Uppoor: (85 kms.) This place has an ancient Vinayaka temple. It is said that Sri Rama worshipped the deity here before embarking on his way to Lanka. Rameshwaram is connected by rail and road from Madurai. State buses operate to this place almost every day. In addition, a large number…
Erwadi: (80 kms.) The tomb of the Sufi saint Sultan Ibrahim Syed Aulia, who came from Arabia 800 years ago, is a popular place not only for the Muslims but also for many Hindus. Pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore come here to pay their homage to this saint.…
Uttira Kosa Mangai: (72 kms.) This ancient Shiva temple has the deity carved out of emerald precious stone. The annual Arudra festival held here in December attracts a large number of devotees.
Ramanathapuram: (55 kms.) The Sethupathis or Rajas of Ramnad who were the Lords of the Sethu, had their capital at this place. They built a few monuments and temples which are noteworthy for their architecture and sculpture. The Ramalinga Vilasam Palace of the Sethupathis has beautiful paintings preserved in their…
Devi Pattanam: (70 kms.) A small coastal village also known as Nam Pashanam on account of the nine stones installed there by Sri Rama to represent the Navagraha Deities. These nine stones can still be seen in hip-deep water near the bathing ghat of the sea. There is a temple…
Tiruppullani: (64 kms.) Also known as Dharbhashayanam, the Vishnu temple here, is dedicated to Adi Jagannatha Perumal. This was the hermitage of sage Pulla, who did penance here to see Maha Vishnu. The place is also celebrated as Adi Sethu as the decision to build the bridge (Sethu) to Lanka…
Kurusadai Islands: (20 kms.) To the west of Pamban bridge and between the mainland and the island is a vast area surrounded by a chain of coral reefs. It can be reached from Mandapam by a boat. The shallow waters of this place sustain remarkable variety of marine life such…
Kodandaramaswamy Temple: (8 kms.) Originally, this temple formed a part of Dhanuskodi. After the area was washed away by the cyclone, only this temple has remained intact. Tradition says that Vibhishana, brother of Ravanasura, surrendered before Rama at this spot. It is a beautiful temple having the idols of Rama,…
Dhanuskodi: (25 kms.) Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram is complete only with a bath in the sea at Dhanuskodi, the meeting place of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, corresponding to Mahodadhi and Ratnakara, in the epics. It is situated at the southern extremity of the island on which Rameshwaram…
Gandhmadhana Parvatha: (3 kms.) On the northern side of the temple is a small hillock, which has a two storeyed small temple which has the foot prints of Sri Rama carved on a stone slab. This temple is called as Ramji Paduka, the place where Rama rested. This is the…