Dhanushkodi was a prosperous town and a significant trading center before 1964, with a railway station, post office, church, and several hotels. It served as a gateway between India and Sri Lanka, with regular ferry services transporting people and goods. However, a catastrophic cyclone struck in December 1964, causing a massive tidal wave that washed away the entire town and claimed thousands of lives. The government declared Dhanushkodi a 'Ghost Town' and unfit for habitation. The ruins of the town stand as a stark reminder of nature's power and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Today, visitors can witness the remnants of the past, including the skeletal remains of buildings and railway tracks.