Apart
from being a Pilgrimage centre, Rameshawaram is one of the major marine food
centres in the south, much of its fish and prawn catch being exported. Known
as the Varanasi of the south, Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage centre for
both Shaivites and Vaishnavaites, as it was here where Lord Rama worshipped
Lord Siva after the war against Ravana. At the heart of the town is the
Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the most important temples in southern India.
Rameswaram lies on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the
mainland at Mandapam by rail and by one of India's engineering wonders, the
Indira Gandhi Bridge. The bridge took 14 years to build and was opened by
Rajiv Gandhi late in 1988.
Sightseeing at Rameshwaram :
Ramanathaswamy Temple : A remarkable example of late Dravidian
architecture, this temple is most noted for its excellent corridors lined
with massive sculptured pillars with their elaborate design, style and rich
carving. Legend has it that Rama sanctified this place by worshipping Siva
here after the battle of Sri Lanka. The construction work commenced in the
12th century AD and further developments were made over the centuries by
successive rulers, and hence, today its gopuram is 53 m high. Only Hindus
are allowed to enter the inner sanctorum.
Kothandaraswamy Temple & Dhanushkodi : 12 km from town, this
temple was the sole structure to withstand the 1964 cyclone which washed the
rest of the village away. Legend states that Vibishana, brother of Sita's
kidnapper Ravana, surrendered to Rama at this spot.
Adam's Bridge : Adam's Bridge is the name given to the chain of
reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connects Sri Lanka with India.
According to legend, this is the series of stepping stones used by the
monkey army, lead by Hanuman to cross the ocean in a bid to rescue Sita from
the clutch of Ravana.
Gandhamadana
Parvatam : The stepped mandapam or hall, about a mile and a half west of
the Ramanathaswamy Temple offers an excellent view of the countryside. There
is a footprint here believed to be of Lord Rama.
Dhanushkodi Beach : Dhanushkodi beach is the best place for a laid
back leisure hours.
Best Season to Visit : Through out the year.
Reaching Rameshwaram :
Rail : The are many train to Chennai daily. It is connected directly
to Manamadurai and Trichy. The passenger trains run at regular interval from
Madurai.
Road : The city is well connected to Madurai, Kanyakumari, Chennai
and Trichy. It is also connected to Pondicherry and Thanjavur via Madurai.
STD/ISD Codes :
If dialing from India -------04573 (number)
If dialing from abroad -------++91-4573 (number)
Shopping in Rameshwaram :
Rameswaram is famous for variety of exquisite handicraft and decorative
items. There are several shops near the temples, where you can find
different items made from palm leaf, beads and seashells. Khadicraft is the
place from where you can purchase your handicraft items. Rameswaram silk
sarees are very popular among the ladies.
Rameshwaram 
