travel information, Tamilnadu
is the sacred island, situated in the Gulf of Munnar at the very tip of
Indian peninsula. This island is severed from the Indian mainland by Pamban
Channel. The sea swept island is revered as the 'Benaras of the South'.
According to legends and Hindu scriptures, Rameshwaram was the place from
where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to Lanka to rescue his consort
Sita, from the clutches of Ravana.
In the Hindu mythology
it is believed that one who visits Rameshwaram attains Moksha. As one
of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India, Rameshwaram has the Linga of Sri
Ranganatha as the presiding deity.
Spread out in an area
of 61.8 square kilometers, the island is in the shape of a conch. The
Ramanatha Swamy Temple occupies major area of Rameshwaram. An epitome
of Dravidian architecture, the temple boasts of the largest temple corridor
in India. The temple was built over a time by a number of rulers beginning
12th century. The temple has 22 wells, all having waters with medicinal
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.
- 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.
- The highest point on the island, here the imprints of Lord Rama's feet
is placed on a chakra.
Sanctuary - Another spot worth visiting, it attracts a large number
of migratory birds.
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.
- 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.
- The southern most tip of the island Dhanushkodi was completely washed
away by cyclone in 1964. But only the Kodandaramaswamy temple remained
intact. Pilgrimage to this holy place is considered complete only after
a bath in Dhanushkodi.
- 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.
- 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.
How to reach
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.
Tamil Nadu in Details