The Adam’s Bridge National Park is located in Sri Lanka and surrounds the Sri Lankan section of the Adam’s Bridge, which is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island of India and the Mannar Island of Sri Lanka. The bridge has a rich history dating back to the Ramayana, where it is known as the Rama Sethu or Rama’s Bridge. It was a land connection between the two countries until it was deepened by storms in the 15th century. Temple records even suggest that the Adam’s Bridge was completely above sea level before a cyclone in 1480. The sea areas between the sand dunes are shallow, with depths ranging from 1 to 10 meters.
The park was declared a national park in 2015 by the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Northern Province, conducted by the Sri Lankan government with the assistance of the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Environmental Program. The park lies on the route of migratory birds that visit Sri Lanka, and the sand dunes of the Adam’s Bridge serve as breeding grounds for some birds, such as the brown noddy. The shallow waters of the sand dunes also host various fish and aquatic grasses. The park’s sea surrounding the park is home to dolphins, dugongs, and turtles, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Adam’s Bridge National Park is a unique and historically significant area in Sri Lanka. Its shallow waters and sand dunes provide an important habitat for various species of wildlife, including migratory birds, fish, and marine mammals. The park offers visitors the chance to explore a one-of-a-kind natural environment and learn about the region’s rich cultural and geological history.
