| Duration: | 12 Hour(s) - 30 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
Rameshwaram – A Perfect One-Day Travel Guide
A few months ago, I visited Rameshwaram, a small island off the eastern coast of India. This sacred temple town, named after the legendary Lord Rama, is connected to the mainland by the nearly 100-year-old (1914) Pamban Railway Bridge, which appears to float over the sea, and by a parallel, much higher road bridge.
Rameshwaram is one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as a Jyotirlinga (Pillar of Light) at the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple. According to legend, a pilgrimage to Kashi is considered complete only after offering the holy water of the River Ganges at the Ramanathaswamy Temple. I managed to visit all the major attractions of Rameshwaram in a single day, including a trip to Dhanushkodi.
4:30 AM – 9:30 AM
When the train from Chennai rolled onto the Pamban Bridge at 4:30 AM, I craned my neck out of the window, only to be overwhelmed by the endless sea on both sides merging into the greyish-crimson sky at dawn.
A short, bumpy auto-rickshaw ride from the railway station through narrow streets and dimly lit lanes brought me to Shankar Mutt (day boarding), located next to the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple. There are plenty of accommodation options in and around the temple to suit every budget.
After a quick shower, I headed to the temple before 5:30 AM to witness the Sphatik Lingam, a crystal idol that is displayed for public viewing only at dawn for about an hour. Believed to radiate positive energy, this sacred Lingam is said to possess immense healing powers and is also considered the Mani of Sheshnag.
I then walked about 500 metres to Agniteertham on the Bay of Bengal, where devotees perform rituals for their departed ancestors or take a holy dip. According to mythology, Lord Rama bathed here after defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita.
The sea here has gentle waves and a clay-like seabed, making it relatively safe for bathing. After some hesitation, I took the holy dip and later bathed in the 22 sacred wells located within the temple complex. Needless to say, it was an unforgettable spiritual experience.
After changing into fresh clothes, I entered the main temple.
Originally built in the 12th century AD by the Sri Lankan king Parakramabahu, the temple was later expanded and maintained by the Sethupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram. The magnificent nine-tiered eastern gopuram stands approximately 53 metres (173 feet) high and is crowned by a beautifully crafted canopy.
The temple walls and ceilings are adorned with stunning paintings and murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. It is perhaps the only temple in India where two forms of Lord Shiva, both associated with Lord Rama, are worshipped sequentially. The Vishwalingam, brought by Lord Hanuman from Kailash, is worshipped first, followed by the Ramalingam, believed to have been made by Sita. Lord Rama established this tradition to honour Hanuman's devotion after his journey to Mount Kailash.
Standing among hundreds of devotees carrying sealed copper pots filled with Ganga water from Kashi, I offered my prayers and sought divine blessings.
I even tried counting the temple's famous 1,212 intricately carved pillars, but soon gave up. The play of light and shadow along the nearly 4,000-foot-long corridors, combined with the beautifully painted ceilings and detailed sculptures, creates an almost surreal atmosphere.
Passing through the Rudraksha Mandapam, where the Nataraja idol is enshrined, and another mandapam designed like a giant chessboard, I couldn't help but admire the extraordinary craftsmanship and architectural brilliance of the artisans who created this masterpiece centuries ago.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Enjoy a lip-smacking South Indian breakfast at one of the small eateries near the temple.
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Take a short trip to the bow-shaped ghost town of Dhanushkodi. Exploring its ruins is an unforgettable experience. Read The Ruins Speak in Dhanushkodi for more details.
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Lunch followed by local sightseeing around Rameshwaram.
Travel Tip
Rameshwaram is an overnight train journey from Chennai or approximately a 12-hour drive. It is also easily accessible from Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.
If you have an additional 2–3 hours, consider extending your trip to include:
Sethu Karai – Believed to be the starting point of the construction of Adam's Bridge (Rama Setu).
Tirupullani – Famous for the reclining statue of Lord Rama, where he is believed to have performed penance before crossing to Lanka.
Devipattinam – Home to the nine planetary stones (Navagrahas) consecrated by Lord Rama to appease the planets before the Lanka expedition.
The round trip to these destinations covers approximately 175 km, passing through beautiful stretches of lush greenery, making it a scenic and spiritually enriching journey.
