Rameshwaram is a bustling pilgrim centre as it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India. Rameshwaram is located on the Pamban Island, or Rameshwaram Island, which lies at the very tip of the Indian peninsula, in the Gulf of Mannar. Pamban Island, which is separated from the mainland of India by the Pamban Channel, is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge or Annai Indira Gandhi Bridge. Pamban Island is at a distance of about 40 km from Mannar Island of Sri Lanka.Rameshwaram is a popular pilgrimage destination of both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites. Together with Varanasi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage.