By Naveen Kumar · August 5, 2026 · 5 min read · Destination Insight
The Pamban Bridge is the sole physical connection between Rameshwaram island (Pamban Island) and mainland Tamil Nadu, crossing the Pamban Strait between the mainland town of Mandapam and Rameshwaram. It actually consists of two parallel structures: the original Pamban rail bridge, opened in 1914 and for decades India's only sea bridge, and a parallel road bridge opened in 1988 that carries most tourist and local traffic today.
A new vertical-lift railway bridge, built alongside the historic 1914 structure, was inaugurated in 2025 as India's first vertical lift sea bridge — designed to let ships pass underneath by raising a central span, replacing the old bridge's manually-operated Scherzer rolling-lift span. The original 1914 bridge has since been retired from regular rail service and preserved as a heritage structure.
Every Rameshwaram sightseeing trip we run passes over the Pamban Bridge, but if you want the boat's-eye view from the water, check our Boat Ride and Temple Combo package.
1 Day · ₹999/person
A comprehensive 1-day Rameshwaram local sightseeing tour covering Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Theertham, Dhanushkodi ghost town, and the Kalam Memorial. Ride in a private AC taxi with expert guidance. Custom timings are permitted to suit your family's religious pace.
Half Day · ₹1,499/person
Enjoy a scenic half-day tour combining a glass-bottom boat ride in Pamban waters and a direct VIP temple darshan. Includes luxury AC vehicle transfers and local guides to navigate holy bathing gates. Fully customizable based on your arrival hours.