Rameswaram Tourism | Places to Visit | Things To Do

Situated in the Gulf of Mannar, on Pamban Island, Rameshwaram is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the South India. Pamban Bridge links up the Rameswaram Island (Pamban Island) with the main land of India. From Pamban, Gulf of Mannar in Sri Lanka is just 50 kilometers away.

The most important place visited by travelers in Rameshwaram is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the Char Dhams in India. 

Dhanushkodi about 3 kilometers from main Rameshwaram town is a beach that leads to Adam's bridge or the Ram Setu. Dhanushkodi used to be a small town untill 1964, when it was destroyed in a major cyclone. Today Dhanushkodi has nothing left but a set of ruins. 

Along with Kanyakumari, Rameswaram is an important religious and pilgrim center in Tamil Nadu State. It is one of the Char Dham Pilgrim Centers. As per Ramayana, a great Hindu Epic, when Goddess Sita was abducted and imprisoned in Sri Lanka by Demon Ravana, Lord Rama crossed the sea at Rameswaram to reach Sri Lanka and save his consort Sita.

How to Reach Rameswaram

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Rameswaram is Madurai Airport, located about 170 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rameswaram.

2. By Train: Rameswaram has its own railway station, Rameswaram Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

3. By Road: Rameswaram is well-connected by road to various cities in Tamil Nadu and other states. You can take a bus or drive from cities like Chennai (about 560 km away), Madurai, and Kanyakumari.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rameswaram is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and exploring the town.

Top Attractions in Rameswaram

1. Ramanathaswamy Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is famous for its intricate corridors, massive sculpted pillars, and sacred water tanks. It’s a must-visit for its religious significance and architectural beauty.

2. Pamban Bridge: The Pamban Bridge connects the town of Rameswaram to the mainland and is India’s first sea bridge. The bridge offers stunning views of the sea and is an engineering marvel. There is also a parallel railway bridge, which is a popular attraction.

3. Dhanushkodi: Located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island, Dhanushkodi is a ghost town that was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964. The abandoned town is known for its serene beaches and ruins, making it an intriguing place to explore.

4. Agni Theertham: This sacred beach is located just outside the Ramanathaswamy Temple and is considered one of the holiest water bodies for Hindus. Devotees take a dip here before entering the temple for darshan.

5. Gandhamadhana Parvatham: This hillock is the highest point in Rameswaram and offers panoramic views of the island. It is believed to have imprints of Lord Rama’s feet and is an important religious site.

6. Kothandaramaswamy Temple: Located around 12 km from the main town, this temple is believed to be the place where Vibishana, the brother of Ravana, surrendered to Lord Rama. The temple is surrounded by scenic beauty and the sea.

Things to Do in Rameswaram

• Temple Tours: Visit various temples in and around Rameswaram to experience the rich cultural and religious heritage of the town. Apart from the Ramanathaswamy Temple, you can visit the Five-faced Hanuman Temple and Jatayu Tirtham.

• Beach Activities: Enjoy the serene beaches of Rameswaram. You can indulge in activities like swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing by the sea at beaches like Ariyaman Beach.

• Explore Dhanushkodi: Take a jeep ride to the abandoned town of Dhanushkodi. The route offers a thrilling adventure with its sandy paths and picturesque views.

• Water Sports: Head to Olaikuda and Ariyaman Beach for water sports like snorkeling and windsurfing. The clear waters and vibrant marine life make it an excellent spot for these activities.

Accommodation in Rameswaram

Rameswaram offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets:

• Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram: A comfortable hotel offering modern amenities and located close to the main temple.
• Hotel Rameswaram Grand: A mid-range hotel with well-furnished rooms and good service.
• Blue Coral Cottage: A budget-friendly option with basic facilities, ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.

Travel Tips

• Language: Tamil is the primary language spoken in Rameswaram, but English and Hindi are also understood in most tourist areas.
• Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common modes of local transport. You can also hire taxis or rent scooters for more flexibility.
• Dress Code: When visiting temples, it is advisable to dress modestly and follow the temple's dress code, which usually requires covering the shoulders and knees.

Conclusion

Rameswaram is a town that beautifully blends spirituality with natural beauty. From its sacred temples and historic bridges to serene beaches and ghost towns, there’s something for everyone in Rameswaram. Whether you are on a spiritual quest or looking to explore the scenic landscapes, Rameswaram offers a unique experience that will stay with you forever.

Rameswaram is always in media flashlights due to various sensational activities like Attack of Indian Fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy, Kachchatheevu disputes, Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees, Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. Fishing is the major occupation in Rameswaram. As per historical facts, Rajendra Chola ruled the town for a short period in 10th century. Later from 12th -16th century, Jaffna Kingdom took over the control and bagged the title of “SethuKavalan” (means Saviour of Sethu). After being ruled by the Vijayanagara Kingdom for a while, Sethupathis of Madurai Nayakar Fame ruled the town and turned the Ramanathaswamy Temple into a magnificent piece of architecture. During 17th century Rameshwaram was ruled by Islam Kingdoms and in late 18th century the town came into control of British Empire.

Thanks to beautiful and mostly calm sea Rameshwarm is coming up as an adventure destination as well. Water sports like Scuba diving, Kayaking, Jet ski, Standup board, Wind surfing and Snorkelling can be experinced here.

Hotels like Daiwik Hotel, Hotel Queen Palace, TTDC Tamil Nadu Hotel etc. offers a pleasant stay for tourists. The Ahaan Restaurant provides excellent food for tourists. Tourists should taste some seafood in local flavor. People looking to do some shopping, can check out for astonishing handicraft products made up of palm leafs, rocks, beads, sea shell etc.

Rameshwaram is connected with all major cities like Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore via buses and trains. Madurai is the closest airport.