Rameshwaram Beach

Rameshwaram is a sacred island positioned off the mainland cicumscribed by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar anchored with the longest ever constructed bridge on sea in India. It is a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The maximum temperature varies between 28-31 degree Celsius, while minimum temperature is around 25 degree. Between January and March is the best time to visit Rameshwaram. The population size of Rameshwaram is 32,700. The serene beach and shallow water here are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Transportation & Communication :

» Air link : Nearest airport Madurai (167 kms) is connected by Indian Airlines flights with Bombay, Calicut and Madras.

» Rail link : Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly to Madras, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore where Madras is connected with all the main places in India.

» Road link : Rameshwaram is connected by regular bus services with Kanyakumari 320 kms, Karaikudi 149 kms, Madras 666 kms, Madurai 167 kms, Ramanathapuram 55 kms, Sivaganga 136 kms, Pudukottai 188 kms, Tanjore 248 kms, Tuticorin 180 kms, Tiruchendur 209 kms etc.

Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his victory over the demon king Ravana. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and Shaivities. The island of Rameshwaram is one of the most revered temple towns of India without a visit to which, the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is not considered accomplished.

» The Marine Fauna : The benovolent sea inhabits the rare sea species and coral reefs. Exotic variety of marine life-algae, starfish, sea cucumber, crabs, sponges and the sea cow are found here. The clean beach and shallow water here are an ideal destination for swimming and sunbathing. This is the only place in the region where one could swim in the sea day and night. An enjoyable sight is frolic of dolphins in the water.

A leisurely drive along the Dhanushkodi road is a pleasant experience. The clear sea, backwater edged with waving bulrushes, surrounds the road. Stretches of virtually untouched beach sparkle in the fading light and it is from here that you get a spectacular view of the sunset. Towards the end of the road a few transient settlements of fishermen can be seen in the fishing season.

The main attraction

The main attraction of the island, the Ramanathswamy temple is spread over 151 acres and is a magnificent example of Dravidian art. This temple took about 350 years to take its present form various release having contributed to its construction at different times from the 12th century onwards. Parakrama Bahu, the ruler of Ceylon guilt the sanctum sanctorum. The corridors and other vast structures of the temple and the Gopurams were built by the Sethupathis, rulers of Ramanathapuram since 12th century. The temple has two Gopurams at the eastern and western entrances, 130 feet and 80 feet high, respectively. The sanctum sanctorum is built of polished granite stone.

The presiding deity at the temple is Lord Ramanathaswamy and his emblem, the Ramalinga, is said to have been installed and consecrated by Lord Rama and Sita.