Rama’s Bridge, also known as Rama Setu and Adam’s Bridge, is a 30-mile string of limestone shoals that geological clues indicate was an ancient land connection between the two countries.

The water around the islets is typically only about 3 to 30 feet deep. Temple records seem to say that Rama’s Bridge was entirely above sea level until it was broken into the shoals by a cyclone in 1480 AD.

There is considerable debate over what processes formed the bridge. Some geologists believe it is the remnant of a large expanse of land that once connected India and Sri Lanka.

Others say sediment collected and was bound into the land bridge by coral due to currents swirling around the narrow gap between the two countries.

Another theory is that the bridge was actually manmade. In the Hindu faith, it is said that the bridge was built by the Vanara (monkey-men) army of Rama. Legend says Lord Rama used it to reach modern-day Sri Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the evil king Ravana.

Rama, the perfect avatar of the Supreme Protector Vishnu, is an all-time favorite among Hindu deities. The Indian government in 1996 declared that the bridge was both built and destroyed by Rama.

The term Adam’s Bridge is believed to refer to an Islamic legend, which said Adam (from the biblical book of Genesis) used it to reach Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, where he is said to have stood on one foot while repenting for 1,000 years. A large hallow mark that resembles a footprint is revered as the place where Adam once stood.

The islets became known as Adam's Bridge only after the beginning of the British colonial era.

The image to the upper right was captured by the MODIS sensor orbiting on NASA’s Terra Satellite at midday on February 22, 2010.

Satellite Data: NASA MODIS Rapid Response System