Rameswaram also known as the Pamban Island is a small town in Ramanathapuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is about 50km from the island of Mannar in Sri Lanka and is connected to India by the Pamban Bridge. It is located in the Gulf of Mannar and is one of the Holy places of India. Ardent devotees flock here from different places of India to offer prayers and services. Hence is one of the most sort-after pilgrim centres of the country. Legend has it that Lord Rama had built a bridge the Ram Setu to rescue his wife Sita from the demon Ravana. Rameswaram is also known as the “Banaras of the South” hence the Hindus consider it to be a pious place that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.
PLACES TO VISIT:
KURUSADI ISLAND: This Island which lies about 20 km from Rameswaram lies on the Western side of the Pamban Bridge. It is the favourite tourist destinations. The enchanting beauty of the island with its coral reefs, dolphins and other marine animals not only draws the attention of the tourists but also of the marine biologist, the nature lovers and the scholars. One can spend hours at this island observing nature at its best.
ARIYAMAN BEACH: This beach that covers an area of about 2km attracts tourists mainly due to its serene environment and the mesmerizing deep blue sea. The tourists enjoy staying in this place mainly because of the tranquility and good ambience. This beach is perfect for a picnic with friends and family. Together with this there is also the children’s park, a watchtower, swimming pool, boating facility.
THE PAMBAN BRIDGE: This Bridge also known as the Indira Gandhi Bridge is the first sea bridge of India that extends across 2km. this bridge connects Rameswaram to India has several ships and marine vessels passing through it. The scenic beauty of the place can be observed from this bridge. The mesmerizing island and the deep blue sea often leaves the tourists awestruck
SRI RAMANATHASWAMY TEMPLE: The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Rama. This temple has one of the longest corridors and is visited by the ardent devotees of Lord Rama. It is one of the pilgrim centres of the region. One is believed to get salvation if one visits this temple. The place being located close to the sea has the perfect climate to offer prayers as well as to enjoy some rejuvenating moments.
AGNITHEERTHAM: This holy place is visited by people who take bath in the large lake to wash away their sins. There are 22wells in this place with water that tastes differently. People taste water from all the different wells believing that one gets to savor the different flavors’ of life. It is also one of the important pilgrim places of the region.
SHOPPING: Rameswaram is a shopping paradise and the ideal destination to purchase many of exquisite showpieces made of seashells and beads for the friends and family. Tourists flock in large number in this place to buy gifts like the Khadi crafts for their near and dear ones. There are many malls and shopping complexes where people can get the things of their choice and desire. There are numerous shops near the temples that sell Rameswaram Silk Sarees that attracts a lot of female customers
HOTELS: Being visited by people from different places Rameeswaran has a wide variety of hotels to choose from. These hotels provide excellent services. Some of the hotels are
Hotel Royal Park
Vinayaga Hotel
Blue Coral Cottage
Gujarat BhavanMaharaja
HotelVenkatesh
hotelVinayaga Hotel
TRANSPORT:
Air: Madurai is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 163 km away from Rameswaram. People from abroad wishing to visit Rameswaram can opt for flights from Chennai International airport
Train: One can board the passenger trains from the Mandapam station which is only 2 km away from Rameswaram
Bus: Rameswaram is connected to all the major cities in the state through Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses. One can avail the deluxe buses for a comfortable journey. Making use of the online bus ticket booking websites is one of the best ways to book tickets to journey to Rameswaram.
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