August 26, 2020
Rameshwaram
About
Rameswaram is a town on Pamban Island, in the southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s known for Ramanathaswamy Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site with ornate corridors, huge sculpted pillars and sacred water tanks. Devotees bathe in the waters of Agni Theertham, off the beach east of the temple. Gandamadana Parvatham is a hill with island views. A chakra (wheel) here is said to bear an imprint of Lord Rama’s feet.
The Top 8 Things to Do in Rameshwaram
1--- Visit ramanathaswamy temple
The Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple stands out of all the Rameshwaram temples because of its religiosity and architectural magnificence. The temple houses the idol of Lord Shiva and possesses one of the twelve unique jyotirlingas, found in the world. Unlike other temples in Rameshwaram, devotees flock here throughout the year to earn the blessings of Lord Shiva and catch a sight of the Jyotirlinga.
The Spatika lingam darshan (cost: 50 rupees) from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., is particularly auspicious. Mahashivratri, in February or March, is one of the temple's biggest festivals.
Timings--(1st slot)Morning- 5 a.m. to Afternoon-1 p.m.
(2nd slot)Evening -3 p.m. to Night-9 p.m
(2nd slot)Evening -3 p.m. to Night-9 p.m
Everyday
2--- Wash Away Your Sins at Agnitheertham
Timings-- (1st slot)Morning- 5 a.m. to Afternoon-1 p.m.
(2nd slot)Evening -3 p.m. to Night-9 p.mEveryday
Entry-cost: 25 rupees
3--the Eerie Ghost Town of Dhanushkodi
In 1964, a cyclone hit the flourishing trade town of Dhanushkodi, near Rameshwaram, at about 280 kilometers per hour (170 miles per hour), wiping most of it and a passenger train out. It's estimated that nearly 2,000 people were killed in the storm. The town, which sat on a thin strip of land that juts towards Sri Lanka, was submerged under meters of sea water. The government declared it a ghost town, unfit for habitation. All that's left are the fragmented windswept remains of a few buildings such as the church, post office, and railway station. There are also railway tracks under the sand. The railway line used to end at a pier at Dhanushkodi, from where Sri Lanka was connected by ferry.
However, a scenic new road now goes through Dhanushkodi to the land's end at Arichal Munai (Erosion Point), where the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal meet. Travel time is about 30 minutes from Rameshwaram.
Entry Timings
Entry is only permitted from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(although it's possible to remain there until 6 p.m.).
4--- Stand at the Edge of India
Arichal Munai, just beyond Dhanushkodi, is technically the border between India and Sri Lanka. Since the distance between the two countries is only 18 nautical miles, it doesn't fulfill international laws for a feasible boundary line. Hence, the governments decided on an imaginary one. A chain of limestone shoals, known as Adam's Bridge, extends all the way to the coast of Sri Lanka. Hindus call it Ram Setu and regard it as remnants of the bridge that Lord Ram built. Some even say it was possible to walk on the bridge until it was destroyed by a cyclone in 1480.
5--- Take the Train Over Pamban Bridge
Pamban Island is joined to the Indian mainland by two noteworthy bridges. One is Pamban Rail Bridge, the oldest sea bridge in India. It was completed in 1914. The other is Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, which opened in 1988 and runs parallel to the rail bridge. Spanning 2.35 kilometers (1.46 miles), it's the second longest sea bridge in India (the Bandra-Worli Sealink in Mumbai is the longest). A train ride over the rail bridge is particularly exhilarating as it sits quite close to the sea—so low in fact, that the central part of the bridge opens to allow boats to pass. Here are the Indian Railways trains that depart from Rameshwaram and arrive in Rameshwaram.
6---Learn How to Kite Surf
It may come as a surprise that Rameshwaram, which is prominently known for temple tourism, is one of the best kite surfing destinations in India! Quest Expeditions has a kite surfing school and two boutique places to stay—Kathadi North and Kathadi South—on Pamban Island. Kathadi North is more upmarket, with cottages that have open-air bathrooms and gardens. Kathadi South is more rustic, with beach huts and tents. Packages, including accommodations and lessons, are offered. The kite-surfing season follows the wind flow of the monsoon. The summer season runs from April to September at Kathadi South, while the winter season is from December to March at Kathadi North. If you're not interested in kite-surfing, you can still enjoy other water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.
7---- Spot Flamingos and other Migratory Birds
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Nature-lovers will be delighted to find a number of bird sanctuaries that can be visited on day trips from Rameshwaram. Arichamunai Bird Sanctuary, near Dhanushkodi, is closest to Rameshwaram. Go from December to March, and you may be lucky enough to see flamingos that have flown all the way from Australia. They stand together in the sea looking for food. Chitrangudi and Kanjirankulam sanctuaries are also worth visiting on the mainland. They're both situated near Mudukulathur in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, a couple of hours from Rameshwaram.
The childhood home of India's 11th president, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, is in Rameshwaram and has been converted into a museum that's maintained by his elder brother. As well as being a popular president who served from 2002 to 2007, Kalam was a respected scientist who specialized in aerospace engineering. The museum's exhibits narrate the story of his life and achievements. It's located on Mosque Street and is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.(monday-Friday)
sat-sun(closed)
8--Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial
The everlasting memory of India’s great leader, former president, and a renowned scientist – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, now welcomes the visitors to the temple town of Rameshwaram. Dr. Kalam, who always reflected the simplicity, depth, and calmness of Rameshwaram through his life, is remarkably showcased in his memorial. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 27th July, 2017. Presenting as an interesting sightseeing choice, the memorial of the former president invites the tourists from all over the world to witness India’s diversity and different culture.
Timings--(MONDAY-FRIDAY);-
MORNING 9:00AM-EVENING6:00PM
(SATURDAY-SUNDAY);-9:00AM TO 5:00PM
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