Pamban Island, the second-largest in the latter, belongs to India and is part of the Rameswaram taluk of the Ramanathapuram district of the Tamil Nadu state. It is the largest island in Tamil Nadu in terms of land area. Rameswaram, the island’s main town, is a pilgrimage center. In the vicinity of Rameswaram, Pamban Island has a few hillocks and elevated physical features, the tallest of which is Mt. Gandamadana. Pamban Island is mostly covered in white sand, making it unsuitable for farming. Coconut and palm trees, as well as fig and eucalyptus bushes, are plentiful. Along the seashore, there are plenty of scrubs and rushes as well.
Pamban, on the western tip of Pamban Island, is a fishing community with a dock that serves as the principal entry point for pilgrims visiting Rameswaram. It has a population of approximately 9,000 people. Its significance has grown due to its location near the eastern end of the Pamban Bridge, which allows supplies to access the island.
Apart from its historical and religious importance, the island is also notable for its Chola Dynasty and Jaffna Kingdom rulers. Because of its convenient geographical location, the island was invaded by many traders from the west, including British and Dutch traders. The territory was annexed by Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district after independence.
Pamban Island is now regarded as a unique travel destination. Ancient temples for religious travelers, beaches for beach lovers, a sea rail bridge, and water sports for adrenaline seekers may all be found on the island.
Tourism in Pamban Island
Although this exotic island is not part of India’s mainland, it is a famous tourist destination for Indians and beach lovers worldwide. Pamban Island is located in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district.
Pamban Island is Tamil Nadu’s largest island by area, and it is famous for the prominent pilgrimage destination Rameshwaram. In Hindu mythology, Lord Rama has built a stone bridge across the sea to save his wife Sita from Ravana, the demon ruler of Lanka.
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List of major tourist sites in Pamban Island
1)Pamban bridge
The Pamban rail bridge, India’s first sea bridge, was erected in 1914 and is 2065 meters in length. The bridge was built to connect the Tamil Nadu district of Ramanathapuram with Pamban Island. Another feature of this bridge is that it can allow ferry boats and ships to pass through. In 2014, the bridge turned 100 years old, and it is still standing tall and sturdy in the river.
2) Ancient temple
One of Rameshwaram’s most popular temples is the Panchmulkhi Hanuman temple. A popular tourist attraction is Lord Hanumana’s five-faced idol, which has the faces of Lord Narasimha, Lord Garuda, Lord Hayagriva, and Lord Adivaraha.
3)Dhanushkodi
On Pamban Island, Dhanushkodi is a small beach town. Lord Ram saved his wife Sita and destroyed the Rama Setu with his bow and arrow, giving the coastal town its name. After the hurricane of 1964, Dhanushkodi, formerly an important town, has become an abandoned place. Dhanushkodi is also known as “Ghost Town” because the Tamil Nadu government deemed the area “unfit for human habitation” following the hurricane of 1964.
4)Adam’s Bridge
Another tourist attraction for visitors to Pamban Island is Rama Setu or Adam’s Bridge. According to popular belief, the bridge runs from Dhanuskodi to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. The bridge is constructed of limestone shoals that float on the water’s surface.
5)Pamban bridge Train rides
The Pamban bridge is crossed by two trains: the Chennai Express and the Rameshwaram Express. If you intend to visit Pamban Island, make sure to purchase your train tickets to cross the sea bridge in advance.
6)Ramanathaswamy temple
Lord Shiva is honored in this temple. According to legend, the Ramanathaswamy temple is where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva and appealed to him to forgive him for whatever crimes he may have committed during the conflict with Ravana.
7)Local restaurants
Rameshwaram is a foodie’s dream come true. The Rameshwaram platter combines seafood with traditional south Indian fare. Exotic fishes and a range of south Indian delicacies created with indigenously found herbs and spices can be sampled during a visit to Pamban island of Rameshwaram, where it is located.
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How to reach
Pamban Island is a unique resort with gorgeous vistas, a tranquil ambiance, and exotic beaches, making it ideal for a peaceful vacation. Because it is located between mainland India and Sri Lanka, it is easily accessible via various transportation types and routes.
The distances between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are around 2,700, 1,500, 2,200, and 600 kilometers. If you’re considering a trip to Pamban Island, here are some of the best travel alternatives to consider.
Rail transport
Pamban island can be reached by train from Rameshwaram railway station. All main railway stations in metro cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and others, are connected. The following are the direct trains that you can use to get to Rameshwaram.
Road transport
Suppose you’re driving or riding your bike to Pamban Island. In that case, the following routes should be considered while arriving from surrounding major cities and states.
Air transport
The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is Madurai Airport. After leaving the airport, use local transportation for another 3 kilometers to Pamban Island. All major Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, directly and connected flights to Madurai Airport. The airlines that fly directly to Madurai Airport are listed below.
