Top 15 Beautiful Places to Visit in Rameshwaram
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Rameshwaram, a must visit Hindu pilgrimage site, is located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This town, situated in the southernmost end of India, can be called as “Home of Gods” on earth or as “Temple Town” owing to its link to the Great Ramayana. This quiet town is part of the beautiful Pamban Island. The main attraction is the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Apart from that, there are many other places to visit in Rameshwaram, from the enchanting beaches to the smaller places of worship. During the Char Dham Yatra or the holy pilgrimage of Hindus, this town is a must visit. Along with its spiritual connect; this town is important for the economic link between India and Sri Lanka.
1. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple
This Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built in the 17th century exhibiting spectacular architectural beauty. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga and is said to have been built by Lord Rama himself. Hence, it is accounting to one of the popular tourist attractions in Rameshwaram and holds importance in the Hindu culture. This massive structure has the longest temple corridor in the world with 1200 granite pillars.
2. Adam’s Bridge
Also known as “Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu”, it is a trail of limestone shoals connecting the southernmost part of Indian and northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The importance of this enchanting bridge in Hindu Mythology and Islamic legend makes it one of the best tourist spots in Rameshwaram. This submerged bridge is said to be about eighteen thousand years old.
3. The Five Faced Hanuman Temple
The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Hanuman, and according to the mythology it was at this place that Lord Hanuman revealed his five-faced form. This shrine also showcases statues of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. The Hanuman statue is adorned with sindoor and worshipped with utmost dedication like the Lord’s devotion to Lord Rama. This attraction is one of the places to visit in Rameshwaram in 2 days.
4. Kothandaramaswamy Temple
One of the popular tourist attraction in Rameshwaram also includes Kothandaramaswamy Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is about 1000 years old and it gained importance when a cyclone in 1964 left the temple unscathed while the surrounding village was completely destroyed. The temple displays the scenes from Ramayana and history of the temple has been carved on the temple walls.
5. Lakshmana Theertham
This is one of the holy 64 theerthams around Rameshwaram and is scared due to the legend behind it. The mythology states that Lord Lakshmana built a Shiva Linga near the pond and worshipped it to ask forgiveness for his sins. It also claims that the Lord took a dip in the pond to wash his sins. This makes the site amongst the top places to visit in Rameshwaram.
6. Villoondi Theertham
This place gains importance from mythology that dictates that Lord Rama created it to get fresh water from the sea for Goddess Sita by shooting an arrow to quench her thirst. The theertham is surrounded by the alluring and breath-taking view of the sea. The water in the well is said to be holy water due to its unexplained sweetness. The beauty of walking with the sea on both sides makes it one of the best places to visit in Rameshwaram in 1 day.
7. Agni Theertham
Agni Theertham name translates to fire holy water and this sacred bath is considered to the holiest of all. It brings thousands of devotees every day to atone their sins by dipping in the holy waters of the theertham. Legends say that Lord Rama once took a dip to wash off his sin of killing Ravana.
8. Ariyaman Beach
One of the serene beaches in Rameshwaram attracts people from all walks of life. The picturesque water and enthusiastic water sports make it an ideal location for short day trips. This is one of the best tourist spots in Rameshwaram dotted with tall, beautiful trees. One can enjoy boating, parasailing, and many other adventure sports on the beach.
9. Water Bird Sanctuary
Owing to the many water reservoirs in Rameshwaram, many birds migrate to this place in great numbers. This sanctuary is adorned with greenery and different animals from the avian phylum. Here many native birds and migratory birds are found; the natives come down for feeding during the migratory for breeding. This is one of the picturesque places to visit in Rameshwaram and around.
10. Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge
One of the spectacular bridges of India is the best example of architectural marvel and excellence. Even though the bridge is built in the most corrosive environment and cyclone prone high-wind velocity zone, it still stands tall and strong. It is claimed to be India’s first sea bridge. Also called “Pamban Bridge”, it is the longest bridge in Southern India.
11. Nambu Nayagiamman Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Dakshina Kali who is claimed to provide kids and great health to the worshippers. Due to the legends surrounding the temple, many devotees from around India visit this shrine to seek a solution to their problems. This place of worship is located 7 km from the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
12. Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple
This temple is located in the small town village of Thirupullani and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple walls are built in the Dravidian style and are an architectural beauty. One of the spectacular sights is the five-tier gateway tower. One of the legends speaks of Lord Rama praying to Lord Vishnu to seek a way into Lanka.
13. Gandhamadhana Parvatham
It is an ancient temple on the top of the hill housing Lord Rama’s footprints. The temple provides the enchanting view of the entire Island and is the closest coast of Sri Lanka that adds it to the travel list of places to visit in Rameshwaram. The legend surrounding the place is that Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman surveyed the area for the planning of the Rama Setu Bridge.
14. Jada Tirtham
This is one of the 64 holy theerthams where Lord Rama and Lord Lakshmana have been said to have washed their hair “Jada” after the killing of Ravana. The temple near to this theertham is a small shrine decorated with intricate carvings displaying excellent craftsmanship. This is one of the popular tourist attractions in Rameshwaram near the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
15. Danushkodi Beach
Danushkodi Beach is near to the Ramanathaswamy Temple. This beach is famous for the meeting of two water bodies, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean which is known as “Arichal Munai” in Tamil. Owing to the spectacular views and ambience of the beach, this is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Rameshwaram.
FAQs:
Are changing rooms available near the sacred baths?
Yes, separate changing rooms for ladies and gents are provided in the Ramanathaswamy Temple after the dips in the Theerthams.
What is the best time to visit Rameshwaram?
The best time to visit Rameshwaram would be the winter months, i.e. from October to April.
How to reach Rameshwaram?
Madurai Airport is the nearest airway, while all major cities supply buses to and fro of Rameshwaram.
