Ramanathapuram

Tamil Nadu town with Sethupati palace history on the mainland route to Rameshwaram

Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters of the district that contains Rameshwaram, and most travellers pass through it on their way to that far more famous island. The town itself has a quiet, faded grandeur from its time as the seat of the Sethupati Rajas, a dynasty that controlled this coastal region for several centuries and whose alliance with the Rameshwaram temple brought them great prestige.

The Ramalinga Vilasam Palace (also known as Ram Vilas Palace) in the town centre contains portraits of the Sethupati rulers and murals depicting their dealings with the British and battles with the Marathas. It's rarely visited and not always easy to gain access, but worth trying.

The district is on the Gulf of Mannar, and the seafood — particularly fresh fish, prawns, and crab — is excellent and cheap. This is a predominantly Muslim area along the coast, reflecting centuries of Arab trading contact.

For most travellers, Ramanathapuram is a brief stop en route to Rameshwaram, 60 km further east.

Guide

Eating Out in Ramanathapuram

Ramanathapuram's food scene reflects its location on the Gulf of Mannar. Seafood dominates — fresh fish, prawns, and crab are cheap and plentiful. The town also serves the large volume of Hindu pilgrims passing through on their way to Rameshwaram, so vegetarian South Indian meals are easy to find. The standard idli-dosa breakfast is available at every street corner stall; the rice plates at lunch are generous and inexpensive.

Guide

Things to Do in Ramanathapuram

Ramanathapuram has a handful of sights connected to its past as the capital of the Sethupati rulers, who controlled this coastal region for several centuries. Most visitors are here en route to Rameshwaram and give the town only a brief stop, but the Ramalinga Vilasam Palace and the old town tank repay a few hours of exploration.