Everything You Need to Know About The Pious Rameshwaram

The spiritual land of Rameshwaram is a beautiful ‘Island City’ situated in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserves. Standing alone in the sea, between India and Sri Lanka, this peaceful and pious city is a famous Indian travel destination that attracts devotees and tourists from all over the world. What sets apart the numerous religious Places to Visit in Rameshwaram is their exquisite temples which are usually less crowded and the many sacred ponds. The revered city is one of the famous Char Dhams of India which are the most prominent places for Hindus, leading to a great influx of devotees in Rameshwaram.

Along with temples, there are other wonderful Tourist Places in Rameshwaram as well which leave you exhilarated. From immaculate beaches ideal to feel the energizing sea breeze to the many sightseeing spots like Water Bird Sanctuary, you are in for a lovely treat in Rameswaram.

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Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram in 2020

The city has a humid climate, therefore, winters that commence from October to April are the Best Time to Visit Rameshwaram. However, Monsoons that usually fall in August are also good for spending a blissful time here.

How to Reach Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram By Air

Madurai Airport is the nearest airport from Rameshwaram, located at an approximate distance of 170 km. From here you can hail a cab to reach the holy city.

Rameshwaram By Rail

Rameshwaram Railway Station has is well-connected with many major cities of India, like Chennai, Thanjavur, Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy from where you can reach your destination via various express, mail and superfast trains.

Rameshwaram By Road

Of all the three modes of travel, a road trip to Rameshwaram is the most exciting. The journey through one of the smoothest roads lain over a bridge can be begun from various cities of India like Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Chennai or Thanjavur.

Where to Stay in Rameshwaram

There are many good Hotels in Rameshwaram fit for every budget and need. You can also find many great options of Hotels Near Rameshwaram Temple for your comfort and convenience.

• Budget Hotels in Rameshwaram: Hotel Pearl Residency, Hotel Royal Park
• Mid-Range Hotels in Rameshwaram: Hotel SS Grand, Caban Coral Reef, Shell Coast Resort, Daiwik Hotels Rameswaram
• Luxury Resorts in Rameshwaram: The Palmyrah House, Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Places to Visit in Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram Temples

1. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple

The foremost Place to Visit in Rameshwaram, Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the few temples in the world constructed with Dravidian style architecture. It is widely famous for its lingas which are formed with various materials like stone, salt, sand etc. and its pools which were said to be 112 in the past but have now reduced to just 12. Boasting of one of the most pillared corridors in the world, it is definitely the best Rameshwaram Tourist Places you need to visit.

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• Location of the Temple: Ramanathapuram, Rameshwaram
• Rameshwaram Temple Timings: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 9:00 om
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Suggested Read: Puri’s Annual Chariot Festival; Jagannath Yatra – Destination Guide

2. Nambu Nayagiamman Temple

Built by the native people of Ramnad District in the 14^th Century, a tribute to Lord Rama, Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is one of the best Rameswaram Temples worth paying a visit. The distinguishing feature of this temple is its three huge bells which when rang spread a palpable spiritual vibe into the air. A revered site, the temple is one Place to Visit in Rameshwaram that is visited by uncountable devotees every for worshipping.

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• Location of the Temple: Dhanushkodi Road, Rameshwaram
• Rameshwaram Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0

3. Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Situated in the popular Dhanushkodi, this magnificent temple is bordered with lovely beaches, ancient ruins and vast horizons of the deep blue sea. Truly one of the finest Tourist Places in Rameshwaram, Kothandaramaswamy Temple also finds it mentioned Ramayana and holds the idols of Lord Rama, Lakshman, Devi Sita and Hanuman. This is a popular Rameshwaram Attraction which is believed to the residence of Vibhashana, the younger sibling of Ravana who helped the Lord to defeat the latter.

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• Location of the Temple: Dhanushkodi Road
• Rameshwaram Temple Timings: 6:30 am to 10:30 am and 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

4. Sugreevar Temple

Dedicated to the legendary Monkey King, Sugreeva who helped Lord Rama to free Sita from the demon king Ravana, it is an ancient Rameswaram Temple which makes an interesting tourist attraction. A sacred pond, famously known as Sita Kund is located in close proximity of this temple and makes this site a definite Place to Visit in Rameshwaram.

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• Location of the Temple: Gandhamathana Parvatham Road, Near Doordarshan Kendra, Rameswaram
• Rameshwaram Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5

5. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple

Located just 2 km away from the famous Rameshwaram Temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple is also a popular Tourist Place in Rameshwaram, frequently visited by travellers. Listed among the most prestigious of Rameshwaram Attractions, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and showcases his five manifestations. His idol which is carved out of Senthooram Stone was known to be quite precious in the olden times. The temple is also famous for housing stones which, as the epic goes, were used to build Rama Setu, the famous bridge built by Hanuman and his private army, for rescuing Goddess Sita from Lanka.

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• Location of the Temple: Ramanathapuram, Rameswaram
• Rameshwaram Temple Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

Rameshwaram Sightseeing

1. Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, which is also known as Pamban Bridge is a famous cantilever bridge located on Palk Strait. Forming a major Tourist Place in the Rameshwaram owing to it being the first sea bridge of the country and of course due to the thrill of driving over the sea, it connects the city with the mainland. The fascinating view of double leaf bascule that allows ships to pass from underneath it by raising itself is simply too fantastic to miss, making the spot an important part of Rameshwaram Tourism.

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• Location: Rameswaram, Pamba
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

2. Water Bird Sanctuary

The Water Bird Sanctuary located here gives you a pleasant break from temple hopping. A wonderful Pace to Visit in Rameshwaram, it sees native and migratory birds, especially from October to March when they arrive here to breed and feed their young ones. Giving a superb Thing to Do in Rameshwaram for nature lovers, the park offers you a chance of satisfying birdwatching.

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• Location: Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

3. Adam’s Bridge

Adam’s Bridge, popularly known as Rama Setu is a historically acclaimed bridge which connects the island of Rameshwaram in India to that of North-west coast of Sri Lanka. Essentially a widespread network of limestone shoals which begin from Dhanushkodi, at the tip of Pamban Island. A highly debated and discussed spot among historians and archaeologists alike, it is one of the most preferred Tourist Places in Rameshwaram among the travellers.

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• Location: Between Pamban Island and Mannar Island, Rameshwaram
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Rameshwaram Beaches

1. Dhanuskodi Beach

Lying on the southern tip of this holy city, Dhanushkodi is a popular beach/ tourist spot. It is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean on either of its sides, gradually merging at its end, in such a way that you can clearly distinguish the high tides of the former from the subtler low tides of the latter. Once a thriving town, it was abandoned post the storm of 1964, and is now only the home to some 500 fishermen and their families, leading to be declared as the ‘Ghost Town’ by the government.

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• Location: Dhanushkodi, Rameshwaram
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

2. Agni Teertham

This glorious place is among the 64 sacred baths in the country. Agni Teertham forms an indispensable part of Rameshwaram Tourism and is believed to rid you of your sins with a dip in its holy waters. It is also the place used for performing religious rites such as those for the passed away ancestors, for their peace.

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• Location: Near Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

3. Ariyaman Beach

Ariyaman Beach, also known as Kushi Beach is one of the finest Rameshwaram Tourist Places. A renowned pristine beach it runs about 150 m wide and 2 km long and is known for being a spotless haven with gentle waves. Perfect for picnics with family or simply to quietly ponder over your being, it is certainly a brilliant spot for Rameshwaram Sightseeing.

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• Location: Adjacent to Palk Bay
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Impressed yet? Here are some great Rameshwaram Tour Packages you can check out.

Things to Do in Rameshwaram

1. Attend Mahashivratri Festivities

Celebrated with utmost fervour, Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated almost everywhere in Rameshwaram. It draws tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.

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• Why: 10 days long festival
• Where: Rameshwaram Temple
• When: Date varies each year, though it usually falls in the month of February or March

2. Take a Rejuvenating Spa Treatment

Rameshwaram is not just about temples. It is a great place to pamper yourself through an Ayurvedic or sea-salt therapy spa treatment making it a wonderful option for your visit. Many Hotels near Rameshwaram Temple and in various parts of the city offer such excellent services.

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• Why: Rejuvenating and detoxifying holistic programs, Ayurvedic treatments
• Where: Vyom- The Spa at Daiwik Hotel etc.

3. Explore Marine Life at Sea World Aquarium

A great option for those who have opted for a family Rameshwaram Tour Package, Sea World Aquarium gives your kids ample of opportunities for an indulgent time at the aquarium exploring numerous sea creatures. You will find a Beach Tamet, clown fish, shark, lobsters, octopus, parrot fish, rabbit fish and many more wonders right here.

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• Why: To let yourself get acquainted with the beautiful undersea life
• Where: Opp. Rameshwaram Bust Stand, Rameshwaram
• Timings: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

4. Go for Snorkelling or Scuba Diving

Rameshwaram offers a brilliant opportunity for scuba diving and exploring the marine world in all its glory. Perfect to enjoy the cool sea breeze, sun and sand, along with sea creatures like starfish, sea cucumber etc. scuba diving is an amazing activity to enjoy here.

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• Why: to explore the vivid and diverse world of sea
• Where: Rameshwaram Beaches
• Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Cost per Person: Approx. Rs. 1,000- 1,500
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

5. Visit the House of Kalam

As the name suggests, the place is the home turned into a museum of the former president of India, Lt. Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Offering you a glimpse into the simple life of this extraordinary human being, the museum displays a variety of artefacts from his life.

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• Why: For a peek into the life of our former president Lt. Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
• Where: Mosque Street, Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram
• Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sat & Sun- Closed
• Cost per Person: Approx. Rs. 5- 10
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0

Places to Visit Near Rameshwaram

There are many Places to Visit Near Rameshwaram of which the trip from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari is the most sought and rewarding. Apart from Kanyakumari other places near this pious city, worth visiting are Madurai, Thanjavur, Thekkady etc.

1. Kanyakumari

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Known for: It is the southernmost tip of India and houses famous places like Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace etc.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Distance from Rameshwaram: 309.4 km
• How to Reach from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari: Via train or cab

2. Madurai

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• Known for: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Alagar Koyil etc.
• Best Time to Visit: December to February
• Distance from Rameshwaram: 170.6 km
• How to Reach from Rameshwaram to Madurai: Via train

3. Thekkady

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• Known for: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Kumily etc.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Distance from Rameshwaram: 309.2 km
• How to Reach from Rameshwaram to Thekkady: Via a rented cab