Situated in Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram is a municipality with immense tourist value. There are numerous tourist places to visit in Rameshwaram. This culturally rich town is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage along with Badrinath, Puri, and Dwaraka.
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This iconic town situated on Pamban Island is one of the holiest places for Hindus. This quaint town is situated merely 224 KM away from Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram is considered to be a holy land because according to Hindu mythology Ramayana, Lord Rama built a bridge from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka.
Lord Ram had built this bridge in order to lead an army into Sri Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of Demon God Ravana. The Pamban Channel separates Rameshwaram from mainland India. In this article, we mention some of the must-visit places in Rameshwaram.
Places to Visit in Rameshwaram
- Pamban Bridge
- House of Kalam
- Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
- Agni Theertham Rameshwaram
- TV Tower Rameshwaram
- Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir
- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial
- Sangumal Beach
Pamban Bridge
Opened in the year 1924, this railway bridge connects Mandapam with Pamban Island and Rameswaram. This iconic bridge was considered to be an engineering marvel during the time of its construction. This iconic bridge can be accessed by pedestrians as well to admire its beauty from up close. The centre of this bridge has a bascule section. This bascule section can be opened to let ships and vessels pass by safely without causing any type of damage to the bridge.
Pamban Bridge is one of the longest bridges in India. The panoramic view from this bridge is mesmerizing. The Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge runs parallel to the Pamban Bridge. This bridge has to be arguably one of the most beautiful railway bridges in the world offering stunning views to the passengers. The first sea bridge to be built in India, it inspires awe among people of all ages. Pamban Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Rameshwaram.
Best Time to Visit Pamban Bridge: Throughout the year
Major Attraction: The Bascule section of the bridge
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour Things to do: Take in the view and admire the architecture
House of Kalam
As the name suggests, this quaint building was once home to Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam who was the former president of India. This is without a doubt one of the must-visit tourist places in Rameshwaram. Dr Kalam had an illustrious career as an aerospace scientist before becoming the 11th President of India. Born and brought up in Rameshwaram, Dr A.P.J Kalam is one of the most popular personalities to come out of this little town in Tamil Nadu. The House of Kalam is where the former president spent the sweet days of his childhood.
The House of Kalam is an interesting museum that should definitely be visited for learning about Dr Kalam’s life and taking inspiration from it. At this museum, you will find memorabilia, photographs, medals, certificates, and research works of Dr Kalam. A souvenir store situated at the House of Kalam sells handicrafts and handmade gifts at reasonable rates. The House of Kalam is one of the top places to see in Rameshwaram.
Opening Hour: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 07:30 PM
Major Attraction: Research work of Dr Kalam
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy situated in Rameshwaram is one of the most important Hindu temples situated in South India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. This temple was built by Pandya and Jaffna kings. The temple and its compound underwent a major expansion in the 12th Century. The Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple boasts one of the largest corridors among temples in Asia. This temple is built in classic Tamil architecture. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is definitely one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu.
According to the legend, the two lingams inside the temple were built following the orders of Lord Ram. It is believed that one of the lingams here was brought by Lord Hanuman from the Himalayas and the other was built by Sita. The gopurams, pillars, and tall walls together make Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy an architectural wonder along with being a religiously significant attraction.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 04:30 AM to 01:00 PM, Monday to Sunday form 03:00 PM to 08:30 PM
Major Attractions: Gopurams, corridors and Shiva lingams
Ideal Duration to Explore: 2 Hours
Agni Theertham Rameshwaram
Situated at the south side of Rameshwaram temple, Agni Theertham Rameshwaram is one of the holiest sites in the state for Hindus. According to legends, couples who take a dip at Agni Theertham Rameshwaram will be blessed with offspring. During the full moon, people from across the state visit Agni Theertham in large numbers. Full moons are considered to be auspicious to take a dip at this Theertham. Agni Theertham is one of the most religiously significant destinations in Rameshwaram.
Hindus from across India travel to Rameshwaram just to take a dip at this Theertham to wash away their sins. Owing to its popularity and religious significance, it is not a surprise that this is the most-visited theerthams in the country. Mentions of this theertham can be found in ancient Hindu texts like Skanda Purana, Narada Purana and Sethu Purana.
Best Time to Visit Agni Theertham Rameshwaram: During the full moon
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Things to do: Take a dip in the holy theertham
TV Tower Rameshwaram
TV Tower Rameshwaram is one of the tallest structures in India. This TV Tower is owned by Doordarshan, the public TV station run by the Government of India. The height of this magnificent tower is a staggering 323 metres (12716.5 inches). The TV Tower in Rameshwaram was built in 1995. This tower is built using concrete and steel. Doordarshan to date makes use of this tower for broadcasting.
This iconic tower that can be spotted from a distance is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Rameshwaram. Although it can be spotted from a distance, its magnificence is best explored from up close. The sheer size of this tower will leave you stunned. You will find a large number of people clicking photos below this tower. TV Tower Rameshwaram is one of the top places to visit in Rameshwaram.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Things to do: Click photos with the tower as the backdrop
Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir
Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Rameshwaram is a holy site for pilgrims from across the country. Lord Hanuman led the army of Lord Ram. Lord Hanuman helped Lord Ram when the latter decided to go to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita from the evil clutches of Ravana. Here, you will find a tall idol of Lord Hanuman carved out of a rock. Devotees donate oil to the temple here as an offering to Lord Hanuman. Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is one of the must-visit places in Rameshwaram.
The dreams (lamps) here are illuminated throughout the year. The oil donated by the devotees is used for this purpose. Apart from the magnificent rock sculpture, the floating stones here are popular among visitors. It is called floating stones because according to the epic Ramayana, these stones floated in the water when Lord Ram’s name was written on them. This helped the army of Lord Ram to cross the sea and reach Sri Lanka. Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is an integral part of religious sightseeing in Rameshwaram.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Major Attractions: The Sculpture and the floating stones
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial
This iconic memorial was built to commemorate Rameshwaram’s favourite son Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam after his demise in 2015. This is where his mortal remains were buried. This memorial is visited by tourists and locals in large numbers. Visiting this memorial is a must for paying homage to Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam. A life-size sculpture of Dr Kalam can be seen here.
Mini size models of missiles designed by Dr Kalam can be seen at the memorial here. A life-size model of the Agni missile is one of the major attractions of this memorial. Photos, cutouts, and paintings on display here are also worth admiring. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial is one of the most famous places in Rameshwaram.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Major Attraction: Model of Agni Missile, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s Burial Site
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 to 2 Hours
Sangumal Beach
Sangumal Beach is hands down one of the most-visited attractions in Rameshwaram. Those who are crazy for beaches won’t be disheartened during their visit to Rameshwaram. Sangumal Beach is a testimony to the fact that Rameshwaram is much more than just temples. Watching the fishing boats in action and the waves crashing into the shore is a must during your visit here.
This beach is quiet and serene. For those looking to get away from the noise of the city, there is no better option than Sangumal Beach in Rameshwaram. This is one of the top places to visit in Rameshwaram. During your visit here, you will find people of all ages taking an evening stroll, exercising and swimming at the Sangumal Beach.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Ideal Duration to Explore: 1 Hour
Rameshwaram is a truly magical place. The spiritual and positive atmosphere experienced at Rameshwaram stays with tourists for a long time. The many temples, theerthams, historical landmarks and tourist attractions make Rameshwaram one of the most visited places in Tamil Nadu.
FAQ
What is famous in Rameshwaram?
Rameshwaram is known for its many temples and theerthams. Temples like Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple and Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir are popular among Hindus across the country.
Can we visit Rameshwaram now?
Yes, Rameshwaram can be visited throughout the year. You can explore all the tourist attractions at Rameshwaram during all months of the year.