It forms part of the Rameswaram taluk in the Ramanathapuram district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

It is one of the most sacred Hindu religious sites and a pilgrimage destination for thousands of Hindus every year.

Its importance has enhanced because it is located at the eastern end of Pamban Bridge through which supplies enter the island.

At the eastern tip of the island lies the site of Dhanushkodi, a harbour and a pilgrimage centre, which was washed away by the December 1964 cyclone.

However, the December 1964 cyclone destroyed the town in its entirety claiming over 2,000 lives and crippling power supply and communications.

Houses, temples, churches, dispensaries and dharmashalas were destroyed leaving nothing but a ghost town.

The ruins of the station and the railway track have been left untouched thereby making the ghost-town a popular tourist destination.

Pamban Island has a few hillocks and elevated physical features in the vicinity of Rameswaram of which Mt.