Ramanathapuram – A Historic Coastal District in Tamil Nadu
It is said that there do exist some places, the history of which simply fills you with one nostalgic thought after another. And, Ramanathapuram, which is an adorable town situated in Tamil Nadu, is one such place.
It was 1910, the era of colonial rule when Ramanathapuram was formed by joining Madurai and Tirunelveli districts. It is interesting to know that during the British Raj this place was known as Ramnad and the same name has continued even after the independence of the country.
History of Ramanathapuram
You will find the records of this place even in the Puranic ages. Such is the glory of this place. Ramanathapuram, which is also known as Ramnad is the same place from where, according to the legends, Lord Ram had initiated his invasion of Lanka. And after the battle was won, the chieftains of Ramnad were given the responsibility to protect the Ram Setu which is also known as Adam’s Bridge.
Talking about history, this place was once even ruled by the Chola dynasty for a short while. And it was in the 12th and 13th centuries that this place was ruled by Hazrat Sultan Syed Ibrahim. However, later in the timeline when the power of the Nayak Kings started declining the chieftains of the Ramnad declared their independence.
Then by the 17th century, Raghunath Kilavan crowned himself as the King of Ramanathapuram. And to protect his land he took many strict measures, one of them was to build massive fortifications.
After this, the historical story of this city unfolded in 1803, when Maruthu Padiyar from Sivaganga had rebelled against the British, with the help of Kattabomman of Panchalamkurichi. And then as mentioned earlier, in the year 1910, Ramanathapuram was formed by joining two districts.
Major Attractions in and Around Ramanathapuram
1. Ramanathaswamy Temple
It is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built in the middle of the 12th century. As per the legend, it is believed that this was the place where Lord Rama had prayed to Lord Shiva while his march towards Lanka. What adds to the flare of this place is the fact that it is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in our country.
2. Thiruppullani
It is another amazing religious site that is known for the presence of Shiva temples. One can see a great number of devotees here. This place is also quite famous for the Arudhra Festival which is held every December.
3. Devi Patinam
Also famous as Navashabashanam, this place is a coastal village which is situated here for a very long time. Furthermore, it is also believed as per the legends, that Lord Rama had worshipped the Navgrahas in this place. If you really want to taste the flavor of traditional India then this is the place where you should head to!
4. Kurusadai Island
This amazing island is located in the western direction of the Pamban Bridge. It is a great place for nature lovers. Traveling to this place would really be a fruitful experience for you and your family. Owing to the fact that this place also has a rich marine life, it attracts a lot of scholars and researchers to this place.
Things to Do in Ramanathapuram
- Visit the Ramanathapuram Palace and learn about Sethupathi Kings.
- Explore Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi for spiritual and scenic experiences.
- Enjoy water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating near Gulf of Mannar.
- Take a scenic train ride on the Pamban Bridge.
- Witness the beauty of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve & Bird Sanctuary.
- Try local Chettinad cuisine, famous for spicy curries and seafood.
Best Time to Visit Ramanathapuram
- Winter (October – March): Best time for sightseeing, temple visits, and beach exploration.
- Monsoon (July – September): Ideal for nature lovers, though heavy rains may occur.
- Summer (April – June): Hot and humid, but good for budget travelers.
How to Reach Ramanathapuram
Ramanathapuram is an amazing travel getaway to explore the fascinating culture of India. It is located at a distance of about 2,726, 1,539, 2,213, 549 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach Ramanathapuram by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
There are no direct flights to Ramanatha Puram. However, the nearest airports from this place are Madurai Airport (IXM) which is located at an approx distance of 120km, and Tuticorin Airport (TCR) which is located at a distance of around 125km from the town. It would be convenient for you to catch a flight to these airports and cover further distance via a cab or some local transportation.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Ramanathapuram
By Train
The town has a railway station of its own which is well-connected to other nearby cities via express and passenger trains. This station is a part of the Madurai Railway Divison. From the station, the nearest bus station is the Ramanathapuram station from where you can board a bus to reach your respective destination.
By Road
If you are planning to reach Ramanatha Puram via road networks then it would be a convenient experience for you. It has been well-connected with motorable roadways and highways. From the nearby regions, you can consider boarding interstate/private buses, book taxis, or if you want to travel at your own pace, and if the budget allows you, take your own vehicle.
- From Madurai - 115 km via NH87
- From Palani - 232 km via NH87
- From Melur - 126 km via NH85 or NH536
Frequently Asked Questions about Ramanathapuram
Q. What are some of the popular tourist destinations in Ramanathapuram?
A. Some popular tourist destinations in Ramanathapuram include the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach, and the Adam's Bridge Marine National Park.
Q. What are the best accommodations in Ramanathapuram?
A. You can find luxury hotels, budget lodges, beach resorts, and homestays near Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram.
