An island in the
Gulf of Mannar, Rameshwaram is associated with the epic of
Ramayana and is one of the major pilgrim centers in India. According to myth,
Lord Ram is believed to have rested and prayed at Rameshwaram, before and after the war against
Ravana.
Rameshwaram, shaped like a conch, is 163 km south-west of
Madurai and is spread over an area of 51.8 sq km. Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge, also known as Pamban Bridge, links Rameshwaram with the main land and it is an architectural marvel. The island nation of Sri Lanka is only at a distance of 24 km from Rameshwaram.
Rameshwaram is famous for the Ramanathaswamy temple. A historic hall called
Gandhamadana Parvatam houses the foot print believed to be of Lord Ram. The
Dhanushkodi beach nearby is a major draw. Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Kurusadai Islands and
Adam's Bridge are nearby attractions. Rameshwaram is famous for marine products.
The nearest airport is at Madurai. Rameswaram Railway Station, on meter gauge rail line, is linked to major cities in south India. Buses services are available to major towns and pilgrim centers.
