Rameswaram Tour

State:Tamil Nadu
Area:51.8 sq.kms
Altitude:2.74 metres above sea level
Rainfall(annual): 50 cms
Temperature:Summer: 37 Degree C to 30 Degree C, Winter: 30 Degree C to 25 Degree C
Language(s):Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English
Best Time to visit:Throughout the year
STD Code:04573

Overview

Rameshwaram is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage centres in India.It is situated in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamilnadu State.It is an island of 31 miles length and 7 miles width in the shape of Vishnups Conch. It is a pilgrimage center of nationwide importance.It also known as the 'Varanasi of the south'. The city is a major pilgrimage center for Hindus, both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites. It is here Lord Rama offered thanks to Siva. The main attraction of the town is the Ramanathaswamy Temple,which is one of the most important temples in southern India. The temple happens to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is also connected by one of India's engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. It took 14 years to build and was opened by Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.

Rameshwaram has become a great tourist destination due to the presence of few of the most known architectural wonders of South India.The tourist attraction is Ramnath swamy temple Kothandaraswamy Temple. Another place that attracts tourist is the Adam's bridge that is said to be created by Lord Rama and his Army to cross to Lanka. Its a chain of small islands that almost connect India to Sri Lanka.

History

History of Rameshwaram dates back to several centuries. The region has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties that ruled this region of South India. The Pandya Dynasty reigned in this region till the 15th century. The Nayak kings of Vijayanagar Empire ruled in the region till the end of the 17th century. The Sethupathis gained power after the fall of the Nayaks. The Sethupathis were the earlier chieftains of the region. They were connoisseurs of art and architecture. During this time, art and architecture flourished in the region under the patronage of the Sethupathis chieftains. Some of the prominent chieftains of the region were Muthuramalinga Sethupathy, Udayan Sethupathy, Raghunatha Sethupathy and Thirumalai Sethupathy. The statues of the chieftains are placed in the temple of the region.

Sightseeing in Rameshwaram

This place is located at the eastern part of the island.It is at a distance of 8km from Rameshwaram.It is named after Lord Rama's Bow.It is believed that the boulders around the sea between Srilanka and this place known as Adamps bridge were used by Hanuman to reach across Srilanka. Dhanushkodi was completely destroyed by the cyclones of 1964 but Kothandaramaswamy temple remained intact.

Ramnathswamy temple was built in the 17th century.It is the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva after he slayed the Lankan King Ravana.The main attraction of the temple is the huge twenty-two wells. It is said that the water in these twenty-two wells all have different taste and even have curative properties. Here festivals like Maha Shivarathri, Thirukalyanam, Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai all are celebrated with great energy and enthusiasm.

Kothandaraswamy Temple is around 12 km away from town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibhishna. This is the only structure that withstood the cyclone of 1964. It is said that it was here that the brother of King Ravana surrendered to Lord Rama.

At a distance of 24 km from Rameshwaram, Erwadi is an important Muslim pilgrim spot. It is famous for the tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Auliya, which is located at Erwadi. Muslims from across the globe visit Erwadi, especially during the month of December to participate in the annual festival held to pay tribute to this saint.

Fairs and Festivals

The Rameshwaram Festivals reveal the true culture of Rameshwaram. The festivals of Rameshwaram reflect the religious and friendly nature of the citizens of Rameshwaram.

Almost all the important festivals of Tamil Nadu are celebrated in Rameshwaram. However, some festivals are observed with greater glory and pomp in Rameshwaram.

These festivals include:

Masi Sivaratri - This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva

Mahalaya Amavasai - Last day of Mahalaya Paksham

Thirukalyanam -

How to Reach Rameswaram

Rameshwaram is connected by rail directly to Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore. The passenger trains run at regular intervals from Madurai.

Nearest Airport is the Madurai Airport (167 kilometres). Almost all the major airlines have their services for Madurai.

Rameshwaram is directly connected by road directly to Chennai,Madurai,Trichy and Coimbatore.