Rameswaram is one of the holiest places for Hindus in India, after Varanasi and Haridwar. The temple town has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. The most famous legend associated with the town is that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here to seek his blessings before proceeding to Lanka to fight Ravana. Additionally, the town offers scuba diving, bird watching, and stunning beaches. Here is a list of places you should visit while in Rameswaram.
Pamban Bridge
The cantilever Pamban Bridge, a feat of engineering and architectural art, offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. It is one of India's longest railway bridges, built by the British in 1912. Although the bridge has been closed to traffic since 1990, it remains an important landmark for tourists. You can also sign up for a trip on a glass boat to see the vibrant marine life.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Rama built the Ramanathaswamy Temple after returning to India from his victory over Ravana, the king of Sri Lanka. It is also one of India's holiest shrines and one of the 12 Jyotirlinga sites.
Kalam National Memorial
Kalam National Memorial commemorates former Indian president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The memorial is located in the city of Rameswaram and consists of Dr Kalam's bronze statue, a museum, and an auditorium. It was inaugurated on July 27, 2018, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dhanushkodi
Dhanushkodi is a small town at the southernmost tip of India. It is located on the Indian mainland and part of the Rameswaram Taluk in the Ramanathapuram district. Dhanushkodi was once a thriving port town, but now it has been reduced to a fishing village. The 2004 tsunami destroyed the town. More than 1,000 people were killed, and many more were rendered homeless.
Water Bird Sanctuary
The Rameswaram Water Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birds migrating from the country's northern and eastern regions. It is situated at the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The sanctuary is approximately 7 square kilometres in size and is surrounded by mangroves on one side and the sea on three sides.