Rameswaram is a small scenic island located in the Gulf of Mannar. It belongs to the Tamil Nadu State in India. It is separated from the main land by Pamban Channel. The enchanting island is not only a popular tourist spot but also a major pilgrim center in South India. It is connected to the mainland by road as well as rail bridges which have got so many attractive features. Rameswaram railway station is the terminus point of Chennai-Madurai railway line.This sightseeing location is very much related to the Hindu epic Ramayana. This is assumed to be the holy place where Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered thanks to Lord Shiva. He is said to have performed sacraments on behalf of Lord Siva to wash away sins incurred on him by killing the Demon King, Ravana. As per mythological belief, Rama is said to have built a stone bridge across the sea between Rameswaram and Sri Lanka. This holy location is considered to be as important as Varanasi in north India.
Rameswaram is the nearest location in India to reach Sri Lanka. The Mannar Island in Sri Lanka is just 50 km away from Rameswaram. The row of rocks (Adams Bridge) seen between Rameswaram Island and Mannar Island support the geological evidence that the Adams Bridge might be the ancient land connection between India and Sri Lanka.
Rameswaram is known for its 22 ‘Theerthas’ or sacred wells situated around the main temple which is featured with rare and unique sculptural works. This place is equally sacred to worship both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. According to Hindu Mythology it is believed that if one visits Rameswaram and prays to Lord Shiva, he would be relieved from his own sins.
Besides pilgrimage, Rameswaram Island has numerous sightseeing locations to be visited. The spectacular beaches in the island are Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. All of them are really enchanting with the presence of coral reefs. Hence, the beaches here are absolutely safe and comfortable to have an enjoyable sea bath. The beauty of sunrise and sunset that can be viewed from the beaches are really memorable. It is absolutely marvelous to view the horizon in Rameswaram where the blue sea water encircling the island touches the light blue sky at an infinite location in the sea.
Another popular entertainments of this area is scuba diving. With the support of diving glasses and respiratory tubes tourists can perform Scuba diving fearlessly. Certain birds known as Flamingos, Sea Gulls and a variety of cute birds are seen migrating to the Rameswaram Island during winter. Thus, in winter bird watching is a key entertainment here.
Rameswaram is one of the main fishing centers of Tamil Nadu. Large variety of fishes including export quality prawns, sea cucumber, and lobster are usually caught from here. The Island is also famous for the availability of dry fish. The house of former Indian President Dr. Abdul Kalam is at Rameswaram. Nowadays, this is an important tourist spot used to visit by the tourists.
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Pamban Bridge – The Pamban Bridge which connects Rameswaram Island with Indian mainland is the first longest sea bridge in India. The 2.3 kilometer long bridge over the Palk Strait was opened for traffic for the first time in 1914….. Read more… |
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Adam’s Bridge – Adam’s Bridge in Rameswaram in other words is known as Sri Ram’s Bridge or Ram Setu. This is a naturally existed narrow bridge formed of rocks, tiny Islands, coral reef stretches and sandbanks….. Read more… |
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Dhanushkodi – Dhanushkodi in the Pamban Island situates in the south eastern tip of the Indian sub continent. This mesmerizing coastal land is very close to the Talaimannar in the Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. The mysterious submerged land connection….. Read more… |
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Ramalinga Vilasam Palace – Ramalinga Vilasam Palace is a heritage building in Rameswaram which highlights centuries old history and tradition. This spectacular monument was built by Kizhavan Sethupathi, one of the popular kings of Sethupathi dynasty…… Read more… |
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Vivekananda Memorial – The memorial constructed for Swami Vivekananda in this southern coastal town is really a marvelous monument. This is a noble structure being built on the pristine shores of Pamban island in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu….. Read more… |
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House of Dr. Abdul Kalam – It is a little known fact that the former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was born and brought up in Rameswaram. It was at this house where India’s most beloved scientist Dr. Kalam spent his childhood….. Read more… |
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Multicolor Sand Beach – The Rameswaram beach that locates in the Gulf of Mannar is at the southeastern tip of Indian peninsula. The spectacular multicolor sand beach in Rameswaram is not only a mere seashore but also a religiously significant center….. Read more… |
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Ariyaman Beach – The Ariyaman beach in Pamban Island is about 27 kilometers away from the Ramanathapuram city. The scenic beach which locates on one side of Palk Bay measures nearly 150 meters width and extends to a distance of two kilometers and offers a thrill and excitements….. Read more… |
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Olaikuda Beach – The marvelous Olaikuda Beach is located about 1km away from Rameswaram. As there are enchanting views at the beach area, a lot of people show great interest to visit the location….. Read more… |
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Mandapam Beach – Mandapam is the nearest mainland to Rameswaram which is a pilgrim as well as tourist center. Hence, the place is considered to be the entrance to the sacred historic island blessed with unique natural beauty….. Read more… |
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Valinokkam Beach – Valinokkam is a coastal village in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. Being a sea shore village, Valinokkam is famous for the production of salt and fishing. The Tamil Nadu State Salt Corporation started the production of salt from Valinokkam in the year 1974….. Read more… |
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Water Bird Sanctuary – Water Bird Sanctuary in Rameswaram is the best place to be visited by bird lovers as well as nature lovers. This marvelous sightseeing spot is located in the Ramanathapuram District of Pamban Island. During north-east monsoon season which falls between October to January….. Read more… |
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Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary – Kanjirankulam bird sanctuary near Rameswaram belongs to the Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary which situates within the community tank embankments was established in the year 1989….. Read more… |
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Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary – The Chitrangudi bird sanctuary is locally known by the name Chitrangudi Kanmoli. This is a declared protected area established in the year 1989. The spectacular bird sanctuary which locates near the famous pilgrim center Rameswaram belongs Ramanathapuram district…… Read more… |
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Kurusadai Island – Naturally beautiful Kurusadai Island is situated west of Pamban Bridge between the mainland and the Pamban Island. Hence the small island in Gulf of Mannar can be viewed from Rameswaram in the Pamban Island….. Read more… |
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Sea World Aquarium – The sea world aquarium in the Pamban Island locates just opposite to the Rameswaram Bus stand. The oceanic aquarium which encloses marine life offers a combined view of underwater creatures living in their natural habitat….. Read more… |
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Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park – The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park is a protected area in ocean which extends from Rameswaram to Kanyakumari. It is the first marine biosphere reserve (BR) in India and spreads over an area of 623 hectares (10,500 km²)….. Read more… |
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Erwadi Dargah – Erwadi is a famous Muslim pilgrim center which locates about 24 km away from Rameshwaram. It belongs to the Kadaladi Taluk of Ramanathapuram District in southern Tamil Nadu. This is a marvelous seashore town lying in between Keelakarai and Valinokkam beaches….. Read more… |
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Oriyur Church – Oriyur, near the Rameswaram is a small Village in Tiruvadanai Taluk, which belongs to the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu State in India. This seashore sightseeing location is one of the most venerable pilgrim centers of Christians in the world over….. Read more… |
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Ramanathaswamy Temple – Ramanathaswamy Temple is an important pilgrimage center in the Rameswaram Island. It is believed that a visit to this temple will washes away sins of human beings and brings salvation to their life….. Read more… |
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Lakshman Temple (Lakshman Theertham) – Lakshman was the younger brother of Lord Sri Rama. This is said to be the place where Lakshman relaxed for some time along with his brother Lord Rama. This divine place is very close to the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram….. Read more… |
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Saatchi Hanuman Temple – Saatchi Hanuman Temple in Rameswaram is an important small shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman who has offered incomparable services to Lord Rama for the search of his consort….. Read more… |
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Nambu Nayaki Amman Temple – Sri Nambu Nayaki Amman temple in Rameswaram is located near Dhanushkodi. It is about 8 km away from the popular Ramanathaswamy Temple. The 500 years old temple in the Pamban Island is said to be managed by the locals in the area….. Read more… |
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Nainar Kovil – The Nainar Kovil in Rameswaram is about 14 kms away from Ramanathapuram and seen located on the western side of the district. This pilgrim center is a spectacular place where lush of greeneries and vegetation can be seen growing….. Read more… |
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Gandhamadana Parvatham – Gandhamadana Parvatam is a spectacular hillock situated at a distance of 3 kilometers from the popular Rameshwaram Temple. This is the highest spot in the island from where the areal view of the entire island can be collected easily….. Read more… |
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Kothandaramaswamy Temple – The Kothandaramaswamy temple in Rameswaram is dedicated to the Hindu deity Sri Rama. The ancient pilgrim center is 13 kilometers (8.1miles) away from the sacred Rameswaram and locates at the southernmost tip of the island….. Read more… |