Rameshwaram is an island city in the beautiful South-Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Also famously known as ‘the Bridge on the Indian Ocean’, the city has a lot to offer its guests. With amazing ocean views and world-class hospitality, Rameshwaram prides itself on being one of the most welcoming tourist destinations in the country. Here is a list of places to visit in Rameshwaram for your next trip.
Here is how you can reach Rameshwaram:
By air: Madurai airport is the nearest airport to Rameshwaram, located about 149 Km from the main city. The airport is well connected with major national and international airports. You can reach Rameshwaram from Madurai by bus, cabs or rented taxis.
By rail: Rameshwaram is connected via rail to the mainland via the rail link. It is well connected to South-Indian cities like Chennai, Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram. It is the most economical way to reach Rameshwaram.
By road: Rameshwaram is connected via road to major cities of South India via roadways that can be covered by bus or cab. The roads are well maintained between Rameshwaram and Chennai (650 Km), Madurai (169 Km), Tiruchirappalli (271 Km) and Thanjavur (231 Km).
When to visit Rameshwaram?
The summers in Rameshwaram are hot and humid. Subsequently, the monsoon season also faces heavy rainfall in the city. Therefore, the best season for visiting places in Rameshwaram is the winter. The best months to visit Rameshwaram are from November to February.
13 Rameshwaram tourist places and things to do
Rameshwaram Temple
The city’s biggest tourist attraction is the Rameshwaram temple. Most tourists flock to Rameshwaram temple above all other Rameshwaram tourist places. The temple is an intricately carved piece of architecture devoted to Lord Shiva. Devotees from across the world travel to Rameshwaram to offer their prayers to the 12 Jyotirlingas in the temple.
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Agnitheertham
The city is full of “sacred baths” considered holy by devotees. Agnitheertham is the biggest such bath located outside the traditional vicinity of the temple. Tourists visit Agnitheertham to bathe in the holy water as a cultural practice.
You can visit Agnitheertham between 5 A.M. and 6 P.M. any day of the week.
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Dhanushkodi Temple
What was one of the most well-preserved ancient pieces of architecture and a place of worship for many, the Dhanushkodi temple suffered greatly during a cyclone that hit Rameshwaram in 1964. The temple today stands as only ruins instead of its former glory but is still one of the holiest and most popular Rameshwaram tourist places.
You can take a rickshaw or hire a taxi to Dhanushkodi from Rameshwaram to cover the 16 km distance by road.
The timings to reach Dhanushkodi temple are between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
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Jatayu Tirtham
One of the only temples of its kind, the Jatayu Tirtham temple is devoted to Lord Jatyau, a mythological figure in the epic of Ramayan. According to the legends, Jatayu was killed by the Demon-King Ravana while he tried to stop him from abducting Goddess Sita. The temple is dedicated to his bravery and his devotion to Lord Ram.
Jatayu Tirtham is 6 km away from the main city, which can be covered via local transport.
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Ariyaman Beach
Another spot you must add to your list of Rameshwaram places to visit is Ariyaman Beach. The gorgeous white sand beach stretches across the shores of the Indian Ocean. You can spend your time at the beach enjoying the various water-sport activities or go boating to enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Located at a distance of 21 km from Ramesharwam city, you can visit the beach between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
You can also enjoy a boat ride for a fee of Rs 60.
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Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple
One of the most renowned temples in the city, the Panchmukhi, translated to “ Five-faced”, Hanuman temple is a tourist favourite destination in Rameshwaram. Devotees travel to the temple and offer their prayers to the shrine of Lord Hanuman in his five-faced form. The temple is two km from Sri Ramanathaswamy temple.
You can visit the temple between 6:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. any day of the week.
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Lakshmana Tirtham
Lakshmana Tirtham is a temple dedicated solely to the worship of Lord Lakshaman, the brother of Lord Ram. devotees consider the temple extremely sacred and it is renowned as a symbol of brotherly love among the two gods.
You can visit Lakshmana Tirtham between 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. any day of the week for free.
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Villoondi Tirtham
A place that is both religiously sacred and naturally beautiful, Villoondi Tirtham is a holy body of water in the city of Rameshwaram. It is believed that the spring in the land was made when Lord Rama shot an arrow into the ground to provide drinkable water for the townspeople.
You can visit Villoondi Tirtham between 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. any day of the week free of cost.
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Silk Shopping
A famous speciality of Rameshwaram is its silk. In the city’s centre, you can find many shops that sell both stitched garments and unstitched fabrics in unique silk. You can shop for this item in the markets of Rameshwaram.
Sea World Aquarium
A world-class aquarium found in Rameshwaram is the Sea World Aquarium. The aquarium is a local recommendation to visit, especially if you are travelling with kids. The aquarium is an experience where you are surrounded by the many types of living aquatic life.
You can visit Sea World Aquarium between 10:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. any day of the week for free.
Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge
The seven km stretch of a bridge that connects Rameshwaram island to mainland India is the Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge. It is the longest bridge in south India that allows rail and motor transport across the sea. You can reach the bridge by road on local transport at any time as it remains open to entry throughout the day.
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Abdul Kalam House
The birthplace of the former President, celebrated scientist and national hero, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, is a place of exploration in the city of Rameshwaram. Many tourists travel to his old house to account for his humble beginnings and pay their respects in his memory.
The building is open to visitors between 8:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. on weekdays and remains closed on weekends.
You will have to pay an entry fee of Rs 5 per head to visit the Kalam house.
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Kothandaramaswamy Temple
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Kothandaramaswamy temple is situated on the southernmost tip of Rameshwaram island. The temple is dedicated to the difficult pilgrimage taken by Lord Ram towards the kingdom of the Demon-king Ravana to save his wife, Goddess Sita.
You can visit Kothandaramaswamy temple between 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.. any day of the week at no entry fee required.
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FAQs
Why is Rameshwaram a popular tourist destination?
Rameshwaram has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. Graced by nature with bountiful scenic views and a rich history ripe to explore, Rameshwaram is a traveller’s paradise.
What are some good places to eat in Rameshwaram?
The Curry and Ahaan restaurants are some of the most popular family restaurants in the city.
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