Discover The Rich History And Culture Of Ramanathapuram!

Ramanathapuram is a heritage coastal city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It lies in the southern tip of the territory of India. This particular city belongs to the district of Ramanathapuram in the state of Tamil Nadu and it is also the administrative headquarters of the same.

Among the other cities in the district of Ramanathapuram, it is the second largest city considering its population aspect of it. People also refer to this city as ‘Ramanad’. The city has a lot of rich heritage to share since the age of Puranas.

Especially taking into consideration, the Hindu mythological side of the city, it is quite an apt destination for believers to have a pilgrimage. Apart from spirituality, the historic architecture of the city is also attractive, grabbing the attention of aestheticians to the city. Below we have listed a few best places to visit in Ramanathapuram

Pamban Bridge 

This is also another popular landmark of the city of Ramanathapuram having a lot of mythological connections. As popularly known, this is a railway bridge. It connects the cities of Rameswaram and Mandapam but it is not functional today considering a government order that banned public transportation through the same on account of its poor working condition.

According to the records available, it was in 1914 that the bridge got opened in the city of Ramanathapuram. It has also got acclaim for being the first sea bridge in entire India.

Mesmerising, Majestic & Mystique!

A captivating view of the iconic Pamban Bridge glowing with glory, surrounded by pristine blue waters. pic.twitter.com/uda8MPPjxD

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 19, 2022

Until the Bandra Worli Sea Link got opened in the year 2010, it could also enjoy the title of being the longest sea bridge in the country. 

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram 

This is an important Hindu pilgrim destination in the city of Ramanathapuram for ages. Hindu believers from all over India are seen visiting the destination of this particular temple and paying their spiritual and religious respects. The presiding deity of this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped along with a lot of other sub deities here.

The exact location of this temple comes in the island region of the city. Among the twelve Jyotirlinga temples found in the territory of the country, the Ramanathaswamy Temple of Rameswaram also finds its place.

The expansion and modifications done to the temple during the 12th century by the dynasty of Pandya is quite an important event that happened in the history of this particular pilgrim destination. The temple also enjoys the title of having the longest temple corridor in the entire Indian territory. 

Dhanushkodi

This is also a popular tourist destination in the city of Ramanathapuram. The most important attraction of this particular island is that there is no human inhabitation here and lies abandoned completely by people.

The only human beings that can be spotted in the location are just tourists. It is also adjacent to the neighboring country of Sri Lanka which also increases the tourism prominence of the place. It was in 1964, that the place got destroyed completely by a cyclone. It is after this natural calamity that the natural human inhabitants of this place started to abandon the region.

The remnants of a once-active town can be seen by visiting this particular destination. This place is also connected with the Hindu epic, Ramayana. 

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Memorial

The city of Ramanathapuram is also the hometown of the Indian legend, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Hence the nation has built a memorial collecting all the available artifacts to remember the eminent personality.

Over the years, the memorial has also become a popular tourist destination in the city. History enthusiasts and all kinds of casual tourists visit this memorial to find out about the life and culture in which Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam lived. This particular memorial is built on the site of his burial, which comes exactly from the Pei Karumbu region.

A lot of photographs, paintings, and material things used by the former president of India are displayed in the location. Respecting his enthusiasm toward space research and related fields, models of missiles are also exhibited in the same place. 

Ramalinga Vilasam Palace

This was formerly a palace in the city of Ramanathapuram which now turned into a heritage museum helping the tourists to understand the culture and history of the city they are visiting. You can visit the museum anytime between 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

Make sure you are not planning your visit for any Fridays since it would be a weekly holiday for the museum. You would be able to spot a couple of mural paintings having historical importance concerning the city of Ramanathapuram. If you are a history enthusiast, you would get satisfied by visiting this particular museum in the city.

The legacy of Sethupathi Kings and their ruling time etc. can be understood by having a visit to the place. It is also prominent concerning the archaeological aspect too. 

Erwadi Darha

This is a mosque having a rich heritage of more than 400 years. There are a total of 4 mosques in the location of this destination. The intention behind the construction of this particular mosque is to commemorate the royal figure, ‘Sayyad Ali Sultan Ibrahim Shahid’, and some of his family members.

They are said to be migrants from the Eastern country, of Saudi Arabia. This place is now regarded as a pilgrim destination for the believers of Islam. People from all over the country and even from the neighboring nation of Sri Lanka can be found in the location of this particular mosque.

Santhanakoodu festival is one of the important eves celebrated in the location and during this time a lot of pilgrims and tourists can be spotted in the location. 

Devipattinam (Nava Bashinam)

This is a coastal village you must visit while you are on a trip to the city of Ramanathapuram. This village also holds a lot of mythological importance considering the religion of Hinduism. Moreover, it would be a great experience to explore the coastal lifestyle and culture on the southern side of the Indian territory.

The mythological importance of the place is regarding the Hindu God, Lord Rama. It is believed that Lord Rama did his worship of Navagraha in the location of this particular village. You would also be able to visit a Hindu temple in the location of this village.

However, this temple is not dedicated to Lord Rama, but to the Hindu Goddess, Devi. The Hindu mythological event of ‘Mahishasura Nigraha’ or Devi killing the demon, is also believed to have happened in the location. 

Thiruppullani

This is also yet another destination in the city of Ramanathapuram having religious importance concerning Hinduism. This particular pilgrim destination is also known by the name, Dharbasayanam. The main deity worshipped in the shrine of the temple is the Hindu God, Lord Adi Jaganathaperumal.

This lord is believed to be an incarnated form of Lord Vishnu. Hence a lot of Vaishnavites are seen doing their respects in the location of the temple. Also, accessing this particular temple would be quite an easy task on account of the distance.

From the city center of Ramanathapuram, you may only need to travel a distance of around 10 km to reach the destination of the temple. The architecture of the temple is also quite attractive. 

Thiru Uthirakosamangai

Again a pilgrim destination for the believers of Hinduism in the city. From the city center of Ramanathapuram, you should travel a distance of around 18 km to reach the destination of the temple.

This can be regarded as a considerable distance if you are focusing on the Hindu pilgrimage aspect while visiting the city of Ramanathapuram. The ancient Shiva temple that can be found in the location is the major attraction of the destination.

The deity sculpture of the temple also attracts a lot of aestheticians and even casual tourists to visit the location since it is made out of the precious stone Emerald. If you would like to witness the liveliest vibes of this particular pilgrim destination in the city, we recommend you schedule your visit for the Arudhra festival season. 

Kurusadi Island

This is also another uninhabited island region in the city of Ramanathapuram in the state of Tamil Nadu. The exact location of the island comes in the Gulf of Mannar region. You can also visit the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park by visiting the location of this island.

The island is spread over a total area of around 66 hectares. If you would like to visit this island while on your trip to Kurusadi island, make sure you plan between 7 in the early morning to 2 in the afternoon.

According to the weather conditions, the authorities are bound to change the timings, so it is better to check with the concerned once reaching the city of Ramanathapuram. 

Best Time To Visit Ramanathapuram

October – February

How To Reach Ramanathapuram?

Nearest airport: Madurai Airport

Nearest railway station: Ramanathapuram Railway Station (RMD)

Conclusion

The best destination to explore coastal Hindu pilgrimage, culture, heritage, and more.

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