Rameswaram Sightseeing 2 Day Tour Including Madurai Local Sightseeing

Embark on a vibrant 2-day tour exploring the cultural richness of Madurai and the spiritual allure of Rameswaram. In Madurai, visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, renowned for its intricate architecture and bustling market streets. Then, travel to Rameswaram to experience the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple and marvel at the breathtaking Pamban Bridge, connecting the island to the mainland. This tour offers a blend of religious significance, historical charm, and local culture, making it a memorable journey through Tamil Nadu's cultural heartland.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the three most famous temples of the city, namely Meenakshi Amman, Koodal Alagar, and Tirupparankundram.
• Visit the famous pilgrimage places namely Agni Theertham, Panchamukha Hanuman, Ramar Padam Gothanda Ramar Temple
• Visit the Pamban Bridge and Danuskodi.
• Hassle-free pick-up and drop-off facility.
• Experience the service of a professional driver on an all-private tour.

DETAILED OVERVIEW

• If you are planning a getaway to Madurai and Rameswaram, then you can try this 2-day local sightseeing tour for a complete experience of exploring some of the famous places. The city of Madurai, inhabited since the 3rd century BCE, is built around the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which acted as the geographic and ritual centre of the ancient city of Madurai. Rameswaram is a small town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu on Pamban Island (40 km from Mannar Island in Sri Lanka). It is separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, which is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage. The history of Rameswaram is centred around the island being a transit point to reach Sri Lanka (Ceylon historically) and the presence of Ramanathaswamy Temple. Want to know more? Grab your seats and avail yourself of the benefits of this tour package.
  
  

Madurai & Rameswaram 2-Day Local Sightseeing Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Madurai Local Sightseeing

• Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Begin your day with the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most famous temples in India. This ancient temple is known for its intricate architecture, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and thousands of colorful sculptures.
• Don’t miss the Thousand Pillar Hall and the temple’s sacred pond.
• Visit Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
• Head to the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a stunning 17th-century royal residence built by King Thirumalai Nayak. This grand palace is famous for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, giant pillars, and the impressive Durbar Hall.
• Visit Koodal Azhagar Temple
• A beautiful Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Koodal Azhagar Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples). Admire the exquisite Dravidian architecture and the serene ambiance of this ancient temple.
• Lunch Break
• Enjoy a traditional South Indian meal at a local restaurant. Don’t forget to try Jigarthanda, a popular local drink.
• Visit Gandhi Memorial Museum
• Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which chronicles the life of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s freedom struggle. The museum houses various artifacts, including the blood-stained cloth worn by Gandhi when he was assassinated.
• Visit Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
• Visit the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a large temple tank that is famous for the annual Float Festival (Teppam). The calm atmosphere and the scenic surroundings make it a peaceful spot to relax.
• Visit Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple
• Located just outside the city, the Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. This ancient rock-cut temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is a significant pilgrimage site.
• Visit Alagar Kovil (Azhagar Kovil)
• About 20 km from Madurai, the Azhagar Kovil is a scenic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, nestled at the foothills of the Alagar hills. The peaceful setting and the beautiful drive make it a must-visit.
• Return to Madurai & Overnight Stay
• Return to your hotel in Madurai for an overnight stay after a fulfilling day of sightseeing.

Day 2: Rameswaram Sightseeing Tour

• Departure from Madurai to Rameswaram
• Start early for a 3.5- to 4-hour drive to Rameswaram, about 170 km from Madurai.
• Arrival in Rameswaram
• You’ll reach Rameswaram after crossing the famous Pamban Bridge, which offers stunning views of the sea and islands.
• Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple
• Begin your tour with the Ramanathaswamy Temple, a significant pilgrimage site and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Famous for its long corridors and sacred wells (teerthams), the temple is an architectural marvel.
• Take part in the holy bath ritual at the temple’s 22 sacred wells.
• Visit Agni Theertham
• A short walk from the temple, Agni Theertham is a holy seashore where pilgrims take a dip in the sea for spiritual cleansing.
• Visit Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple & Floating Stones
• Explore the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, known for its unique idol of Hanuman with five faces. Nearby, you can see the floating stones believed to have been used to build the Ram Setu (Adam’s Bridge).
• Visit Pamban Bridge
• Visit the iconic Pamban Bridge, India’s first sea bridge, which connects Rameswaram to the mainland. Enjoy the scenic views of the sea, boats, and the train passing over the railway bridge.
• Lunch Break
• Have lunch at a local restaurant. Rameswaram offers several vegetarian options as it is a pilgrimage town.
• Visit Dhanushkodi Beach & Ruins
• Visit the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, located at the southern tip of Rameswaram. This town was destroyed by a hurricane in 1964, and the ruins of churches, schools, and homes are haunting yet fascinating.
• Dhanushkodi Beach is pristine, where you can see the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
• Visit Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial
• Pay homage to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s former President, at the APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial. The memorial is beautifully maintained and showcases Kalam’s life, achievements, and contributions to India.
• Shopping and Exploring Rameswaram
• Explore the local markets for seashell crafts, conches, and other souvenirs.
• Departure from Rameswaram
• Begin your return journey to Madurai after a spiritually enriching and scenic day.
• Arrival in Madurai
• You will arrive back in Madurai by evening, concluding your two-day tour.

Additional Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather.
• Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended, especially for temple visits. Footwear is not allowed inside most temples.
• Travel Essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as both cities can get hot during the day.
• Transportation: Hiring a private car for the two-day tour ensures flexibility and comfort.
• This itinerary combines the cultural richness of Madurai with the spiritual and natural beauty of Rameswaram, offering a comprehensive experience of these two iconic South Indian destinations.