (India) and the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka (e.g., Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya).

The Name "Adam’s Bridge"

Adam’s Bridge is so named in Islamic and Christian tradition. This is the route Adam walked from Sri Lanka’s Adam’s Peak down to the Indian subcontinent after he was expelled from Eden, according to some Islamic legends. During colonial times, British cartographers gave it the name “Adam’s Bridge.” It was widespread in Western maps in the 19th century.

Scientific Perspective

Geologically, Adam’s Bridge is a 48-km-long series of limestone shoals between Rameswaram (India) and Mannar (Sri Lanka); part of it is above water, and the rest, below, having been created naturally over several millennia. Some groups have proposed Ram Setu for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its cultural and geological significance, though it is not officially nominated.

Geological evidence indicates it was a land connection until 1480 AD, when a cyclone deepened it. Now submerged, some are exposed at low tide.

Tourism Importance of Adam's Bridge - Ram Setu

For travellers, Adam’s Bridge is a mix of history and mythology, and beauty, which is naturally formed. Today, Ram Setu is an attraction for:

Visitors to Rameswaram (India) and Mannar (Sri Lanka). Sri Lanka, where travelers can visit the Ramayana trail, including Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, above, which is associated with the epic.

Historians and mythology lovers are touring sacred places. The remnants of the bridge are best viewed via boat from Talaimannar (Sri Lanka) or Rameswaram (India), offering a spectacular view of the ocean.

It fascinates nature lovers with its geological creation. The turquoise waters and shoals also make for dramatic photo opportunities, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

How to Visit Adam’s Bridge

From Sri Lanka: Take a bus or train from Colombo to Mannar Island (approximately 6-7 hours). If you join a local boat tour from Talaimannar, you can see the bridge; however, swimming or walking on the shoals is not allowed for environmental reasons.

From India: Arrive via Rameswaram, a four-hour train journey from Chennai. You can also safely view the underwater shoals on glass-bottom boat tours.

Best Time: Go during the dry season (December to April) for calm seas and sunny skies.

Conclusion

Recalling that it is called Adam’s Bridge or Ram Setu since it serves two cultural narratives — sacred in Hindu mythology as Rama’s bridge to Lanka, and in Islamic tradition as Adam’s span from Eden. For travelers, a fascinating place where mythology, religious faith, and geological science converge across the waters that separate India and Sri Lanka.

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