The bridge of Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, has captured our imagination for centuries. Recently, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared a stunning image captured by its Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, offering a glimpse of this marvel from space.

Stretching 48 kms between India’s Rameswaram Island and the Mannar Island in Sri Lanka, Ram Setu is a chain of limestone shoals that separates the Gulf of Mannar from the Palk Strait. And recently, the European Space Agency shared an image of the Ram Setu taken by its Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite which shows the shallow waters surrounding the shoals, with some sandbanks even appearing dry.

In the image shared by the space agency, one can clearly see Mannar Island connected to mainland Sri Lanka by a road and railway bridge. On the Indian side, Rameswaram Island is connected to the mainland by the 2-km-long Pamban Bridge.

The Indian epic Ramayana suggests the bridge was built by Lord Ram to travel to Sri Lanka, where Sita was held captive by Ravan. But scientific studies have shown these shoals are remnants of a landmass that once connected India and Sri Lanka. Historical records even hint at the bridge being traversable until the 15th century, possibly succumbing to erosion over time.

How To Visit Ram Setu

Ram Setu is accessible via Dhanushkodi, which is about 20 km away from Rameshwaram town and is accessible by jeeps. From Dhanushkodi beach, travellers can hire boats that will take them to the sand dunes. In Dhanushkodi, you must head to Arichalmunai, believed to be the place where the Ram Setu was built. In fact, earlier this year, PM Modi had also visited this spot and offered prayers.