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Places to Visit in Rameshwaram

Steeped in myth and devotion, Rameshwaram – Tamil Nadu offers profound spiritual experiences and serene natural beauty for every pilgrim and traveler. Discover legendary temples, sacred water bodies, and breathtaking coastal landscapes among the top places to visit in Rameshwaram.

The long, ornate corridor of the Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the key places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Ramanathaswamy Temple

The Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the holiest Char Dham pilgrimage sites and houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is renowned for having the longest temple corridor in the world, a magnificent architectural marvel with intricately carved pillars. 

Devotees take a sacred bath in the 22 Theerthams (holy wells) within the temple complex for spiritual purification. A visit to this temple is considered essential for attaining moksha, making it the spiritual heart of Rameshwaram. 

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Agnitheertham

A sacred seashore right outside the Ramanathaswamy Temple where pilgrims perform rituals for their ancestors in the holy waters.

The abandoned ruins and merging seas at Dhanushkodi, a hauntingly beautiful place to visit in Rameshwaram.

Dhanushkodi

A ghost town at the island’s tip, where the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean merge, known for its serene and haunting beachscapes.

The Kothandaramaswamy Temple standing alone against the sea, a historic place to visit in Rameshwaram.

Kothandaramaswamy Temple

Situated in Dhanushkodi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and marks the spot where he crowned Vibhishana as the king of Lanka.

A devotee taking a holy dip in one of the 22 sacred wells, a spiritual ritual at the places to visit in Rameshwaram.

Theertham

There are 22 sacred water bodies in Rameshwaram; taking a dip in all is believed to purify one’s soul, with Agnitheertham being the most prominent.

The unique idol of the five-faced Hanuman, a significant devotional place to visit in Rameshwaram.

Five-faced Hanuman Temple

This ancient temple is unique for its idol of Lord Hanuman possessing five faces, known as Panchamukhi Hanuman. It is believed that this idol was consecrated by Lord Rama himself after his victory over Ravana. 

Devotees visit to seek the deity’s blessings for courage and to overcome challenges, fears, and malevolent forces. The temple provides a powerful and serene atmosphere for spiritual reflection and prayer.

The sacred chakra imprints at Gandhamadhana Parvatham, a hilltop place to visit in Rameshwaram for panoramic views.

Gandhamadhana Parvatham

A temple located on a small hillock housing the imprinted footprints of Lord Rama on a chakra, offering a panoramic view of the island.

The ancient steps leading down to the sweet-water well of Lakshmana Tirtham, a lesser-known place to visit in Rameshwaram.

Lakshmana Tirtham

One of the 22 sacred wells, this site is associated with Lakshmana, known for its sweet water amidst other salty wells.

The scene of Hanuman showing the Satchi to Rama, depicted at this ancient place to visit in Rameshwaram.

Satchi Hanuman Temple

This temple depicts the scene from the Ramayana where Hanuman gives the “Satchi” (proof) of finding Sita to Lord Rama.

The vibrant gopuram of the Nambu Nayagiamman Temple, a protective deity and a place to visit in Rameshwaram.

Nambu Nayagiamman Temple

A significant temple dedicated to the goddess Nambu Nayagiamman, considered the protector of Rameshwaram.

The tranquil beach and lighthouse at Olaikuda, a peaceful place to visit in Rameshwaram away from the crowds.

Olaikuda

Olaikuda is a tranquil coastal village located on the western part of Rameshwaram Island, offering a peaceful escape. It is famous for its pristine and less-crowded beaches, providing a stark contrast to the bustling pilgrim sites. 

The village is also home to a historic lighthouse that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding sea and landscape. It is an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

The unique mirror and the annual snake boat race associated with this temple near Rameshwaram.

Aramnula Parthasarathy Temple

Located about 60 km from Rameshwaram, this famous temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in the form of Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam Vaishnavite temples and is renowned for its unique architecture and the annual Vallamkali snake boat race. 

The temple is also famous for its exquisite metal mirrors known as Aramnula Kannadi, which are crafted using a secret ancient process. This site offers a deep dive into the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

The ancient stone pillars and the rare emerald Nataraja idol at the Uthirakosamangai temple.

Uthirakosamangai

Home to an ancient Shiva temple with a Nataraja idol carved from a single emerald stone, displayed only once a year.

The white domes of the Erwadi Dargah, a site of multi-faith pilgrimage near Rameshwaram.

Erwadi

A holy site for Muslims, known for the Dargah of Ibrahim Sahid Aulia, attracting pilgrims from various faiths for its annual festival.

Nine stone idols submerged in the shallow waters of the beach at Devipattinam.

Devipattinam

A coastal village where nine stones are believed to have been installed by Lord Rama, representing the nine planets (Navagrahas).

A crystal-clear turquoise sea with a vibrant coral reef near Kurusadai Island.

Kurusadai Island

A protected marine island near the Gulf of Mannar, known for its rich biodiversity, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters.

An aerial view of the chain of shoals and sandbanks known as Adam's Bridge.

Adam's Bridge

Adam’s Bridge is a chain of natural limestone shoals stretching between India and Sri Lanka, visible from Dhanushkodi. This iconic site is believed to be the bridge built by Lord Rama’s vanara sena as described in the epic Ramayana. 

The view of the shallow waters separating the two oceans at this point is both serene and historically mesmerizing. It stands as a powerful symbol of faith and a significant natural landmark.

Colorful fishing boats lined up on the shore at Kandhalur village.

Kandhalur

A fishing village and a base for boat trips to the surrounding islands of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.

The majestic Pamban Bridge, a cantilever bridge stretching over the blue sea.

Pamban Bridge

An iconic engineering marvel and India’s first sea bridge, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and a thrilling passage to the island.

A wide, sandy beach with calm, shallow waters and a few visitors at Ariyaman Beach.

Ariyaman Beach

A beautiful and well-maintained beach on the way to Rameshwaram, ideal for swimming and family picnics with its calm, shallow waters.

The tall, slender Rameswaram TV Tower against a clear blue sky.

Rameswaram TV Tower

The Rameswaram TV Tower is a modern lattice tower used for telecommunication purposes, standing tall on the island. While not a traditional pilgrimage site, it has become a notable landmark due to its impressive height and distinct structural design. 

It offers a contrasting sight against the ancient temple skyline of the town. For many visitors, it serves as a key navigation point while exploring the island.

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A majestic view of the Pamban Bridge during sunset, with its cantilever structure silhouetted against the vibrant orange and purple sky, reflecting on the calm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Rameshwaram Blogs

  • Tamil Nadu Spiritual Guide
  • Places to visit in Rameshwaram
  • Places to visit nearby Rameshwaram

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