Adam's Bridge - Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu

The name Adam's Bridge is probably drawn from Islamic legend. It is said Adam used the bridge to reach Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka, where he stood repenting on one leg for 1,000 years. There is a large hollow mark resembling a foot print on the summit of Adam's Peak.

Adams Bridge - Rama's Bridge (in red) or Rama Setu Adam's Bridge, or as it is also known locally - Rama Setu meaning "Rama's Bridge", is actually a chain of limestone islets and maritime coral shoals, between Mannar, an island off north-western Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, an island off the south-eastern tip of India. Adams Bridge is generally believed, in the region, that Rama Setu is the bridge built by the Hindu god Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in an effort to rescue his consort queen Sita who was abducted to Ceylon by Ravana. The story is told in the ancient script of the epic story 'Ramayana'.

Geological evidence indicates that Adams Bridge was once a former land connection between Sri Lanka and southern India.

Adams Bridge is about 50km (30 miles) long and separates the Sri Lankan Gulf of Mannar to its south-west from the Palk Strait to the north-east.

Some of the sandbanks are dry and the sea in the area is very shallow, hindering navigation. Government of India has approved a multi-million pound Shipping Canal Project that aims to create a deep water navigation channel across the Palk Strait. There are many people opposed to the plan that would involve removing a portion of Adam's Bridge.

We apologise for the repetition of some place or proper names with different spellings, but there is no definitive spelling translation of these words.

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The conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, commonly known as “the Tamil Tigers”) ended in May 2009. Although the conflict is over, the LTTE are believed to retain some capability to mount terrorist attacks such as grenade or explosive device attacks and shootings. The Government has relaxed the State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers but there are still heightened levels of security (e.g. checkpoints, road blocks) throughout the country. You should exercise a high level of vigilance. The risk for the most part is one of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In order to minimise this, you should avoid military, government and paramilitary locations. Always carry formal photographic identification with you. Stop and show your ID when asked to do so. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.

Fatal attacks linked to the LTTE occurred throughout the country into 2009. Most attacks have been directed against Government and military targets though a number have been focussed on civilian targets such as crowded public places, public transport and market areas. Some of the most significant attacks included a suicide bomb at a political gathering in March 2009 and an air raid on military targets in Colombo in February 2009.

JeGraNet.com statement - 15 October 2008 - Quote from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: "There is a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Fatal attacks have become more frequent. They have occurred in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka, including places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers. Further attacks may occur at any time. There is an increasing risk of British nationals being caught up in an attack". As independent travellers we left Colombo after just 9 days into our planned 6 month stay as a result of a feeling of insecurity, however we are sure that 'package tour' travellers to tourist resorts will probably enjoy a worry free holiday.