Exploring Rameshwaram and Beyond: Top Destinations to Visit Nearby

Rameshwaram is located in the south of India, and it is one of the four most sacred sites of religious pilgrimage for Hindus as well. Its claims to fame are its historic temples, cultural riches, and pristine beaches. The town, by itself, is supposed to be a treasure island of sorts in terms of religious importance. If you are an avid traveler, you would be pleasantly surprised by the diverse array of experiences that you can have over here. In this blog, we will talk about every place to visit near Rameshwaram – most of these sites of tourist attraction are located within 100 km of the town.

The Top 9 Destinations to Visit Near Rameshwaram 

• Dhanushkodi
• Pamban Bridge
• Ariyaman Beach
• Adam’s Bridge
• Kothandaramar Temple
• Uthirakosamangai
• Ramar Padam
• Kanyakumari
• Madurai

1. Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is a top tourist place near Rameswaram primarily because of its status as a ghost town. It has a unique appeal for people who are looking for a combination of tranquility and history. The most prominent places to visit here are the ruins of a church and a railway station that bear witness to the cataclysmic cyclone that landed over here in 1964 and caused it to be deserted. This is also where the Bay of Bengal converges with the Indian Ocean, thus creating a surreal ambiance in the truest sense of the word. The town also seems to be frozen in time. 

2. Pamban Bridge

The Pamban Bridge represents the true marvels of engineering, and this is why it is one of the best places near Rameshwaram to visit. The bridge connects mainland India to Rameshwaram. It is reputed to be one of the longest of its kind in India – sea bridges – with a total length of 2.3 km. Even as you pass over the bridge, you get panoramic views of the distant islands and the vast blue sea, all of which combine to create some of the most mesmerizing sights ever. You also get to hear the rhythmic sounds of the train passing over the bridge, adding to the overall experience. 

3. Ariyaman Beach

The Ariyaman Beach is one of the most famous places near Rameshwaram, known primarily for its serene seascapes. This is the idyllic destination and thus the ideal one for people who are looking for a peaceful escape from their daily lives. The beach provides you with a serene retreat that helps you get away from the bustling town that is Rameshwaram. Its clear blue waters and soft golden sands provide you with the perfect setting to have picnics or simply put your feet up and relax if that is what you want to do over here.

4. Adam’s Bridge

The Adam’s Bridge, also referred to as Rama Setu, has a mythical connection, which is why it is such a special place to visit near Rameshwaram. This geological formation has captured the imagination of both devout and historians. This limestone shoal chain stretches between India and Sri Lanka – many believe that this is the mythical bridge that Lord Rama constructed in the epic Ramayana. Apart from the spiritual importance, the bridge has an enigmatic landscape as well. You can explore this best with boat rides and get a unique perspective of the natural wonder.

5. Kothandaramar Temple

The Kothandaramar Temple is a cultural gem and is located almost 20 km from Rameshwaram. It has substantial mythological importance as well. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, and it is believed that it is here that he conducted the last rites for Jatayu. The walls of the temple are decorated with detailed carvings that depict scenes from Ramayana, thus providing you with a visual narration of the epic. The surroundings here are maintained properly, and the ambiance is serene, thus making it a haven of peace for spiritual visitors as well as those interested in the region’s rich cultural history. 

6. Uthirakosamangai

Uthirakosamangai is known for its architectural splendor and is located almost 60 km from Rameshwaram. The age-old Shiva Temple located here is the most famous thing about the area. The temple is named Uthirakosamangai Nathar Kovil. The temple is a prominent testimony to the exquisite Dravidian architecture and is adorned with intricate carvings and impressive pieces of sculpture. Even more important than the architectural magnificence is the tranquil atmosphere over here. So, if you are looking for an ideal place for some spiritual contemplation, look nowhere else. It is located pretty close to Kanyakumari as well. 

7. Ramar Padam

Ramar Padam is known for its scenic vistas. It is located almost 15 km from Rameshwaram and offers some of the best views that you can ever get of the Pamban Bridge. In fact, the panoramic views over here are sure to take your breath away. Local legends say that this is where Lord Rama stood before he began constructing the bridge to Lanka. Ramar Padam is blessed with the combination of scenic beauty and spiritual significance, which makes it just as good for introspection as it is for photography. Here you get to connect with the region’s mythical and historical roots.

8. Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is separated from Rameshwaram by 310 km by road, which implies that it may take you around 6 hours by road to get there from the latter. Kanyakumari is the confluence of three oceans – the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea – and this is the main reason why you should visit it. The top tourist attractions over here are the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the sunset and sunrise views, and the Thiruvalluvar Statue. The Rock Memorial is a meditation spot located right in the middle of the sea.    

9. Madurai

Known as the City of Temples, Madurai is 170 km from Rameshwaram, which means it can take anywhere between 3 and 4 hours to get there by road. The Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most spectacular temples in India, is found here as well. It is also one of the leading tourist attractions in the city. The temple represents architectural brilliance at its very best with its 1000 pillars carved in great detail. Apart from that, you have the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal and the Gandhi Memorial Museum.  The Mahal is a majestic palace built during the 17th century. 

Apart from these, you can also visit Thiruchendur, a sacred temple town dedicated to Lord Murugan, and Karaikudi, which is the land of Chettinad heritage.

Conclusion 

The best season to visit Rameshwaram and the tourist attractions near it is between October and March. This is the best time because it lets you visit these temples and locations comfortably. You can make your experience in this regard even more pleasurable by opting for car rental services from the best service providers in the business, such as Revv. They offer you benefits like flexible rentals and freedom of choice.