Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is a popular pilgrimage destination located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a part of Pamban Island, connected to mainland India via the famous Pamban Bridge. Hindus worldwide visit Rameshwaram, one of the Char Dhams of the country, to attain salvation. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Rama built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Srilanka to rescue his abducted wife Sita from Ravana, king of Lanka. The famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, housing the worlds longest corridor, is among the best places to visit in Rameshwaram. You can indulge in delicious Rameshwaram food while touring this beautiful town.

Rameshwaram Overview

When to visit Rameshwaram?

Rameshwaram weather is favourable throughout the year. Rameshwaram temperature varies between 20 -30 degrees in winters, making it cool and pleasant. October to April is the best time to visit Rameshwaram. Besides exploring the places to visit in Rameshwaram, tourists can indulge in fun activities of Scuba diving and watching migratory birds in winter.

How to reach Rameshwaram?

To explore the various places to visit in Rameshwaram, an enjoyable option is via road. Rameshwaram bus station in the city is well connected to major cities like Madurai and Chennai. Government and private buses are available. Rameshwaram terminal railway station is well connected to the southern states of India. Madurai airport is the nearest airport to Rameshwaram, connecting it to other Indian cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.

What are the things to see & do in Rameshwaram?

Most places to visit in Rameshwaram have a religious significance. To be able to experience something so divine and pure is truly a blessing. Apart from Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Jada Theertham, Dhanushkodi, Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, Kalam National Memorial and Gandamadana Parvatham are some of the popular places to visit in Rameshwaram. There are about 64 theerthas in the city, and it is believed that bathing in these theerthas helps one attain salvation. Rameshwaram is also known for Pamban Bridge which is the second longest sea link in the country. After a gratifying trip to the temples, you can head to the calm Villoondi Theertham Beach. The gentle waves are sure to relax your body, mind and soul.

Places to visit in Rameshwaram

Kalam National Memorial- This memorial was built in honour of Indias most renowned scientist and a great leader Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This monument beautifully celebrates Indias Missile Mans life, teachings, values and work ethics. The iconic Kalam National Memorial, with its architectural splendour, also depicts his mission of United India. Just one kilometer from the city, it is remarkably one of the noteworthy places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Gandamadana Parvatham- It is a small hillock at a 3km distance from Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple. Gandamadana Parvatham is considered the highest point in the city. It counts as one of the famous places to visit in Rameshwaram offering a spectacular view of sunrise and sunset. The ancient temple of Gandamadana houses Lord Ramas feet imprint on the Chakra. This peak is among the best places to visit in Rameshwaram for its spellbinding views.

Ramanathaswamy Temple- Built in Dravidian style architecture, this landmark temple tops the most popular places to visit in Rameshwaram. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity at this temple which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country. The marvellous architecture of this temple is a sight to behold. It is believed that Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva in this temple to absolve his sin of committing Bramhahatya. Ramanathaswamy temple is an abode of two Jyotirlingas, one believed to be made by Goddess Sita and the other brought by Lord Hanuman from the Himalayas.

Pamban Bridge- Pamban bridge/Annai Indira Gandhi Road bridge is Indias first sea bridge and the second longest one spanning a length of 2.3kms. Pamban bridge is a cantilever bridge on Palk Strait, that has an amazing double leaf bascule that raises to let the ships pass underneath it. Tourists can enjoy a beautiful scenic train ride on this bridge. This bridge connecting Rameshwaram to the rest of the country contains 143 pillars, each of which is 220 feet long and weighs 100 tonnes, making it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Agnitheertham- Out of the 64 theerthas/sacred baths in Rameshwaram, Agnitheertham is one of the most important ones. Visited by hundreds and thousands of devotees each year, a dip in Agnitheertham is a must to begin the holy pilgrimage in Rameshwaram. It is located on the beachside of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple and is the only theertham present outside the temple complex. Devotees visit Agneethertham to bathe in its holy waters and atone for their sins, some also visit to pray for their dead ancestors. Agnitheertham always tops the list of spiritual places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Jada Theertham- It is a small, beautiful and unique temple close to Rameshwaram. Pilgrims travelling to Dhanushkodi make it a point to stop at Jada Theertham.  It is believed that Lord Rama washed his jada or hair in the water here to wash off the sin of killing Ravana. This pilgrimage spot is one of the important places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Ram Setu- Ram Setu/ Ramas Bridge also known as Adams bridge connects Rameshwaram island to the coast of Srilanka. Its a historic and unique place among the places to visit in Rameshwaram. It is a path made of limestone shoals. Adams bridge also finds its reference in Christian mythology.

Villoondi Theertham Beach- While making a list of places to visit in Rameshwaram, this quaint beach should not be missed at all. It is believed that Lord Rama shot an arrow into the sea and created a spring to satiate the thirst of Goddess Sita. Villoondi Theertham meaning buried bow has a small shrine of Lord Shiva called Thrayambakeshwar which is also among the significant places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Dhanushkodi- It is a small village on Rameshwaram Island popular for Dhanushkodi Temple and Dhanushkodi Beach. Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman and Laxman are the presiding deities at Dhanushkodi Temple. Rameshwaram sight-seeing is incomplete without visiting the pristine beaches of Dhanushkodi. This village has abundant natural beauty and spectacular views. It is an important pilgrimage destination among the places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple- Located just 2kms from Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, the Panchamukhi Hanuman temple is one of the significant places to visit in Rameshwaram. As per legend, Lord Hanuman manifested his five avatars at this place, and hence the name five-faced/Panchamukhi Hanuman temple. The temple houses stones believed to be a part of Ram Setu that Lord Hanuman and his Vanar Sena (army) built to rescue Goddess Sita from Lanka.

Food to try in Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram food comprises mainly authentic and elaborate South Indian platters and Thalis which are mainly vegetarian. Rameshwaram being a famous fishing point also offers a wide range of scrumptious seafood dishes. Pilgrims can indulge in pure South Indian delights like boiled rice, ragi balls, curd rice and fresh bhajjis while touring the places to visit in Rameshwaram. Dont miss the local favourites like filter coffee, Cuttle Fish, Baby Octopus, Keema Vadas, Rasam, Sambhar, Idli, Vada, and Dosa. You can also find North Indian, Chinese, Thai and Continental delicacies here.

Things to shop in Rameshwaram

You can pick beautiful and authentic silk clothes and sarees. The place also offers khadi bags, pure cotton woven products and attractive handicrafts for kids. The tour is incomplete without buying products made of palm leaves like picnic baskets, hand fans and amazing jewellery items. There are shops around the places to visit in Rameshwaram that offer to etch your name on pretty seashells.

Conclusion

The rich history, intricate architecture, picturesque landscape and clean beaches offered in the places to visit in Rameshwaram attract travellers worldwide for an ideal holiday. It is important to follow the designated dress code before entering any temple. Each temple depicts stories from Ramayana, unfolding great mysteries of the land. For Hindus, experiencing the various theerthas in Rameshwaram is penance in itself.