Rameshwaram:

The mid-sized town Rameswaram in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu has been popular among the tourists as a sacred centre. The town is located in the Pamban island and is at a distance of 40kms from Mannar Island of Sri Lanka. Rameswaram has got many references in the medieval literatures. Ramanathaswamy temple, Faced Hanuman Temple, Ramar Paadham and Agni Theertham are the most popular locations in and around Rameswaram flocked by the tourists and devotees throughout the year.

Rameswaram is home to many festivals round the year and the Ramanathaswamy temple is the epicentre of all the festivals. Maha Shivaratri, Vasantothsavam and Arudhra Dharshan are some of the prominent festivals attracting a huge crowd.

Besides the temple and other places of historic interest, Rameswaram has started to be in the limelight for the water sporting activities, the prime attraction of the tourists thronging here from various parts of the country. One of the cleanest beaches in India, Rameswaram beach offers variety of water sporting options to the tourists like Kayaking, Snorkelling, Coral Watching, Sea-surfing, Jet Skiing and lot more in the list. The pricing for all these activities are very competitive compared to such activities in overseas islands. As the town has rich potential for Beach Tourism, we shall promote Rameswaram more than a spiritual centre.

Places to Visit in and around Rameswaram:

Ariyaman Beach or Kushi Beach:

Ariyaman beach is located 30 Km away from Rameswaram situated on the side of Palk Bay and this place is also called as Kushi beach by the local residents. A very calm and clean beach fully covered by casuarina trees where the clients can spend time to relax themselves.

Activities:

Coral watching, Jet Skiing, Snorkeling, Boating ,Parasailing, kayaking and other water sports.

There is also a Children’s park closer to the beach for the kids to enjoy.

Timings:Tourists are allowed only until 6pm to this beach.

Ramanathaswawmy Temple:

A 2000 years old temple, where devotees from all corners of the country throng to worship Lord Ramanathaswamy, believed to have been worshipped by Lord Rama himself and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India. The temple has the longest corridor with 1212 pillars, a wonderful architecture. Navarathri Arudhra Dharshan besides the Brahmothsavam are the popular festivals in this temple.

Specialty of the temple:0There are 22 small wells inside the temple premises, bathing in which is trusted to be very sacred.

Dress Code:There is no specific dress code, still decent attires are recommended.

Worship Timings :05 AM – 01 PM & 03 PM – 09 PM

Five Faced Hanuman Temple:

Just 2kms away from the Ramanathaswamy temple, the five faced hanuman temple called Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple is situated. Mythologically, it is believed that the temple was used to house the stones used by Lord Rama for building the Rama Sethu bridge.

The temple is kept open from 6 am to 7pm.

Pamban Rail & Road bridge:

Pamban Rail bridge functioning since 1914 connects Pamban island to mainland India. The bridge has been placed at a height very closer to the sea, with an option of the main portion getting opened or closed when the ship passes through. Due to the increase in the boats and ships crossing through, the bridge from Mandapam to Pamban stretching for 2.345 Km long and 24M height. So the ships and boats will pass the bridge without any disturbance. Out of 79 pillars in this bridge, 64 pillars stand inside on the sea.

Please note Vehicles are not allowed to stop on the bridge to take selfie or to spend time on the bridge.

DR APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial:

One of the must visit sightseeing places in Rameswaram is the Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam memorial. When you enter the memorial the statue of Abdul Kalam playing the musical instrument Veena welcomes you . s Abdul kalam’s burial place is at the centre of the memorial. There are three display halls here you can see the Abdul Kalam history, personal belongings used by him, his portraits and statues with more than 900 paintings, 200 rare photos and certificates. On the backyard they have exhibited a sample model of Agni Missile.

Please note:

• Photography not allowed inside the memorial hall.
• Shoes or slippers are not allowed inside the memorial hall.
• There is no entrance fee
• Timings 09:00 Hrs – 18:00 Hrs on all days

Rameswaram - Hotels:

Hotel Hyatt Place

Category: 4 Star

Number of Rooms: 98

Distance: 500mts from Ramanathaswamy temple

Location : Madurai – Dhanushkodi NH Road, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – 623526

Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/india/hyatt-place-rameshwaram/ixmzr

Hotel Daiwik

Category: 3 Star

Number of Rooms: 90

Distance :Near Rameswaram Bus Stand

Location : Madurai – Rameswaram Highway, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – 623526

Website: https://www.daiwikhotels.com/daiwik-hotel-rameshwaram/

Hotel Rameswaram Grand

Category: Budget

Number of Rooms: 65

Distance: Opposite to Rameswaram Railway Station

Location : Railway Feeder Road, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – 623526

Website: http://www.hotelrameswaramgrand.com/

Hotel Royal Park:

Category: Budget

Number of Rooms: 32

Distance: 2.5 kms from Ramanathaswamy temple

Location : Semma Madam, Ramnad Highway, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – 623526

Website: http://www.hotelroyalpark.in/

Hotel SS Grand:

Category: Budget

Number of Rooms: 35

Distance: 2km from the temple

Location : Near Rameswaram Bus Stand, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – 623526

Website: http://www.hotelssgrand.com/

Hotel Queen Palace:

Category: Budget

Number of Rooms: 37

Distance: Near Rameswaram Bus Stand

Location : No. 30/A1, Kattupillayar Koil Street Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu – 623526

Website: https://www.hotelqueenpalace.co.in/

New Properties at Rameswaram:

Hotel Arjuna:

Category : 3 Star

No. of Rooms : 42

Executive Rooms : 35 ( 4 Rooms are Twin Sharing)

Family Suite Rooms: 05

King Suite Rooms : 02

Distance : 500 mts away from Temple

Location : No.15 K, Temple Road, near Bus Stand, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Website: http://www.hotelarjunaa.com/

SDM Golden Towers:

Category : Budget

No. of Rooms : 34

Deluxe Rooms:21

Triple Bedrooms: 03

Superior Category Rooms: 04

Royal Suite Room : 01

Queen Suite Luxury Rooms: 05

Distance : 1oo mts from the temple

Location : No.18 /4A, Veerpathiran Swamy Koil Street, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Website : http://www.hotelsdmgoldentower.com/

Hotel Ashoka :

Category : Budget

No. of Rooms : 35

Double Bed A/C: 19

Triple Bed A/C: 03

Four Bed A/C: 08

Queen Suite A/C: 04

Premium Suite A/C: 01

Distance : 200 mts away from Temple

Location : No.25, Kalavai Street, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Website: http://hotelashokarameswaram.com/

Festivals in Rameswaram:

There are many festivals celebrated in Rameswaram. Being a religious centre, the town attracts crowds round the year. People plan to visit the town during any of these festivals, as detailed below.

Maha Shivaratri:The most important festival for the people following Saivism is Maha Shivaratri, which normally falls during February – March. Devotees sit through night in the temple or at their houses and pray to Lord Shiva by way of hymns and religious discourses. Dance and other cultural events are organized in the temple premises. Poojas and rituals are carried out throughout the night to keep the devotees awake. MahaShivaratri in Rameswaram is celebrated for Ten days with lot of religious rituals and chariot processions.

Vasanthothsavam:The start of spring season is celebrated for ten days during May – June. The deities are anointed, decorated and special poojas are done.

Ramalinga Prathishta:This is a very auspiciously celebrated festival earmarking the event when Lord Rama himself worshipped Lord Shiva with the Linga idol made by His consort Sita. The annual festival falls during May-June, when the deities of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama are taken out in procession through the streets of Rameswaram, enjoyed by thousands of devotees.

Navaratri & Dusserah:The Nine Days festival celebrated in Rameswaram temple, worshipping the nine types of manifestations of Goddess Durga. The tenth day is celebrated as Dusserah in a grand manner, denoting the victory of Good over the Evil. This annual festival is celebrated during September-October.

Arudhra Dharshan:A popular festival in all the Shiva temples, Arudhra Dharshan falls during December – January. Special poojas and rituals are done on this day, earmarking the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja.

Dhanushkodi – City Information:

Dhanushkodi is located 25km away from Rameswaram where the Bay of Bengal and Indian ocean confluence. Mythologically it is believed that Lord Rama built the bridge to Sri Lanka and rescued His consort Seetha from the Demon King Ravana, referred to as Rama Sethu or Adams bridge, invisible to the human eyes as the bridge under the water.

After the 1964 cyclone, the entire town is devastated and became inhabitable except for some families. Unlike the earlier years where one needed a four wheel drive jeep to visit this Dhanushkodi, a new fine road is set to access the location with all types of vehicles. The ruined churches and buildings keep Dhanushkodi, a place to rewind the history.

The clients can enjoy the scenic view on both sides while they travel towards Dhanushkodi. The sea foods are available with a better taste and price. People prefer to visit Dhanushkodi in the mornings for a better experience.

Please note, the tourists are not allowed to swim because of the high tides. It is advised to stock the bag with enough water bottles and snacks, as there will not be more shops around.

Extra Activity:

• Four wheel off the road ride is available in Dhanushkodi. They charge Rs. 100 for one round.