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Rameswaram Travel Guide

Lying few hundred kilometres away from Madurai and barely some miles from the Gulf of Mannar, the island of Rameswaram is a prominent pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu as well as the rest of India. While there are ample places to visit in Rameswaram, right from pilgrimage sites to beaches, the Jyotirlinga, Ramanathaswamy Temple is the most visited and attracts thousands of pilgrims round the year. The town of Rameswaram and the famous Ramanathswamy Temple finds their mention in the Hindu epic Ramayana where it is said that, Lord Rama, the King of Ayodhya (an incarnation of Vishnu) offered prayers to Lord Shiva here in Rameswaram after his victory in the kingdom of Lanka. Also, Lord Rama along with Lord Hanuman and his monkey clan built the famous Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) across the sea to be able to reach Lanka and free Sita from the clutches of the demon King Ravana. Since time immemorial, Rameswaram has been on the list of Hindu pilgrims and travellers who choose to visit this holy place in India at least once a year. The beauty of the quaint little town shoos away all tiredness even after a long journey. The several must visit places in Rameswaram include beaches, temples and bridges.

The beautiful architectures of the temples and the timeless beauty of the beaches are bound to fill you with an absolute sense of wonder. Other than the Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the top attractions in Rameswaram happens to be the Pamban Bridge. A ride across this human-made wonder is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences in India. The next major point of interest in Rameswaram is the famous Dhanushkhodi Beach. Until recently, the beach was well-known for a temple and a church which however, got washed away in a cyclone in 1964,leaving behind ruins. Other beach that is surely going to draw a traveller's attention is the Ariyaman Beach. The pristine beach is sure to have a calming effect on you. On the other hand, the Adam's Bridge is yet another travel place in Rameswaram that must not be missed by travellers. In our Rameswaram travel guide, we have compiled an extensive list of all the places of interest and activities that are there in the coastal city. From taking a leisurely stroll along the Dhanushkhodi Beach to travelling across the Pamban Bridge; offering prayers at the temples to finding the places to stay and eat - we have covered it all.

Best Time to Visit Rameswaram

The best time to visit Rameswaram are the winter months - October to March. This is because, the temperature is at its best during these months, making it possible for travellers to explore around the city. However, these days, the city ends up attracting some crowd during summers as well as monsoons.

  • Summer

    Summer

    Rameswaram experiences summers from March end till mid-June which is characterised by very hot and humid climate. Bright sunny days clubbed with too much humidity can be highly uncomfortable for travellers to roam around the city. Temperature during the summers range between 35° to 40° Celsius and sometimes crosses 40.

  • Monsoon

    Monsoon

    Monsoons in Rameswaram span from mid-June till September and the region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall. However, during this time the city looks amazingly beautiful. Though exploring the city can become somewhat cumbersome owing to rainfall, nonetheless if you are adventurous enough, you can always choose to brave them and enjoy your holidays.

  • Winter

    Winter

    Spanning from October end to early March winters are probably the best time to visit Rameswaram when the weather is at its best. Temperature during these months range from round 20°Celsius to 25°Celsius. Bright sunny days characterises the day followed by cooler evenings. This makes it much easier for travellers to explore around the city.

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Top Places to Visit and Things to Do in Rameswaram

The coastal city of Rameswaram makes for an ideal weekend getaway for thousands of travellers who are looking towards making a wonderful time either with family or friends. On the other hand, solo travellers can also have an exciting time exploring this beautiful coastal city. From ruins of religious shrines to miles of shorelines - Rameswaram is definitely worth a visit.

  • Pamban Bridge

    One of the most striking places to visit in Rameswaram happens to be the Pamban Bridge. Located bang on the Palk Strait, the bridge is an absolute engineering marvel that inspires awe among the visitors. A view of the surrounding islands and the azure seascapes are an experience of a lifetime experience. More than a century old, this architectural wonder is a must visit in Rameswaram.

  • Ramanathaswamy Temple

    One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India, the Ramanathaswamy is a revered place of worship in the city of Rameswaram. The presiding deity of the temple happens to be none other than Lord Shiva. Like all other temples in South India, the shrine is built in the traditional south Indian style of architecture with a high compound wall and huge tower (Gopurams). One of the holiest Hindu shrines in India, a tour of the temple is a must while in Rameswaram. Read more

  • Dhanushkhodi Beach

    Comprising miles of white sand, the beach is bound to offer you an offbeat experience with its natural abundance. The azure waters of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal merge here and are an absolute treat to the eyes. However, the beach is not considered safe for swimming. Read more

  • Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

    Located in the small city of Pamban, the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, is yet another tourist attraction in the coastal city of Rameswaram. Constructed over the sea, the bridge connects the Pamban city to mainland India. The bridge also holds mythological significance, where Lord Rama threw an arrow in the ground to retrieve cold water and quench thirst. One of its kind in India, the bridge is an absolute engineering marvel.

  • Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam House

    Former President, APJ Abdul Kalam's House is an interesting place to visit in Rameswaram. The house where the former president and scientist spent his formative years have now been converted into a museum. The museum houses several photos of Abdul Kalam on display along with several items used by the scientist. On the top floor there's a store that sells souvenirs. The museum is an ideal destination for getting a glimpse of the life of this extraordinary human being. Read more

  • Hanuman Temple

    Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Hanuman Temple is a prominent Hindu religious shrine in Rameswaram. The shrine is the place where it is believed that Lord Hanuman revealed his pancha or five-faced avatar. Inside the temple, the devotees can see an idol of Hanuman smeared in vermillion. Statues of Lord Rama and his wife Sita is also present that was installed only as late as 1964.

  • Adam’s Bridge/Ram Setu

    Also known as Ram Setu, the Adam's Bridge happens to be a chain of limestone shoals that connects the Pamban Island in India to the Mannar of Sri Lanka. Geological evidences suggest that this bridge connected India and Sri Lanka during ancient times. The bridge also has mythological significance as it finds mention in the popular Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that the bridge was constructed by Lord Rama with the help of his monkey clan to bring back Sita from Lanka.

  • Agniteertham

    Agniteertham is a historical sea beach in Rameswaram that attracts thousands of travellers and pilgrims round the year. Located on the beach side of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, the Agniteertham is one such place where the scared bath is located a little away from the main temple complex. The location finds its mention in Ramayana and is said to be the place where Lord Rama took a dip to was away his sin of killing Ravana who was a half Brahmin.

  • Gandhamadhana Parvatham

    Mount Gandhamadhana or Gandhamadana Parvatham is the highest peak in the Pamban Island and is a popular tourist attraction in Rameswaram. Lying between mainland India and Sri Lanka right on the Palk Strait, the peak attracts thousands of discerning travellers round the year. The peak has mythological significance. It is said that it is from the summit of this peak Hanuman took his flight to Lanka. The peak also finds its mention in Kalidasa's Kumarsambhava.

  • Villoondi Tirtham

    A significant holy place in Rameswaram, Villoondi Tirtham attracts several devotees as well as tourists round the year. It is one of the 64 teerthams or holy site where pilgrims come to take a dip and was away their sins. Interestingly, there is a good water spring situated right inside the sea which happens to be a major attraction of the area. This place also holds mythological significance according to the Hindu epic Ramayana.

  • Ariyaman Beach

    Situated on the side of the Palk Bay, the Ariyaman Beach is yet another must visit place in Rameswaram. Dotted with tall Casurina trees, the beach is ideal destination for spending some quiet time with your significant other during sunset. Alternately the beach attracts a lot of picnic goers as well at the same time. There's a children's park and a watch tower in the beach. Tourists can enjoy activities like boating, parasailing, windsurfing at the Ariyaman Beach. Read more

  • Burial Place of APJ Abdul Kalam

    One of the recent tourist attractions in Rameswaram happens to be the burial place of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Opened for public in 2016, the site attracts hundreds of visitors who come there to offer their last respect to the people's president. Several photographs of the president from his earlier life till his last days are on display offering an insight into his life.

Where to Stay in Rameswaram?

Being a popular tourist attraction, there's no dearth of accommodation options in Rameswaram. A wide range of hotels and guest houses are available catering to all kinds of tourists and their tastes. Be it family suites at high-end hotels to mid-range accommodation at a prime location or backpackers stay - travellers can choose from ample options. In order to avail the best experience, it is advisable that you book hotels beforehand.

How to Reach Rameswaram?

Rameswaram's strategic location makes it somewhat easier in terms of commutation to the town. While Madurai is the nearest airport to the town, Rameswaram is well-connected to the rest of the cities in Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Coimbatore and Puducherry.

  • By Air

    The nearest airport to Rameswaram happens to be Madurai, located at a distance of 171 kilometres. Several modes of transportation are available in order to reach Rameswaram from Madurai. Travellers can avail a host of options from the airport as buses and taxis ply on a regular basis. It takes roughly four hours to reach Rameswaram from Madurai.

  • By Rail

    Rameswaram has its own railway station which is very well-connected to the several cities in south India including Madurai, Chennai, Puducherry, Coimbatore as well as Bangalore. Express trains ply from these stations on a regular basis which can be easily availed by passengers.

  • By Road

    Rameswaram can be reached by road easily as the town has a major bus stand. Several buses ply on a regular basis from a number of cities including Chennai, Madurai, Puducherry, Trichy and Coimbatore. A road-trip to Rameswaram can be an excellent idea as road conditions are very good.

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