9 Best Things To Do In Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu - Updated 2024

things to do in rameshwaram
Aarti
Aarti 
Updated
| 4 min read

A seaside town, Rameswaram is situated on Pamban Island in the Gulf of Munnar, Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for being the closest neighboring city to Sri Lanka. A remarkable pilgrimage center, this town is very significant to the Hindus, because Rameswaram is known as one of the four sacred houses that are associated with Lord Vishnu’s incarnations. And according to Hindu mythology, Lord Ram - the seventh Vishnu incarnation, built a bridge that leads from Rameswaram to Sri Lanka. The bridge was built to save Lord Ram’s wife Sita from the demon king Ravan. The city is also known for its plenty of attractions such as Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Theertham, Char Dham, and more. To understand in detail regarding some of the best things to do in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, then keep reading.

1. Check out where Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam lived

House of Kalam
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kaushik Kumar used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Ever wondered where the most-loved President of India, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once lived? Hailing from Rameswaram, the home to the 11th president has been converted into a museum which is now handled by his older brother. Along with being the most-respected president, Mr. Kalam was also a renowned scientist who specialized in aerospace engineering. The home turned museum showcases the president’s story, his life, and his achievements.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam House

Address: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526

Visited this place?

2. Take a trip to Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple (from USD 9.0)

There are only a few temples in India that are constructed in the Dravidian-style architecture. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of them. Your visit to Rameswaram is never really over until you visit this fascinating temple. The temple is renowned for its linga collection, which is made up of stone, salt, and many other earthy elements. Legend says that there were approximately 112 ponds in the location, where now only 12 remain. One of the much-adored attraction within the temple is the stunning pillared corridor.

Visited this place?

Kuala Lumpur Self-Guided Audio Tour

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

2 reviews

3. Go birding at Water Bird Sanctuary

Water birds in winter
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlixSaz used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the best places to visit in Rameswaram for nature enthusiasts, Water Bird Sanctuary is home to thousands of native and migratory waterbirds. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to January where the migratory birds join here to breed and also to feed the babies. Rameswaram is not only a religious spot. It has multiple things to offer other than the temples. So, make sure you visit this popular attraction on your next visit to Rameswaram.

Water Bird Sanctuary

Address: Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram, India

Website: Water Bird Sanctuary

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

Visited this place?

4. Take a glass boat ride at Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge Train Passing
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shaswat Nimesh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Situated just 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Rameswaram town, Pamban Bridge is renowned as the first sea bridge in India. Being the second-largest railway bridge in the country, glass boating is one of the best experiences one can have while in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Glass boating will take you right below the bridge. These boats feature a transparent bottom where you can get an amazing view of how life is underwater. You can also take a train ride that goes over the bridge, but yet so close to the sea.

Pamban Bridge

Address: Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu

Visited this place?

5. Pay your respects at Kalam National Memorial

Posted by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial on Sunday, 27 August 2017

Established to honor the well-known scientist and a great leader Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Kalam National Memorial displays Mr. Kalam’s calmness, simplicity, and depth in the memorial. Tourists flock from all around the globe to witness how Mr. Kalam had an impact on India’s diversity. The memorial features a variety of Mr. Kalam’s notable collections and also the replicas of the missiles, rockets, and information about the Pokhran Nuclear Test. This attraction also boasts a blend of Indian and Mughal architecture.

Kalam National Memorial

Address: Pamban- Tharavai Thoppu Rd, Pamban, Tamil Nadu 623529

Website: Kalam National Memorial

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Visited this place?

6. Enjoy a day at Sangumal Beach


Boasting breathtaking landscapes and tranquil atmosphere along with soft golden sands and turquoise blue waters, Sangumal Beach is a splendid tourist attraction perfect for all kinds of vacationers. Along with watching sunsets and sunrise, sunbathing is the next best activity to do on this beach. The beach also acts as a great source of livelihood for the fishermen, and because of this, the fishermen indulge in fishing activity every day. You could also enjoy going boating here to witness the stunning coral reefs. Sangumal Beach is also lined with huts and traditional cottages that add a unique beauty to the beach which attracts visitors from all over.

Sangumal Beach

Address: Olaikaddu Rd, Tamil Nadu 623526

Opening hours: 7:30am - 6:15pm (daily)

Visited this place?

7. Admire the engineering marvel Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Shruti Bhargava used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the most remarkable bridges in the world, Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge, a 2.3-km (1.4 mi) long bridge links the National Highway with Rameswaram, through Pamban Island. This longest bridge in South India took about 14 years to complete. Although a cyclone-prone location with high wind zone, the engineering and the construction of the bridge has withstood all the possible weather conditions and has left the engineers around the world puzzled. The bridge also allows ships to pass by under it.

Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge

Address: Pamban Bridge, Pamban, Tamil Nadu

Visited this place?

8. Partake in water sports with Holy Island Water Sports

Posted by Holy Island Water Sports on Friday, 27 November 2015

Want to indulge in water sport activities? Then Holy Island Water Sports is something you should check out while in Rameswaram. Located near the seashore, this site features multiple recreational activities like stand up board, kayak, snorkeling, and many others. Along with this, there are land games, too, that you can participate in. Some of them include dora dora, trampoline stand, and more.

Holy Island Water Sports

Address: Holy Island Beach, Sangumall, Olaikudda, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623529

Website: Holy Island Water Sports

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

Visited this place?

9. Bring your children to Sea World Aquarium

koi fish. .

Posted by Sea World Aquarium - Madurai on Tuesday, 29 March 2016

One of the unmissable attractions in the city and loved by tourists from all over the world, Sea World Aquarium is conveniently located right opposite to Rameswaram bus stand. This site is home to several sea species and a plethora of collections from the aquatic world. Some of them are sharks, rabbitfish, and octopus among others. If you are visiting with the family, this is one of the most fun places to be. And if you want to bring home a souvenir with you, you can buy loads of items made of seashells.

Sea World Aquarium

Address: Opposite To Rameswaram Bus Stand, Rameswaram, India

Website: Sea World Aquarium

Visited this place?

Spend a blissful vacation in Rameswaram

Now that you have managed to read through the article, hopefully it will helped you and offer you a better understanding of what to do the next time you plan a vacation in Rameswaram.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Born in Mumbai and brought up in Bangalore, India, Aarti is a full-time freelance writer by profession. She is a lover of everything the ‘blue dot’ offers—world cultures, off-the-beaten tracks,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Rameswaram
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.