Rameswaram Tourism

Rameswaram is a city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is located in the district of Ramanathapuram district. The city is on the Pamban Island, in the Gulf of Mannar, located at the tip of the Indian Peninsula. It is separated from the land of India by the Pamban channel and the Pamban Bridge and is at a distance of around 40 km from Sri Lanka. It is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage in India and is one of the holiest places in India for Hindus. It has a population of 44,856. It is belived that God Rama built a bridge from the city to Sri Lanka to rescue his wife, Sita, from Ravana. The main economy of the city is based on tourism related services. Being an island town, fishing is also an important occupation of the city. Rameswara means “one who is lord of Rama”. It is believed that the on the advice of the sages, Lord Rama, his wife, Sita, and his brother, Lakshmana installed and worshipped the lingam, symbol of Lord Shiva. From Vedas and Puranas, it can be found that Rameswaram was named as “Gandhamadhanam” in the ancient time and it is believed that there was a Shiva temple even before Rama installed Shiva lingam for worshipping Lord Shiva. The city, inspite of being a temple town, has a variety of shopping options for all the shopaholics. Beach side shacks, sea shell marts, souvenirs, local art and handicrafts, including statues, framed photographs of Gods and Goddesses, brass figurines, brass lamps, and bronze artefacts are all found in the city. The place is also well known for its silk saris and Khadi fabrics.