Rameshwaram Tourist Places
"Rameshwaram Tourist Places: Must-See Attractions You Can't Miss!"
Rameshwaram is a little island in a district of Ramanathapuram, a small town in the southernmost part of India. Rameshwaram holds a pivotal place in Hindu Mythology and therefore is considered as Divine place. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Sri Rama in his effort to save Sita from Ravana constructed a Bridge from here across the Sea to Lanka. The Bridge is considered to be under the Sea even now. This small town is related to both Lord Sri Rama and Lord Shiva in Mythology. Sri Rama Temple Rameswaram is home to the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its elaborate corridors and splendidly sculpted pillars. Though lying separated from the mainland of India in the Pamban Island, Rameswaram is connected to the mainland by the magnificent Pamban Bridge.
It is one of the four sacred Char Dhams or places of worship that every Hindu should visit at least once in their lives. Badrinath in the North, Puri Jagannatham in the east, Dwarka in the west and Rameshwaram in the south are considered the Chardham of India. Out of which only Rameshwaram is the Lord Shiva temple. Therefore this place is considered as the Divine place by both Vaisnavas and Shaivas. The Ocean part on the eastern side of Ramanatha temple is considered as Agniteertham, where devotees perform bari darpana and other rituals for the peace of the departed souls of their relatives.
Rameshwaram is home to the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, known for its elaborate corridors and splendidly sculpted pillars. Though lying separated from the mainland of India in the Pamban Island, Rameswaram is connected to the mainland by the magnificent Pamban Bridge. It attracts millions of tourists every year. The Tamil Nadu government and tourism department have been investing in infrastructure development and promotional activities to boost tourism in Rameshwaram.
The Best time to explore Rameshwaram Tourist Places
- December to February: is considered to be the peak season for Rameshwaram. One can enjoy pleasant weather with cool winds.
- March to June: is considered to be a moderate season. One has to experience a sunny afternoon with bearable heat.
- July to October: is considered to be Off-season. Short but heavy downpours, along with high humidity levels.
Discover the wonders of Rameshwaram with its old temples, beautiful beaches, and mysterious ruins, all waiting for your adventure.
1. Ramanathaswamy Temple
Is a Temple in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, is a famous Hindu temple with a rich history linked to the Ramayana. According to legend, Lord Rama worshiped a Shiva Lingam here to purify himself after defeating the demon king Ravana. The temple is known for its long corridors and beautiful Dravidian architecture. It has 22 holy wells, where pilgrims bathe for spiritual cleansing. As one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, the temple attracts many visitors, especially during festivals like Mahashivaratri and Rama Navami. Located on Pamban Island, it is an important religious and cultural site that also supports the local economy.
- The temple is known for attracting people who seek salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and death
- Temple opens at Morning 5:00am/ Afternoon 3:00 pm and closes at Afternoon 1:00 pm / Night 9:00pm
2. Vibhishan Temple
The Vibhishan Temple in TamilNadu, India, honors Vibhishan, the good brother of Ravana from the Ramayana. Vibhishan is respected for helping Lord Rama against Ravana. The temple, built in traditional Dravidian style, is visited by people seeking blessings for doing the right thing. Regular prayers and special ceremonies, especially during festivals like Rama Navami, are held here. The temple is an important cultural site, bringing the community together and preserving spiritual traditions.
- The Vibhishan Temple is known for celebrating Vibhishan's loyalty to Lord Rama and his embodiment of righteousness in the Ramayana.
- Temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm
3. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple
The Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, dedicated to the five-faced manifestation of Lord Hanuman, is located in various parts of India, including Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. This temple celebrates Hanuman's form from a significant episode in the Ramayana, where he adopts five faces—Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha, and Hayagriva—to extinguish lamps in different directions, symbolizing various divine traits. Devotees visit the temple to seek protection, strength, and wisdom, as each face represents virtues like courage, victory, control over negative forces, prosperity, and knowledge. The temple features traditional Hindu architecture with intricate carvings that narrate episodes from the Ramayana, making it a site of both spiritual and cultural significance.
- The Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple is renowned for worshiping Lord Hanuman in his five-faced form, symbolizing devotion, victory, protection, prosperity, and wisdom.
- Temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm
4. Jada Teertham
Jada Teertham is a sacred pond located near the town of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, India. It holds great importance in Hindu mythology, especially in relation to the Ramayana. According to legend, after killing the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama came to this spot to wash his hair (Jada) to purify himself from the sin of killing a Brahmin, as Ravana was a Brahmin by birth. The temple near the pond has a Shiva Lingam, which is said to have been installed by Rama himself. Devotees visit Jada Teertham to perform rituals, believing that the waters of the pond can cleanse sins and help in spiritual purification. The place is serene and is often visited by pilgrims who come to Rameshwaram Tourist places.
5. Lakshmana Theertham
Lakshmana Theertham is a special pond in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, made by Lakshmana, Rama's brother from the Ramayana, by shooting an arrow into the ground. It's believed he created it to wash away his sins while fighting Ravana. People visit the nearby temple to pray and seek blessings. It's a sacred place where festivals are celebrated with rituals and prayers. People come here for spiritual cleansing and to honor Lakshmana's devotion to Rama.
6. Agni Theertham Beach
Agni Theertham Beach in Rameswaram, India, is a sacred site where people believe bathing can wash away sins, particularly revered for Lord Rama's worship of Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness, and admired for its stunning sunrise views.
7. Ram Setu
Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island, also known as Rameswaram Island, off the southeastern coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island, off the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed to have been built by Lord Rama and his army of vanaras (monkeys) to reach Lanka and rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The bridge holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus, and many believe it to be a historical marvel. Despite scientific explanations attributing its formation to natural processes, the Ram Setu continues to be a symbol of devotion and faith for millions of people.
8. Pamban Beach
Pamban Beach is a beautiful place on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, India. It has soft sand, clear blue water, and amazing views. People go there to relax, swim, and enjoy the sunsets and sunrises. You can also fish or take a boat ride to see the sea life. It's a peaceful spot loved by locals and tourists for its natural beauty.
9. Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi is a small town at the end of Rameswaram Island in India. It used to be busy but got destroyed by a cyclone in 1964. Now, it's mostly empty with broken buildings. People visit for its beautiful beaches and to see where the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean meet. It's a quiet place with a sad history, but its beauty still attracts tourists.
10. Gandamadhan Parvat
Gandhamadana Parvatham is a special hill in Kanyakumari, India. It's famous because Swami Vivekananda meditated there in 1892. At the top is the Vivekananda Rock Memorial. You can climb stairs or hike to get there. People go for the beautiful views of the sea and to feel peaceful.
11. KanyaKumari Temple
The Kanyakumari Temple in Tamil Nadu, India, is dedicated to the goddess Kanya Kumari, a form of Devi Parvati. It's at the very tip of India and is important to many people who come to pray for good health and blessings. The temple is colorful and has beautiful carvings. But what makes it extra special is its location—it's where three oceans meet, offering breathtaking views. People visit not just for religious reasons but also to enjoy the stunning scenery.
12. Vivekananda Rock Memorial
The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a special place in Kanyakumari, India, built to honor Swami Vivekananda. He meditated there in 1892. You can reach the memorial by boat. It has two parts—the Vivekananda Mandapam, where there's a statue of Swami Vivekananda, and the Shripada Mandapam, marking where the goddess Kanyakumari meditated. People visit to feel inspired and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea.
Experience the joy of Rameshwaram Tourist places, festivals and events, blending tradition and modernity amidst stunning temples and beautiful beaches.
- Mahashivaratri (February / March) – Ten days
- Vasantutsavam (May / June) – Ten days
- Ramalinga Pratishtha (May / June) – Three days
- Thirukkalyanam (July / August) – Seventeen days
- Navaratri & Dasara (September / October) – Ten days
Enjoy the yummy local food of Rameshwaram Tourist places, full of tasty flavors that you won't want to miss!
Rameshwaram Idli
Rameshwaram Idli is renowned for its soft, fluffy texture and distinctive flavor, attributed to the locally sourced ingredients and unique fermentation process, making it a beloved specialty of the region.
Puliyodharai
also known as tamarind rice, is a South Indian delicacy known for its tangy and flavorful taste, achieved through a blend of tamarind, spices, and tempered seasoning, making it a popular choice for festivals and special occasions
Rameswaram Kootu
is a traditional South Indian dish featuring a rich blend of vegetables, lentils, and spices, cooked to perfection and served as a wholesome accompaniment to rice or chapati, known for its hearty flavors and nutritional value.
Paruppu Payasam
is a South Indian dessert made with lentils, jaggery, and coconut milk, creating a creamy and aromatic delicacy often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations for its comforting sweetness and rich flavor profile.
Murukku
is a crispy South Indian snack made from rice flour and urad dal, seasoned with spices like cumin and sesame seeds, fried to perfection for a delightful crunch and savory taste, making it a favorite snack during festive seasons and special occasions.
Filter Kaapi
is a traditional South Indian coffee brewed using dark roasted coffee beans and chicory, strained through a metal filter, resulting in a strong, aromatic beverage with a unique flavor and frothy texture, enjoyed for its invigorating taste and cultural significance.
Rasam
is a tangy South Indian soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, spices, and herbs known for its comforting warmth and digestive properties, often served as an appetizing accompaniment to rice or enjoyed on its own as a soothing tonic.
Here are some common questions people often ask about Rameshwaram Tourist places!
The best time to visit Rameswaram is from October to April, during the winter and spring months, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
Rameswaram is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport (about 170 km away), and the nearest railway station is Rameswaram Railway Station. State-run buses and private taxis are also available from various cities in Tamil Nadu.
Some must-visit attractions in Rameswaram include the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Theertham Beach, Dhanushkodi, Gandhamadana Parvatham, and the Pamban Bridge.
Yes, Rameswaram is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other place, it’s advisable to take normal precautions and follow local guidelines while traveling.
Some famous local dishes to try in Rameswaram include Rameshwaram Idli, Puliyodharai (tamarind rice), Murukku (crispy snack), and Filter Kaapi (South Indian coffee).
Yes, visitors are required to follow a dress code at the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which includes wearing traditional attire like dhoti for men and saree/salwar kameez for women. Photography is generally not allowed inside the temple premises.