Tamil Nadu is a state that is celebrated for its very vibrant cultural heritage, ancient temples, and flourishing cities. However, what passes relatively unnoticed is the presence of such settlements which once were booming with life but are now merely referred to as ‘Ghost Towns’. These abandoned settlements are steeped in mystery and legend, and they portray the origin and fall of civilization all these centuries.
Dhanushkodi, probably Tamil Nadu's most talked-about ghost town, sits at the southern end of Rameswaram island. What once was a busy port town with a railway station and schools and homes is now an uninhabitable place, completely decimated by a catastrophic cyclone in 1964. Its winds traveled at a vigorous speed, rendering the town uninhabitable, killing hundreds of people, and leaving it a ruin. Today, the remnants of churches, railway tracks, and houses stand as silent witnesses to this tragedy. The haunting ruins contrast sharply with the pristine beaches, making the town a surreal experience for tourists.
Kayalpattinam, Thoothukudi, was a thriving port town in the Pandya dynasty era. It had a great history of trade with the Arabs and Southeast Asians. However, with the rise of other major ports and decline in the rulers' power, the glory started fading. Though not deserted, several portions of Kayalpattinam are in shambles, with several crumbling structures that speak of its glorious past.
Korkai, near the banks of the Thamirabarani River, was the capital of the Pandya dynasty and an important port of Tamil Nadu in ancient times. Considered an important pearl-fishing and marine trade hub, it lost its importance over time due to geographical reasons and shifting economic trends. Today, the archeological remains of Korkai-the temples and ancient tanks-would speak of a history that has been forgotten by time.
The ghost towns in Tamil Nadu do not only ensure a surreal experience for the urban explorers but also act as a vital record into the state’s glorified and praiseworthy history . The towns will forever symbolize the rich culture and fragments of the past which the state of Tamil Nadu is recognised for.
The town of Dhanushkodi
#Tamil Nadu #GhostTowns
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