Rameshwaram

Legend has it that Rama (of the Indian epic, the Ramayana) sanctified Tamil Rameswarum this place by worshipping Lord Shiva here after the battle of Sri Lanka. Rama sent his most devout disciple, Hanuman (the monkey god), to Mt Kailas to bring a lingam but the monkey god was delayed and as Shiva had to be worshipped at a certain time, Rama's wife, Sita, moulded one herself which subsequently became known as the Ramanatha. On Hanuman's return, Rama was forced to console the monkey god by having the lingam which he had brought from Mt Kailas installed near the Ramanatha and decreeing that the Hanuman lingam should have precedence over the Ramanatha. The temple as it stands today was begun in the 12th century AD and added to by various rulers over the succeeding centuries. Its gopuram is 53.6 metres (176 ft) high.

Ramanathaswamy Temple: Temple is close to the sea on the eastern side of the island is renowned for magnificent corridors with massive sculptured pillars lining it. The corridor is the longest in India. It is 197 metres long East-West, 133 metres in length South-North. The temple has a tower ( Gopuram ) 38.4 metres high. The temple as it stands today was built by different rulers at different periods from the 12th centuary AD onwards. The temple in 264 metres in length and 200 metres in breadth.

Agnitheertham: The temple is facing the east. The sea just 100 metres away from the main entrance to the Temple, is very calm. The water at this place is considered sacred and is known as 'Agnitheertham'. The pilgrims bathe in this place before entering the Temple.

Dhanushkodi: The southernmost tip of the island Dhanushkodi - was completely washed away by the 1964 cyclone. But the Kothandaraswamy Temple here remains intact. It can be reached by road from Rameswaram. it is beleived that Vibishana, brother of Ravana of the Ramayanam, surrendered before Lord Rama at this spot. The idols of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman and Vibishana are here. it is 2 kms from the Railway Station.

Coral Reef: The waters around the island abound not only in fish but also in coral reef. The veritable gardens of coral reefs and a few picturesque locales off the island allure those who seek sun, sand and sea holidays. It is, in short an island paradise of golden sands and gently swaying coconut palms, of shady tamarind and odai trees. The entire island is deal for picnickers and excursionists.

Kurusadai Island: The Island lies to the west of the Pamban bridge between the mainland and the island. It is a paradise of biologists. Scholars from far and near come to this island throughout the year for research and study. There are a number of islands in the area around Kurusadai island. It is about 20kms from Rameswaram via Mandapam. One should approach Fisheries Department to go to this island.