Amidst
the Gulf of Mannar is the sacred island of Rameshwaram in the state of Tamil
Nadu in South India. Located off the Eastern coast in Tamil Nadu,
Rameshwaram is a pilgrimage centre of country-wide importance, as Rama is
said to have worshipped Shiva here on his way back from SriLanka. The
intricate carvings on the temples will be cherished by tourists throughout
their life. Particularly pillars and corridors of the temples are known for
their beauty. Rameswaram also have numerous beautiful beaches to offer.
Best Time & Climate :
Rameshwaram has hot and humid weather through out the year. There is not
much difference in the temperature of winters and summers. One can visit
Rameswaram any time of year.
How to get there ?
» By Air - The nearest airport is at Madurai, at a
distance of 154-km.
» By Rail - Rameshwaram is well connected by trains
from all the major cities of India
» By Road - State transport buses are available from
the railway station to the various places in and around Rameshwaram. For
local transportation taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and tongas are
available. Also city bus service is available in the island.
Must
Visit :
» Ramanatha Swamy Temple - This splendid temple was
built by different rulers at different times after 12th century onwards.
Ramanatha Swamy temple exhibit Dravidian architecture in the greatest
perfection. The glory of the temple is in its pillared corridors which are
the largest in India.
» Agnitriham - 100 metre, towards East of the
Ramanathaswamy temple, the sea is very cool and calm. The sanctity of the
place makes bathing here very sacred.
» Gandamadhana Parvadham - The highest point on the
island, here the imprints of Lord Rama’s feet is placed on a chakra.
» Vettangudi Birds Sanctuary - Another spot worth
visiting, it attracts a large number of migratory birds.
» Kothandaraswamy Temple - This beautiful temple of
Rama is a place where Vibhishana (brother of Ravana) surrendered before
Rama. There are idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and Vibhishana here.
» Coral Reef - The waters around the island abound
in Coral Reefs. It is in short, a paradise island of golden sands, swaying
coconut palms and shady trees.
» Dhanushkodi - The southern most tip of the island
Dhanushkodi was completely washed away by cyclone in 1964. But only the
Kodandaramaswamy temple ramained intact. Pilgrimage to this holy place is
considered complete only after a bath in Dhanushkodi.
» Ramanathapuram - This ancient town carries the
mark of the past in its Vilasam palace paintings. It is from here that the
Sethupathis ruled. The tomb of Thayumana Swamigal, a philosopher saint, is
worth visiting.
» Uthirakosamangai - There is an ancient Siva temple
where the deity is carved in Emerald. The annual 'Arudhra' festival in
December attracts a large number of tourists. The place is 18 Kms from the
city.
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