Known across the world for the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram is one of the famous pilgrimage hubs in India. Rameswaram is depicted as the Varanasi of the South due to its spiritual significance.
Rameswaram is one of the Char Dhams in India as well. The Pamban Bridge, the second longest sea bridge in India, functions as a connector between this place and the Indian mainland. The holy town of Rameswaram is known in the name of Pamban Island as it lies on the island of the same name. It is not considered to be a part of the Indian mainland. It is about 50 km away from Mannar in Sri Lanka. This place of spirituality is popular among both Vaishnavas and Shaivites. It encompasses an overall area 34 sq miles (61.8 Km).
Shopping
When you are touring Rameshwaram, you should purchase some of its handicraft items. These products are sold by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department shop or Khadicraft. There is a range of handicraft products available in the place. The car streets bordering the Ramanathaswamy Temple are the popular shopping areas in the town. The popular buys in the area are keepsakes, beadworks, palm leaf, and trinkets made from seashells. The Kanjeevaram silk sarees and other forms of silk sarees are also quite sought after items here.
Places to see in and around Rameswaram
Olaikuda beach- The Olaikuda beach is one kilometer away from the principal shrine. It is surrounded by coral reefs and is a popular area for adventure sports like scuba diving.
Kurusadi Island- This island lies towards the west of the Annai Indira Gandhi road bridge. The place is a heaven for nature lovers.
Erwadi- Erwadi is home to the burial place of Ibrahim Syed Aulia. Muslim devotees from many countries come to the place to show their respect. The yearly celebration to offer prayers to the Muslim saint is held in the month of December.
Ariyaman Beach- The Ariyaman beach lies on the banks of the Palk bay. The beach is a favorite traveler destination due to the serene surroundings of the shore and mild waves.
Devipattinam- The other name of Devipattinam is Navabashanam. This hamlet lies on the shoreline of Tamil Nadu. There is a shrine which is devoted to Devi and it is believed that she had slain the Mahishasura; the evil spirit in this area.
Sri Kodandarama Temple- The stunning shrine of Sri Kodandarama is located at a distance of 8 km from the Ramanathaswamy shrine. According to mythology Lord Rama made Vibishana the monarch of Lanka once he united with his army. Lying at a distance of 12 km it is the sole construction that resisted the cyclone of 1964.
Gandamadhana Parvata- Lying near the holy Ramanathaswamy temple this parvata or hillock is home to a Mandapam which preserves the footmarks of Lord Rama. The hillock provides stunning vistas of the island and is also the tallest point in the town.
Uttarakosamangai- Uttarakosamangai lies at a distance of 16 km from Ramanathapuram. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The deities here are Mangalesvari and Mangaleshvara.
Agnitheertham- The Agnitheertham lies close to the Ramanathaswamy Temple only at a distance of 100 meters. There is a saying that if you take a bath in the huge lake here it sweeps away every transgression. The place houses 22 wells and there is a belief that the lake water has curative powers. The gorgeous place of worship has been constructed in front of the eastern side of the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Adam's Bridge- The Adam's bridge is a distinctive series of coral reefs and small islands which connect India to Sri Lanka. There is a fable that this bridge was built by Lord Rama and is also named as Ram Setu or Adam's Bridge.
Ramjharoka Temple- This shrine lies on the Gandamadana Parvatham which is the tallest spot in Rameshwaram. It is known for keeping the impression of the feet of Sri Rama in a wheel or chakra.
Ramanathaswamy Temple- The Ramanathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a sacred site for the Hindus. It houses the longest corridor in the globe. The pooja is offered six times on a daily basis.
Dhanushkodi- The southernmost tip of Rameswaram is known as Dhanushkodi or Danushkodi. It is the place where former President of India and nuclear scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born. Dhanush signifies bow and Kodi means end. Legends state that Sri Rama marked this spot with one end of his fabled bow.
Badrakaliamman Temple
Satchi Hanuman Temple
Nambu Nayagiamman Temple
The Five-faced Hanuman Temple
Ramarpaadham Temple
Villoondi Theertham
Nandi Statue
Hoe to Reach Rameswaram
By Road
Reaching Rameshwaram by road does not pose a big problem to the tourists who come to visit the city. Rameshwaram can be easily accessed from many other significant regions of the state of Tamil Nadu. In fact, the city is also well connected to important places outside the state.
The prominent places with which the city of Rameshwaram is linked by road are Madurai, Chennai, Kanyakumari and Trichy. Rameshwaram can also be reached from Thanjavur and Pondicherry via Madurai.
The people who plan to travel to Rameshwaram by road can avail a number of bus services. These bus services help to communicate between Rameshwaram and a number of other leading places like Kanyakumari, Thiruvallur, Pondicherry, Trichy, Chennai and Tanjore. The buses offer a comfortable and safe journey to the tourists.
By Train
Traveling to Rameshwaram by train is one of the easiest ways of reaching the city. The city is well connected to many other prominent places of the state of Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the tourists often prefer rail to the other means of communication in order to travel to Rameshwaram. Some information about how to reach Rameshwaram by train is given below.
The city of Rameshwaram is linked with many important places like Madurai, Trichy, Chennai, Thanjavur and Coimbatore by rail. The Indira Gandhi Bridge, which has a total stretch of 2 km, links up the Rameshwaram Island with the Mandapan mainland.
A number of well known passenger trains are available for reaching Rameshwaram by train. These trains run at regular intervals from the city of Madurai, which is another significant tourist destination of the state of Tamil Nadu.
Best Time to visit
October to March
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport to the place is the Madurai Airport located at a distance of 174 km from Rameswaram.
