Pamban Road Bridge in India 2024-2025

Being the longest bridge in South India, Pamban Road Bridge (also known as Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge) connects the mainland Highway (NH 49) with the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Thanks to the turquoise water stretching from both sides of the bridge, the ride along this engineering marvel is recognized as one the most scenic in India. The 2,345-meter (7694-foot) long bridge was built in highly corrosive water. Its construction lasted for 14 years.

The bridge was opened by Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on October 2, 1988. However, the bridge's predecessor, a railway bridge linking Rameswaram to mainland opened earlier, on February 24, 1914. In 2018, after the bascule of the railway bridge was damaged, it was closed, leaving only the road bridge in service.

The best time to travel over the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge is the dry period from October through April. Rameshwaram that has tropical climate is too humid and rainy during the monsoon period. Upon arrival to the city, it's worth to visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This temple is a holy pilgrimage site for Shaivas and Vaishnavas. It is also the closest Indian city to travel to Sri Lanka. There is actually some geological evidence that the island might have been connected to Sri Lanka in the distant past. According to one legend, god Rama built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Lanka to save his beloved Sita from evil Ravana.