Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)

Hotels & Resorts in Rameshwaram

Hotel	Grade	Rate per couple	Plan
Hotel Royal Park	*******	Tariff	Room only
Hotel Vinayaga	**	Tariff	Room only

Rameshwaram is a town in Ramanathapuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on an island separated from the mainland by the Pamban channel. Together with Kashi, it is considered one of the holiest places in India to Hindus. Hence, it is a bustling pilgrim centre.

Rameshwaram is an island of Lord Rama's temple at Tamil Nadu is a terrific destination. Along with being a major pilgrimage for the Hindus, Rameshwaram is a happening holiday spot too. Rameshwaram is significant for the Hindus as a pilgrimage to Benaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram.

The presiding deity is the Linga Of Sri Ramanatha Swamy, which happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Rameshwaram is also popularly referred to as the 'Benaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that the visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory.

At a stone throw away from the Ramanatha Swamy Temple is Agnitriham. The sacredness of the place makes it a popular bathing spot with the pilgrims. Ideally a bath at Agnitriham precedes the visit to the Ramanatha Swamy Temple.

Ramanatha Swamy Temple is Agnitriham

Dhanushkodi :

This is the place where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. It is said that here Lord Rama destroyed a small bridge with his bow at the request of Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana. Pilgrims are supposed to bathe in the small lagoon here called Ratnakara. This is a place to offer sraddha to the ancestors. It is said to be especially auspicious to bathe here in May. It is a nice place to visit. Dhanushkodi is about 20km southeast of Rameshwaram.

The Pamban Bridge also called Indira Gandhi Bridge lies on the Indian end of the Palk Strait that connects Pamban island to mainland India. It actually refers to both the road bridge and the cantilever railway bridge, though primarily it means the latter. It is the longest sea bridge in India at a length of nearly 2.3 km (2345 meters) and stands as a fine example of Indian architecture. The bridge was constructed with sufficient elevation and a beautiful scenery of the sea, adjoining Islands and parallel rail bridge below can be viewed from the bridge.

Rameshwaram Bridge

Tourist Attractions :

Erwadi (21 km) is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. It has the tomb of Ibrahim Syed Aulia. An annual festival in memory of the saint is held every December.

Uthirakosamangai has a statue of Shiva carved out of emerald and attracts lots of pilgrims.

Kanchirankullam (35 km) is a water bird sanctuary and is home to many species throughout the year. The season is from November to February.

Valinokkam (90 km) is a seaside village largely untouched by consumerism and 'tourism’. The water is clear and clean and ideal for swimming.

Gandamadhana Parvadham - The highest point on the island, here the imprints of Lord Rama’s feet is placed on a chakra.

Vettangudi Birds Sanctuary - Another spot worth visiting, it attracts a large number of migratory birds.

Coral Reef - The waters around the island abound in Coral Reefs. It is in short, a paradise island of golden sands, swaying coconut palms and shady trees.

Getting there :

By AIR -
The religious land of Rameshwaram is well connected with the other major cities of India. The nearest airport at Madurai is 163 kilometers away, takes care of the air travel of people from across the globe.

By Rail & Road -
The rail and road network connects Rameshwaram with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur and other important cities. The two kilometer long Indira Gandhi Bridge connects the island of Rameshwaram with the mainland of Mandapam. For traveling in town you may opt for hiring jeeps, auto rickshaws and even cycle rickshaws.