Rameswaram, a small island in the Gulf of Mannar, is a major pilgrim centre Rameswaram is holy, because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Shiva and performed pooja to wash away his sins which he got by killing Demon King, Ravana. Rameswaram is known for its theerthas( wells ) in and around the main temple. This place is equally sacred to both Vaishnavites and Saivites. According to Hindu Mithology, if one will visit Rameswaram and pray Lord Shiva means, the whole sins will be relieved from the body.The Ramanathaswamy temple is renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world . Besides pilgrimage, Rameswaram Island has several places which ideally suites for picnic programmes. There are beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. Olaikuda beach ( 1 km ) from the main temple is engulfed by coral reefs which makes sea bathing safe and enjoyable .With diving glasses and respiration tubes, Scuba diving can be done safely. Australian Flamingos, Sea Gulls and variety of birds migrates to Rameswaram Island during winter.
Rameswaram is one of the main fishing centres of Tamil Nadu. Variety of fishes including export quality fish like prawns, sea cucumber, lobster etc. are available, Rameswaram is also famous for its dry fish.

City Sights:
Sri. Ramanathaswamy temple : Sri Ramanathaswamy temple which is situated near to the sea on the eastern side of the island is renowned for its magnificient corridors with massive sculptured pollars lining it . The corridor is the longest in the world. It is 197 metres long ( East - West ) and 133 metres wide( South-North ). The temple has storey tower ( Gopuram ), 38.4 high. The temple as it stands today was built by different rulers at different periods from the 12th century AD . Pooja is being performed to Spadikalingam ( Mani Dharshan ) which was given by the Saint Sankarachrya to this temple,for an hourearly morning daily.

Agni Theertham: Sri Ramanathaswamy temple faces east. The seashore, about 100 metres from the main entrance of the temple, is very calm and therfore ideal for bathing.The water at this place is considered sacred and known as 'Agni Theertham'. Pillgrims perform poojas for their ancestors at this seashore .
Gandamadana Parvatham ( Hillock 3 kms ): It is situated on the highest point in the island.Here, the imprint of Lord Rama's feet ( padham ), is placed on chakra, Sukreevar Temple/ Theertham: Situated on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham near Doordarshan Kendra.
Satchi Hanuman Temple : Considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news of finding Sita to Rama with a Satchi ( evidence ), Chootamani ( jewel ) of Sita. Situated 3 kms from the main temple, on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham. Badrakaliamman Temple: Temple for Devi Durga, situated 2 kms from the main temple on the way to Gandamadana Parvatham.
Five faced Hanuman Temple: Situated 2 kms from the main temple, the deity of Hanuman brought with sendooram. Idols of Ram, Sita and Hanuman brought form Dhanushkodi during 1964 cyclone was taken place here. Floating stone, used to built Sethu Bandanam ( Bridge between India and Lanka ) in this temple was Worth see

Jadayu Theertham: It is in the south side of Rameswaram when Ravana Kidnapped Sita , Jadayu ( King of Birds ) fought with Ravana to save Sita from him .But his wings cut off and fell down in this place. There is a temple and a pond surrounded by seven sand dunes at this place. The pond water is very tasty like a tender cocunut and it is like a oasis in desert . Maamangam festival is being celebrated here, once in 12 years, at this theertham.

SHOPPING:
Handicrafts, Khadikrafts shops available. Shells, beads and palm leaf articles are available near the temple.

FESTIVALS :
Festivals are celebrated in the Ramanathaswamy temple in connection with Thai Amavasai ( Jan. ), Maasi Sivarathri ( Feb-Mar ), Adi Thirukalyanam ( Jul- Aug ), Mahalaya Amavasai ( September ), Ramalingam Prathastai ( May-June ) and Navarathri Festival
( September- October )
Pongal and Pilgrimage Tour Festival ( Jan. ) organised by the Tourism Department, Government of Tamilnadu.

FESTIVALS:
Max Min ( in Celsius )
Summer 48c 48c
Winter 30c 25c

Clothing:
Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woolen

Access:
AIR : Nearest Airport in Madurai - 174 kms. Indian Airlines connect's Madurai with Chennai, Trichy, Bangalore and Mumbai.
RAIL : Connected with all major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Thanjavur and Palghat.
ROAD : Connected with all important towns of Tamilnadu, City Buses are available including night services. Point to Point services, Tourist taxi, auto / cycle rickshaws and horse carts are also available. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport corporation ( APSRTC ) operates Rameswaram - Tripathi daily service.