Outstation route
Bangalore to Dhanushkodi Distance & Cab
Dhanushkodi, at the far end of Pamban island, is a place of sand, sea and the ruins of a town lost to a cyclone. It is a long way from Bengaluru, so here is the road distance and a sensible way to plan the journey by cab.
The route
Road distance from Bangalore to Dhanushkodi
The route runs south-east through Tamil Nadu and finally crosses onto Pamban island towards Rameswaram. Route-planner data lists NH 44, NH 536, NH 87 and NH 381B as the main roads. The figures below are route-planner figures without traffic or stops, and they are measured from central Bengaluru.
| Road distance | About 570 km one way |
| Driving time (route planner) | About 8 h without traffic delays or stops |
| Main roads on the route | NH 44, NH 536, NH 87, NH 381B |
| Round trip | About 1,145 km of driving, plus any local sightseeing |
Measured from central Bengaluru (Vidhana Soudha) using OpenStreetMap route data. Your exact distance depends on the pickup point and the route the driver takes, and real journey times are usually longer once city traffic, ghat sections and breaks are added.
This is one of the longest drives on our Tamil Nadu list. Interstate permit charges and tolls are extra. Most travellers break the journey at Madurai or on the way and reach Rameswaram on the next morning.
The destination
What you will find at Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi was a thriving town until the cyclone of 1964 destroyed it, and the broken church, railway station and house walls still stand open to the sea. The land narrows to a thin strip of sand, with the Bay of Bengal on one side and the Gulf of Mannar on the other, and the point at the tip is called Arichal Munai.
- Ruins of old Dhanushkodi, a quiet and slightly eerie stop that photographers love.
- Arichal Munai, where the two seas meet, with Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu) spoken of in the traditional account of the Ramayana.
- Rameswaram, with the Ramanathaswamy Temple known for its long pillared corridors, which most visitors combine with Dhanushkodi. Our Bangalore to Rameswaram cab page covers that side.
- The Pamban Bridge, the sea bridge that connects the island to the mainland.
Plan your trip
How many days to allow
With a one-way distance of this size you should plan at least two days, and three days is a more relaxed choice: one day to drive down, one to see Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi, and one to return. A single-day round trip would mean a very long stretch of driving and little time at the sea.
The last part of the trip goes through coastal areas where access rules and timings can change, so ask locally about the current arrangements at Dhanushkodi before you go. Windy weather and sea conditions can also affect the visit.
Families usually prefer an Innova Crysta or Hycross, groups of relatives or pilgrims can take a Tempo Traveller, and a one way taxi works if you plan to take the train back.
Vehicle options
Cabs for your Dhanushkodi trip
Vehicle availability depends on your travel date. Tell us your group size and luggage when booking and we will suggest a suitable option.
Tariff
Bangalore to Dhanushkodi Distance & round-trip rates
| Vehicle | Round-trip rate | Driver allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Etios (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (sedan) | ₹14 / km | ₹350 |
| Toyota Innova | ₹16 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | ₹22 / km | ₹400 |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | ₹25 / km | ₹400 |
| Tempo Traveller | On request | ₹600 |
| Mini bus (21 / 24 seater) | On request | ₹600 |
Round trip, minimum 300 km per day. Fares are inclusive of GST, and the final bill is based on the actual distance travelled. Hill-station charges, interstate permits, state permits, tolls and parking are extra. One-way drop fares are confirmed when you book.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How far is Dhanushkodi from Bangalore by road?
About 570 km one way from central Bengaluru, which is about 8 h of driving without traffic or stops in route-planner data. Allow extra time for breaks, because the journey is long.
How many days do I need for Bangalore to Dhanushkodi?
At least two days, with three days more comfortable. This lets you see Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi without rushing the drive.
Will the cab go all the way to Dhanushkodi?
Our cab takes you to the island and as far as the road and local rules allow. Check current arrangements for the last stretch before you travel.
Are tolls and permits included in the fare?
No. Interstate permit charges and tolls are extra for Tamil Nadu. The fare itself is confirmed when you book.
How is a round trip billed?
On actual kilometres with a minimum of 300 km per day, plus the driver allowance. Rates for each vehicle are in the table on this page.
Which cab suits a family trip to Dhanushkodi?
An Innova Crysta or Innova Hycross suits a family with luggage on a drive this long. For a group, a Tempo Traveller works well.
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