Things to Do in Rameswaram for a Perfect Getaway

A perfect blend of mind-boggling architecture and spiritual significance, Rameshwaram Temple, also known as Ramanathaswamy Temple of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also boasts of being one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of India. Not just spiritually, Rameshwaram Temple is appealing architecturally also. With the longest corridor of the world and immaculate carvings on pillars, it is definitely a treat for your eyes. Paying your respects at the temple is one of the topmost things to do in Rameswaram.

With exotic fishes and marvelous corals to see, the glass boat ride at Pamban Bridge is a must do. Pamban Bridge is India's first sea bridge built on artificial sandstone. One of the most exciting things to do in Rameswaram is enjoying this boat ride with transparent bottoms. You can watch the colorful corals and the crystal clear waters. This activity is one of the topmost things to do in Rameswaram.

Known For : Dhanushkodi Beach Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park Adam's Bridge

Dhanushkodi was until a few years ago a wonderful temple on the southern tip of India. However, due to a natural calamity, the cyclone, it got completely washed away. It holds the advantage of being on an island and is exquisitely covered by waters on all the four sides of it. It is sandwiched between the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. When viewed from a birds eye,The seas are in the shape of bow and arrow. It is one of the top tourist attractions of the city.

Best Time: October to February

6 Dhanushkodi Attractions

Adam's Bridge, a natural bridge that connects India with its neighbouring country Sri Lanka, is set amidst a gorgeous setting of raw nature that can leave anyone awe inspired by its beauty. The 50 kilometres long and 3-kilometre wide bridge starts as a chain of shoals from Dhanushkodi (tip of India's Pamban Bridge) and ends at Sri Lanka's Mannar Island. Adam's Bridge, also known as Rama's Bridge or Rama Setu, is considered as a legendary bridge which is mainly a chain of coral reefs and sandbanks. This mythical bridge has a lot of controversies associated regarding its origin and structure. The place offers a very relaxed aura and is a blissful experience for the travellers.

One of the 64 sacred baths in Rameshwaram, the Agnitheertham is one of the most important theertham and receives a large number of tourists each day. Located on the beach side of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, Agnitheertham is the only theertham sited outside the temple complex. The devotees visiting the theertham offer their prayers to the deity and atone their sins by taking a dip in the holy waters.

Five-faced Hanuman temple is the most renowned temple in Rameshwara. It has mythological evidence where Hanuman showed his profile with five faces. He is reckoned to be embellished with senthooram at this particular place. The statues of all Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman are placed in the temple and all have been sacredly worshipedand revered to the apex. The actual soul of the Gods is supposed to have been put into the idols and this gives a very mystic feel to it. There is floating stone outside the temple which was used to create the bridge on the sea as prescribed by our Indian mythology.

Lakshmana Tirtham had been constructed in the loving memory of Lord Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama. In order to offer sacred prayers to lord Lakshmana, this temple has been constructed in Rameshwaram itself which indicates that Lord Lakshman had been given a valuable place in the dynasty of Lord Rama.

It is the longest bridge in southern India. It connects Rameswaram Island to the main land. It's constructed over the bay. It is 7 km away from Rameshwaram and is also called the Pamban Bridge as it is located beside Pamban, the sacred place where Rama could quench the thirst of Sita by throwing an arrow in the place where they could actually retrieve cool water. The construction of this bridge has left many engineers wondering as it stands tall and strong even today. The ships too can pass under the bridge and hence it is most convenient means of commutation.

Villoondi Tirtham is a beach which is also considered a sacred natural water body and a favourite amongst tourists. It also has a spring inside the sea which makes the attraction a unique one and is often associated with the Legend of Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama shot an arrow to create this spring to help his people with drinking water.

Ariyaman Beach is a long stretch of pristine white sand beach famous for its scenic beauty. The clear waters and the gentle waves create an irresistible environment for the tourists. The beach is also called Khushi Beach and has enough facilities for boating, swimming and water sports. Those who never wish to leave the beach can opt to stay at one of the cottages by the seashore. Visiting the beach is one of the topmost things to do in Rameswaram.

APJ Abdul Kalam House or the House of Kalam is the residence of former President of India, an accomplished scientist and an inspirational figure. This is the place where he was raised by his parents along with his siblings. The house is now turned into a museum where tourists can get a glimpse into Abdul Kalam's life and his achievements.

Water Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher's paradise with dense natural vegetation and several water bodies that attract native and migratory bird species. The sanctuary is separated from the mainland by the Pamban Channel and offers shelter for the avian species. Research has revealed that several species migrate to the sanctuary for breeding while the native species thrive in the sheltered environment. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Rameswaram.

Kothandaramaswamy temple is situated on the southern most tip of India and is situated on the island near Bay of Bengal. Indian Ocean covers it from all its sides. There had been several instances of cyclone in the area but the temple stayed to be intact even in most critical times. It too has the history and story of Ramayan in its footings.

Kunthu Kal Beach is located on the Pamban Island in the Indian Ocean. The tranquil seashore is a treat to beach lovers. The picturesque location of turquoise waters and glimmering sand lined by coconut trees draws tourists every year. The beach is also said to be a rich source of medicinal herbs in the region.

One of the prime things to do in Rameswaram is to shop for silk. It is absolutely essential that you buy some to take back home from here, just fabric or suits or sarees or all of it. The fabric is woven from premium quality silk and is popular worldwide. You absolutely should browse the markets when you are here.

Gandhamadhana Parvatham is the deity of several communities in southern India and the temple of Gandhamadhana is highly revered, renowned and worshiped in the southern India. The temple is a massive two storey and Lord rama's feet are imprinted on the chakra placed in the temple. Believers and pilgrims alike long to visit this holy place and offer their prayers to the feet of Lord Ram.

Jatayu tirtham is the holy temple constructed in the memory of Jatayu, who was the most loyal eagle of Rama and who helped lord Rama at various instances in getting herbs from the mountains. It is said that this eagle lost its life in order to save the life of lord Rama and hence its sacrifice is always appreciated and it is worshiped as a deity even today.

Kaveri tirtham is the holy tirtham in southern India where god Kapardishvara is worshipped. Jada tirtham is a small temple which lies within Kaveri Tirtham and holds its own mythological importance. The temple is constructed near the trunk of a large peepal tree and all the deities are supposed to have rested there while they had been in banvas. The temple maybe small in construction but is a great master piece of lattice work and the artmanship is spectuacular. It is famous for its beauty and uniqueness.

Kalam National Memorial was built in the honour of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. They display an impressive collection of memorabilia that cherishes the priceless contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam including replicas of missiles, rockets and information about the Pokhran Nuclear Test. The memorial has a beautiful blend of Mughal and Indian architecture with components sourced from different parts of the country making it truly a symbol of national integration which goes very well with Abdul Kalamês love and admiration for all aspects of the Indian Culture.

Nambu Nayagiamman Temple is a 14th century temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The tranquillity and the splendid architecture with enormous bells and beautiful lawns draw not just the devotees but tourists as well. The main shrine is an open structure built to allow sunlight in which adds to the uniqueness of the temple.

Sea World Aquarium is a famous attraction with a splendid collection from the sea world. They have a number of aquatic species that thrive in the oceans like the Shark, Rabbit Fish, Lobsters and Octopus. They also sell items made of seashells that tourists can purchase as memorabilia.

Thiruppullani is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu but the presiding deity is Lord Darbha Sayana Rama whose idol is seen in a reclining posture. A good example of Dravidian architecture, the complex was built when Chola Kingdom was in power. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams - a pilgrimage visited most during the Rameshwaram pilgrimage.