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Pilgrimage centre and a town in Tamil Nadu, India
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rameswaram (இராமேசுவரம் Irāmējuvaram) is a town on Pamban Island, in Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It's known for Ramanathaswamy Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site with ornate corridors, huge sculpted pillars and sacred water tanks. Together with Varanasi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India for Hindus and part of the Char Dham (four abodes) pilgrimage.
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Renowned for its magnificent prakaras or corridors with massive sculptured pillars on either side. The longest corridor in the world is here, 197 m (646 ft) long and 133 m (436 ft) wide. The temple has a gopuram 38.4 m (126 ft) tall. Different rulers built the temple as it stands today, at different periods from the 12th century CE. There are many guides who will attack as soon as you enter the temple premises; negotiate the deal of how much to pay them if you need their services. The history of the temple is linked with the Ramayana and it is believed that the deity was installed by Lord Rama after the war with Ravana at the instance of the great saints to get rid of the "Brahma Dosham".
The house of former President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is an interesting place to visit. His residence has been converted into a museum that stocks his childhood memoirs. The place is ideal to get a glimpse into the extraordinary life of this simple man, right from childhood to his research days. Several pictures and awards of Dr Kalam are kept on display in this two-storey building, which is maintained by his elder brother. Moreover, a section of the house has been turned into a store that sells a variety of merchandise.
A very beautiful and grand building. It was inaugurated on the second death anniversary of Dr Kalam. A symbol of national integration, the memorial is an amalgamation of Mughal and Indian architectures. A must-visit.
A temple for Devi Durga.
the deity of Hanuman drawn withsenthooram. Idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman brought from Dhanushkodi during the 1964 cyclone were placed here. The floating stone, used to build the SethuBandanamor, the bridge between India and Lanka, can be found in this temple.
is a hillock situated 3 km away and is the highest point on the island. Here one can see the imprint of Lord Rama’s feet on a chakra. The entire island of Rameswaram is visible from this point.
legend has it that Lord Rama, on his way back after killing Ravana, Worshipped SriRamalinga (believed to be installed by him). Before doing so, he washed his hair in this theertham to purify himself.
Greatly venerated by the people of Ramnad District.
A very small roadside temple. It is considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with satchi or evidence, Choodamani or the jewel that belonged to Sita
It is found inside the sea like a well where freshwater is available.
There is one glass boat at the government boating centre on the other end of the bridge. That boat too is not in order, as water has entered between the two layers of glass through which you are supposed to see the corals. The boatman will tell you that the glass is not in order only when you reach the point where you are supposed to see the corals. The water is shallow there, but you won't be able to see the corals with the glass in that condition. As such, it is an utter waste of money till the government officials fix the boat. Before boarding that single boat, check the glass and ask the boatman if it is in proper condition. (April 2012) One can enjoy the wonderful glass boat ride near Pamban Bridge to see coral reefs in the Sea. The boat has a glass bottom which enables you to see corals through it. To reach this place, you need to catch a local bus from Rameswaram bus stand to Pamban bridge. From there you have to take an auto to the boat centre (₹40-50) (minimum ₹400 per boat of 8 persons), it is almost halfway on the bridge. The boat is run by Government officials and you don't have to bargain. They provide good service and don't even expect a tip from tourists. If you want to have a good view, be there between noon - 1PM on a good sunny day. Always carry an umbrella with you and watch the coral reef in umbrella shade, otherwise, you'll see your own reflection on the glass instead of corals (imp: try to go for a glass boat ride with a group because some days there might be no tourists there and you might end up paying more as there is no one to share glass boat ride with you). It might not be even proper coral to see in the areas, some say the corals are all damaged around here!
Excellent homely meals, but be prepared for a long wait time. When you exit the temple from the East gate and walk straight, around 200 metres towards the seashore you will find this place on the right-hand side.
They specialise in Indian Chinese food. Service is a little slow but the food is worth the wait. To get there, turn right at the temple when coming from the Bus Stand and walk about 50 metres.
The hotel is near temple and sea. There is no arrangement for food.
The tariff is quite high considering that Rameswaram is a small town, with no breakfast included. Also has a good vegetarian restaurant attached. The staff are warm and friendly. Ample secure parking place for cars. Room service from 7a.m. to 10p.m. But it is quite far away from the main temple.
Hotel Agnniteertham
This Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation hotel provides good accommodation at reasonable rates. It is under renovation.
Decent hotel with good service.
By train
Rameswaram [RMM] is directly connected via daily trains from Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Chennai. Direct connectivity from Coimbatore and Kanyakumari is available but not daily.
By road
Connected with all important towns of Tamil Nadu, City Buses are available including night services. Point-to-Point services, Tourist taxis, auto/cycle rickshaws and horse carts are also available.
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Jaffna · International · JAF
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