Ever thought of planning a visit to South India with a divine vibe? Come to Rameshwaram. You will find a clear sense of way to your life by GOD’s grace. Rameshwaram is a town on Pamban Island, in the southeastern region of Tamil Nadu. It’s mainly known for the Ramanathaswamy temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site. This region is famous for its immense natural beauty and historical importance. There are many places to visit in Rameshwaram. Let’s discuss the
Top 10 places to visit in Rameshwaram :
1. Ramanathaswamy Temple:
This is the most prominent attraction in Rameshwaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Rama founds this Lingam, before the Lanka visit to bring Lordess Sita, to worship Lord Shiva. It’s the eleventh Jyotirlinga out of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines and boasts the world’s longest corridor, with intricately sculpted pillars. Pilgrims traditionally take a dip in the 22 holy wells within the temple complex before offering prayers. This dip is believed to cleanse the sins of the pilgrims. The temple is beautiful and a holy place for visitors and pilgrims.
2. Dhanushkodi:
Located at the southeastern tip of Pamban Island, Dhanushkodi is a “ghost town” with a haunting beauty. It was ravaged in a cyclone in 1964, which was once a bustling town, leaving behind ruins of a church, a railway station, and other structures. You can book a Cab service in Rameshwaram to have a comfortable and relaxing journey. The place is also the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The views are stunning and offer you moments to enjoy and capture with your eyes.
3. Pamban Bridge
Being an engineering marvel, the Pamban Bridge is the bridge that connects Rameshwaram Island with the Indian mainland. It comprises both a rail bridge and a parallel road bridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of bluish to green waters as you cross on the bridge. If you are in a group of 10 or more, simply book a Tempo traveller in Rameshwaram from a trusted cab service to enjoy the beauty of the divine place. You can only reach there by this bridge.
4. Agnitheertham
Situated right next to the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham is a sacred beach where pilgrims take a holy dip before entering the temple. It’s believed to cleanse sins when swearing an oath with a pure heart. The beach offers serene views of the sunrise and sunset. The calm waters of the beach make it a peaceful spot for reflection and a spiritual ambience. You can reach this beach with just a small walk from the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
5. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial:
This memorial is a tribute to our former President and renowned scientist, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was born in Rameshwaram. It showcases his life, achievements, and contributions, with the Indo-Mughal architectural style. The interactive memorial provides insightful details about his inspiring journey for the coming generations.
6. Gandamadana Parvatham:
This small hill-like structure is considered the highest point in Rameshwaram and is believed to be the place where Lord Rama stood to survey Lanka. It has an imprint of Lord Rama’s feet and offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire island, especially during sunrise and sunset. The atmosphere offers peace and calm.
7. Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple:
Dedicated to our Lord Hanuman, this is the place where he has revealed his five faces. The temple also contains floating stones, which are known to be remnants of the Rama Setu. The place is a significant pilgrimage spot for devotees of Lord Hanuman.
8. Villoondi Theertham Beach:
This scenic beach is associated with a spot where Lord Rama is said to have drawn sweet water from the sea with his bow and arrows, when Lordess Sita asked for water to drink. It’s a peaceful spot with a freshwater spring in the middle of the sea.
9. Kothandaramaswamy Temple:
The temple is the place where Vibhishana, Ravana’s Brother, took shelter from Lord Rama after being insulted and exiled from Lanka by Ravan. The temple consists of the statues of Shri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Vibhishana. You can visit these places by hiring a taxi service in Rameshwaram. You will love these places to visit and will find a sense of meaningful life.
10. Rama Setu:
Rama Setu is a chain of limestone which was built by Lord Rama and Vanar Sena by writing Shri Rama on the stones. You will not miss this memorable trip with the Setu’s beauty. While some of the parts of Setu are not OK to walk on, you can view it from a distance.
Out of the Top 10 places to visit in Rameshwaram in 2 days, you can make your travel plan to some more interesting places. Now, let’s know some
Places to visit near Rameshwaram within 100 Km:
1. Ariyaman Beach (KushiBeach):
One of the clean and fresh beaches, Ariyaman beach, is located 21 to 30 km from Rameshwaram. You can plan a picnic spot with your loved ones. You will be able to watch the gentle waves coming onto the shore and enjoy the weather.
2. Water Bird Sanctuary:
A lovely spot for bird watching, the sanctuary is just 12 km from Rameshwaram. You can bring your children and parents, who will love the scenic beauty and the birds flying and resting there.
3. Jada Theertham:
A pond in Rameshwaram, where our Lord Rama washed his hair after defeating Ravana, to perform the rituals and pujas offered to Lord Shiv in the Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is located on the way to Dhanushkodi at a short distance from the temple.
4. Uthirakosamangai:
Uthirakosamangai, a village in Rameshwaram, is mainly famous for an ancient temple known as Uthirakosamangai Nathar Kovil. People also know this temple as Mangalanatha Swamy Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiv and has a unique Dravidian architecture. It is nearly 60 m from Rameshwaram, which you can cover by hiring a taxi service in Rameshwaram from a prestigious cab service provider. Here, a 6-foot-tall idol of Nataraj is carved from a single stone and is consecrated for worship and seeking blessings.
5. Thiruppullani (Sri Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple):
Thiruppullani is a village on the outskirts of Rameshwaram, approximately 70 km away, which is famous for the Sri Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple. Here you will find Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose on a bed of darbha grass. This is the place where Lord Rama prayed to the Sea God for three days and nights without taking a single piece of food or a drop of water, lying on a bed of darbha grass. That’s why he is worshipped here as Lord Dharba Sayana Rama.
6. Kunthukal Beach:
After travelling just 13-14 km from Rameshwaram, you can reach Kunthukal beach. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. It is out of the hustle and bustle of the crowded beaches and is considered one of the cleaner beaches in the region, and is suitable for swimming.
7. Krusadai Island:
If you are interested in marine life and eco-tourism, Krusadai Island, a protected marine reserve, offers opportunities for snorkelling and exploring coral reefs (an underwater ecosystem). You can visit it once to make it memorable for a lifetime. Access is allowed with permission and guided tours, as it’s a fragile ecosystem.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Rameshwaram?
The ideal time to visit Rameshwaram is during the winters, i.e., from October to March. Summers can be quite hot and humid from March to June, while monsoon brings moderate to heavy rainfall, affecting your travel plans; however, it offers beautiful green views.
2. How to reach Rameshwaram?
Rameshwaram is well connected by road and railway. The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is in Madurai, from where you can book a cab or take a bus. Rameshwaram has its own railway station, connected with major Indian cities.
3. Is there any particular dress code to follow for visiting temples in Rameshwaram?
Yes, it is advised to dress modestly when visiting temples in Rameshwaram, especially the Ramanathaswamy Temple. For men, traditional attire like a dhoti or pyjama with a shirt is preferred. For women, sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with a modest top are recommended. Shorts and revealing clothing are strictly prohibited inside the main temple area.
4. How much time does it take to explore Rameshwaram ?
It will take a maximum of 2 to 3 days for detailed visits to the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi, Pamban Bridge, and other significant sites without any rush.
5. Are there options available for accommodation and food in Rameshwaram?
Rameshwaram offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets, from luxurious resorts and mid-range hotels to budget guesthouses and ashrams. We recommend booking in advance for peak seasons. As a pilgrimage town, Rameshwaram is primarily known for its delicious South Indian vegetarian cuisine. You’ll find many restaurants serving traditional thalis, dosas, idlis, and more.
I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.
