A place of mythological importance

Amongst the various attractions on this island, the most visited is the Ramanathaswamy Temple. This is India's most venerated and most visited Shiva shrine and is associated with the life of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. According to mythology, Lord Rama prayed to Shiva at this location to absolve any sins he might have committed during his war against the demon king Ravana in Sri Lanka. Upon the advice of sages, Rama, along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana, installed and worshipped the lingam, an iconic symbol of Shiva, at this site. This temple and its mythological tale add to the mystique and reverence associated with Rameswaram.

A journey through spiritual grandeur

Prepare to be awestruck by the architectural marvel that is Ramanathaswamy Temple! This majestic place boasts the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India. Imagine walking through a vast hallway stretching about 1,200 meters, lined with 1,212 intricately sculpted pillars. But that's not all! Look out for the 22 wells scattered along the corridor – each one representing an arrow from Lord Rama's quiver and holding its own special significance. Devotees believe that a dip in these sacred waters can cure ailments and even absolve sins. 

Just 2 km away lies the five-faced Hanuman Temple, also known as Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple. It is believed that this site is where Lord Hanuman revealed his five faces. What makes this temple even more fascinating are the 'floating stones' displayed within. It is said that these were the stones used to build the mystical Ram Setu Bridge so that Lord Rama could reach Lanka and rescue Sita.

There's another hidden gem, just 3 km away from Ramanathaswamy Temple, located on a beautiful hillock. Named Gandamadana Parvatham, it is the place where Lord Rama's footprints are believed to have been found. A mandap or a temple porch has been built around the spot. It is also the highest point in Rameswaram, offering a mesmerising view of the city below - best viewed during sunrise and sunset!

Stunning beaches to visit

Beyond its mythological and historical significance, Rameswaram is a paradise for nature lovers. The island boasts stunning beaches, with Agni Teertham Beach being the most notable. Located next to the Ramanathaswamy Temple, this beach is a ritual bathing spot for pilgrims before entering the temple. The mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean, along with scenic sunrises and sunsets, make Agni Teertham Beach a favourite among tourists.

Some other must-visit beaches include Dhanushkodi Beach, where the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar merge; Kunthukal Beach, renowned as one of the cleanest beaches in India; Sangumal Beach, a popular sunbathing spot for tourists; and Ariyaman Beach, a lesser-known but idyllic beach.

Shop and discover delectable cuisine

Rameswaram has more to offer than just temples and beaches. It's known for its diverse range of shops and markets where you can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional items. The markets offer a wide variety of items such as conches, seashell mirrors, chandeliers, and silk sarees, all intricately designed with delicate silk threads. For the best quality silk merchandise, visit Varthakan Street. Rameshwaram is known for its Spatika Lingam, a crystal lingam representing Ramanathaswamy Temple. These lingams are carved out of pure quartz crystal and are considered sacred. You can find them in different sizes in local shops.

When visiting Rameswaram, you cannot miss out on experiencing its rich history and culture through its cuisine. Like many other towns in Tamil Nadu, Rameswaram is well-known for its filtered coffee. A traditional Tamil meal is incomplete without filtered coffee, owing to the abundance of coffee plantations in the region. You should definitely try the delicious vegetarian meals, which include a variety of gravies such as dal, sambhar, and puzhi kuzhambu (a spicy curry made of vegetables and tamarind extract), as well as rasam (a spicy soup primarily made of tamarind extract and pepper) and curd. The meal is accompanied by a selection of dishes made with local vegetables and is served with appalam or pappad. For dessert, you can enjoy the popular payasam. Rameswaram is also renowned for its non-vegetarian cuisine like the classic biryani and parotta. Non-vegetarian food lovers can also savour dishes like mutton thala curry, goat leg soup, and botti curry from these street stalls. Other attractions to explore.

Dhanushkodi is at a short distance from Rameswaram. The Indian Ocean meets the Bay of Bengal here. The town, once destroyed by the cyclone at Rameswaram, is desolate and is known for its pristine beaches offering spectacular views of the sea. It is an ideal place for travellers to explore the history and culture of Tamil Nadu. Another interesting attraction is the Pamban Bridge, a railway bridge that connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island with Mandapam in mainland India. The bridge is built across a stretch of 2.6 km over the Indian Ocean and is considered to be an engineering marvel from 100 years ago. It is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the sea. Opened on 24 February 1914, it was India's first sea bridge and was the longest sea bridge in India until the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in 2010.

Other attractions to explore

Dhanushkodi is at a short distance from Rameswaram. The Indian Ocean meets the Bay of Bengal here. The town, once destroyed by the cyclone at Rameswaram, is desolate and is known for its pristine beaches offering spectacular views of the sea. It is an ideal place for travellers to explore the history and culture of Tamil Nadu. Another interesting attraction is the Pamban Bridge, a railway bridge that connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island with Mandapam in mainland India. The bridge is built across a stretch of 2.2 km over the Indian Ocean and is considered to be an engineering marvel from 100 years ago. It is noted for its unique opening to pass the ships through the sea. Opened on 24 February 1914, it was India's first sea bridge and was the longest sea bridge in India until the opening of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in 2010.

Rameswaram awaits

Rameswaram is a destination that appeals to both spiritual seekers and lovers of natural beauty. Its tranquil shores, ancient temples, and intriguing history make it a must-visit place for anyone exploring the rich tapestry of India's heritage. Whether you seek solace in spirituality or simply wish to immerse yourself in the charm of this historic island, Rameswaram promises an unforgettable experience. In recent years, Rameswaram has become more accessible to tourists due to improved transportation infrastructure, including a bridge that connects the island to mainland India. This accessibility has led to an increase in tourism, benefiting the local economy while preserving the island's unique cultural and spiritual heritage.