The Pamban Bridge is an iconic engineering marvel connecting Rameswaram Island to the mainland of Tamil Nadu at Mandapam. Built in 1914, it is India’s first sea bridge and remains one of the most scenic railway bridges in the country. Stretching across the turquoise waters of the Palk Strait, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the sea on both sides.
The bridge is unique for its double-leaf bascule section, which can be raised to allow ships and boats to pass underneath. Alongside the railway bridge runs the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, enabling smooth road connectivity to Rameswaram. Traveling across Pamban Bridge—especially by train—is a memorable experience, with waves crashing below and vast stretches of ocean visible all around.
Beyond its structural brilliance, Pamban Bridge holds cultural and spiritual importance as the main gateway to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage destination. It symbolizes resilience, having withstood cyclones and harsh marine conditions for over a century, and continues to be a must-see landmark for travelers and photographers.