Location

Rameswaram is an island situated away from the mainland of India and is surrounded by the Palk straits and Gulf of Mannar. It is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus and is connected to the mainland by road and rail through the Indira Gandhi Bridge, the longest bridge in India constructed across the sea.

Historical significance

According to Hindus, this is the place where Lord Rama thanked Lord Shiva after killing Ravana, the demon of Srilanka. The Ramanathaswamy temple here is one of the most prominent temples in India. No pilgrimage of the Hindus is complete without visiting this temple.

Tourist attractions

Rameswaram Beach is the only place in India where the beach is calm and clean; the shallow water is a wonderful place for the visiting tourists and pilgrims to swim and sunbathe.

The Ramanathaswamy temple was built with 1200 huge granite columns. The gopuram and the surroundings are majestic and pull the people from all over the world. There is an area near the temple called the Agnitheertham where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Siva.

Best period to visit

Rameswaram beach is an ideal tourist destination throughout the year, though the October to February season is considered the best.

Speciality

The sea is the habitat for a wide variety of rare species like starfish, sea cucumber and sponges. You can see the diving dolphins from the seashore.

Access

Rameswaram is linked to all the important towns of Tamil Nadu by bus and train services. The nearest airport is at Madurai at a distance of 175 km.

Emergency services

Police service: For police emergencies, dial 100 – Police Control Room.

One of the nearest police stations is at Thangachimadam.

Fire service: For fire emergencies, dial 101 – Fire Control Room.