Ramanathapuram

Ramanathapuram, also known as Ramnad, is a district in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It lies on the southeast coast of the state, with the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Gulf of Mannar to the south. The district capital is Ramanathapuram town, and the district’s best-known urban center is Rameswaram, a island town connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge.

Geography and demography: The district borders Sivaganga to the north, Pudukkottai to the northeast, and Thoothukudi district to the west and south. The population is predominantly Tamil-speaking, and Hinduism is the major religion, with Muslim and Christian communities also present.

Economy and places of interest: The economy relies on fishing, agriculture (notably coconut, banana and paddy) and tourism. Rameswaram hosts the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. Dhanushkodi, a ruined town at the tip of the Rameswaram peninsula, and the nearby Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park are significant ecological and tourist attractions. The Pamban Bridge serves as a key transport link between the island and the mainland.

History and administration: Historically part of the Ramnad kingdom during the Madras Presidency, the district was reorganized after independence. Administratively, it is divided into several taluks for revenue and governance.

The district remains an important cultural and ecological region in Tamil Nadu, balancing religious heritage, coastal livelihoods and natural conservation.