Island temple town on Pamban Island, home to the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga shrine.
FamousPilgrimageIslandBeachHeritage
Rameswaram is one of the Char Dham sites and one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, so most visitors come as pilgrims. Beyond the temple's long pillared corridors there is the ruined town of Dhanushkodi, the Pamban Bridge and quiet beaches. It suits pilgrims, families and anyone interested in Ramayana sites and coastal scenery.
Trip planner
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| October to March | The most comfortable months. November to February is the coolest time, with nights down to about 17°C. |
| April to June | Hot summer, with days reaching about 40°C. Visit the temple and beaches early or late in the day. |
| July to September | Humid monsoon months. Heavy rain can limit bathing at Agni Theertham. |
One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, known for its tall gopuram, very long corridors and carved pillars. Pilgrims bathe in the 22 wells (theerthams) inside the complex.
The stretch of sea in front of the temple where pilgrims take a ritual bath before entering. Ancestral rites are also performed here.
The ruins of a town destroyed by the 1964 cyclone, at the southern tip of the island, with a long beach. The Kothandaramaswamy Temple on the way survived the storm.
The sea bridge, about 2.2 km long, linking Rameswaram island to the mainland. Its rail section opens to let ships pass.
Memorial at the burial place of the former President, with photographs, paintings and missile models.
A small hillock with a shrine and views over the island.
Temple with a five-faced image of Hanuman, said to hold floating stones linked to the Ram Setu story.
A sacred tank with a temple on its banks, used by pilgrims for bathing.
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| Budget level | Type | Price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Lodges and simple hotels near the temple or station | ₹700 to ₹2,100 |
| Mid-range | Mid-range hotels and some 4-star hotels in town | ₹2,500 to ₹4,800 |
| Luxury | Upper-end hotels near the station | ₹5,200 to ₹10,200 |
Most eateries near the temple serve South Indian vegetarian meals. Seafood and some North Indian and Chinese dishes are available at other restaurants.
Vegetarian food is easy to find, as most food in the temple area is vegetarian.
| Budget level | Stay per room | Food per person | Local transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹1,200 | ₹400 | ₹300 per person |
| Mid-range | ₹3,500 | ₹800 | ₹1,500 per vehicle |
| Luxury | ₹7,500 | ₹1,800 | ₹2,500 per vehicle |
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No permit is needed for Indian travellers; carry photo ID for hotels. One source notes a court order restricting non-Hindus and foreigners in Tamil Nadu temples, so foreign visitors should check the Ramanathaswamy Temple's current rules first.
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