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Kachchatheevu, Rameshwaram

Overview

•Kachchatheevu is a small, uninhabited island in the Palk Strait, lying about 26 km from Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, India.
•Though geographically close to India’s southeastern coast, the island is part of Sri Lanka, having been formally recognised as such by India in 1974.
•Its sparse, sandy terrain and historic church draw occasional visitors, primarily for an annual feast, but it remains a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination.

Highlights

St. Anthony’s Shrine, a historic Catholic church
Annual joint Indian-Sri Lankan pilgrimage festival
Untouched, uninhabited sandy island landscape
Panoramic views of the Palk Strait from the island’s shores

Religious Significance

The island holds religious importance for Catholic Christians in both India and Sri Lanka, as it hosts the centuries-old St. Anthony’s Shrine, a focal point of an annual joint pilgrimage. Historically, Kachchatheevu was a disputed territory between India and Sri Lanka until 1974, when India recognised Sri Lankan sovereignty, ending a long-standing maritime boundary issue. Its location in the Palk Strait also makes it ecologically notable, though it lacks permanent habitation or developed tourism infrastructure.

Facilities

Basic facilities only. The island has a small church, a few shelters, and minimal amenities; visitors should carry their own water, food, and first-aid supplies, as there are no shops or permanent services.

History

•Kachchatheevu was governed by British Ceylon from 1921, and although India never controlled the island, it remained a point of contention until the 1974 Indo-Sri Lankan agreement, in which India recognised Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.
•The island’s historical significance is tied to the annual St.
•Anthony’s festival, which has been celebrated for over a century, drawing pilgrims from both countries.
•Since the 1974 accord, the island has remained under Sri Lankan administration, with access regulated for Indian pilgrims.

Travel Tips

Carry your passport and any required permits, as you will be entering Sri Lankan territory.
Pack essentials like drinking water, snacks, and sun protection, as the island has no shops or shade.
Confirm boat schedules and permissions with the Rameshwaram port authorities well in advance, as trips are infrequent and weather-dependent.

Location

•Kachchatheevu is situated in the Palk Strait, approximately 26 km northeast of Rameshwaram town in Tamil Nadu, India, and about 20 km from the Sri Lankan island of Delft.
•It is a low-lying, sandy island that is part of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

How to Reach

•From Rameshwaram, visitors can reach Kachchatheevu by boat, typically organised by the Tamil Nadu government or authorised tour operators, especially during the annual festival in February.
•The journey takes about 2–3 hours by sea, but access is restricted on non-festival days; check with local authorities for permission and schedules.

Things to Do

Attend the Annual St. Anthony’s Festival

Full day

Join the vibrant religious gathering that brings together Indian and Sri Lankan pilgrims for a day of prayer, singing, and communal celebration at the shrine. The festival typically occurs in February and is the primary reason for visiting the island.

Cultural & ReligiousModerate (due to boat travel and lack of facilities)

Explore the Island’s Beaches and Shoreline

1–2 hours

Walk along the island’s sandy shores and observe the pristine, undeveloped coastline of the Palk Strait. This offers a quiet moment to appreciate the natural beauty and the vast seascape between India and Sri Lanka.

Nature & SightseeingEasy

Do's and Don'ts

•Do carry your passport or valid ID, as Kachchatheevu is Sri Lankan territory and Indian visitors may need special permits for the annual feast.
•Don’t venture beyond designated areas, as the island is uninhabited and lacks medical or safety facilities.
•Do respect the religious nature of the shrine and maintain silence during prayers.

Photography Rules

•Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but avoid taking pictures of any restricted or military areas, and be respectful when photographing the shrine and worshippers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kachchatheevu is part of Sri Lanka. Although it is located close to Rameshwaram in India, India recognised Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over the island in 1974, ending a long-standing dispute. The island is administered by Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

No, Indian tourists cannot visit on any day. Access is generally restricted to the annual St. Anthony’s Festival, usually held in February, when the Indian and Sri Lankan governments permit organised pilgrimages. On other days, special permission from Sri Lankan authorities is required, and even then, visits are rare.

The church is dedicated to St. Anthony, a beloved Catholic saint, and has been a site of devotion for over a century. It serves as a rare point of unity, where Tamil Catholic pilgrims from both India and Sri Lanka gather for an annual feast, reflecting the shared cultural and religious heritage of the region.

Quick Information

Best Time

The best time to visit is during the annual St. Anthony’s Festival in February, when the island is open to pilgrims and weather conditions are most favourable; otherwise, access is highly restricted.