Rameshwaram, on the southern extremity of India, is one of the sacred Char Dhams and is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Here is a 3 day Rameshwaram itinerary that will help in your Rameshwaram trip planning. The itinerary covers not only the famous Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple and its outer corridor with 1212 pillars but also the best places to visit in Rameshwaram and things to do in Rameshwaram.

3 Day Rameshwaram Itinerary | Rameshwaram Tour Itinerary

We present here a 3 day Rameshwaram itinerary. However, you can customize it to suit your requirements. If you are short on time and looking at a Rameshwaram one day trip, you can plan to visit the places that are covered on Day 1 of this Rameshwaram itinerary, which are the top places to visit in Rameshwaram.

In addition to the Rameshwaram itinerary, you will also find useful information like the best time to visit Rameshwaram, hotels in Rameshwaram, and much more.

Day One of Rameshwaram Itinerary

Here are the places in Rameshwaram that you can cover on the first day of your itinerary. If you are looking for a short trip, then these are the places to visit in Rameshwaram in 1 Day.

Ramanathaswamy Temple 

The main attraction that pulls travellers to Rameswaram is, of course, the sacred and famous Ramanthaswamy temple. The temple is also known as Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and one of the two Jyotirlingas located in South India. According to legend, the Shiv Ling was established by Lord Ram himself, on his way to Lanka.

There are 22 wells in the temple. It is customary to bathe in the waters of these 22 कुंड before proceeding for the darshan of the Lord in the sanctum sanctorum. The other famous feature of the Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple is its famous temple corridor which is said to be the longest of its kind in any Hindu temple in India. The outer corridor of the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram has 1212 pillars and is a stunning example of the aesthetics of Indian temple architecture.

For early risers, the Mani Darshan Rameshwaram is going to be a special experience. The darshan happens between 4.00 AM to 5.00 AM, and one can see the “Sphatika Linga,” being worshipped.

Agni Theertham

The main theertha of the Ramanathasway temple where visitors bathe before proceeding to the temple is the Bay of Bengal itself. The place where devotees take a sanctification bath is the Agni Theertham.

According to legend, Lord Ram on his way back to Ayodhya from Lanka, bathed in the waters of the Agni Theertham before worshipping Lord Shiva, as atonement for the sin of killing a Brahmin, Ravana. The Agni Theertham is one of the sacred theerthas that is located outside the Ramanathaswamy temple.

Sangumal Beach

The Sangumal Beach is easily accessible from Agni Theertham. If you are looking for stealing some moments of tranquillity from the hands of time, then you must head towards the sands of the Sangumal beach. The spiritual vibes of Rameswaram can be felt in the silence of this beach in the arms of nature.

The Sangumal beach is definitely not a beach for swimming, it is a beach to just watch the fishing activity and ruminate. There is a Childrens’ Park nearby, where kids can have some fun.

Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir

The Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is another important place that you must visit on your Rameswaram Trip. It is a temple with a huge idol of Hanuman in black granite that stands outside the sanctum. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, there is a smaller idol of Hanuman, Ram and Sita. These idols were brought here from Dhanushkodi. Rameshwaram to Dhanushkodi distance is about 19 kilometres.

An important attraction of the Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman temple is the floating stones that can be seen here. Though the stones are heavy, they can be seen floating in the water. It is believed that these are the stones that were used by Lord Ram and his Vanar Sena to build a bridge (Ram Setu) to Lanka, as described in the Ramayana.

Pamban Bridge

If you look at the map of Rameshwaram, you will realize that Rameswaram is actually an island, surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean on all sides. The Pamban Bridge is what connects the island of Rameshwaram to the mainland of India. There is a Railway bridge and a road bridge that run parallel to each other.

The name Pamban Bridge actually refers to the Railway Bridge, however, both are collectively referred to as Pamban Bridge. The official name of the road bridge is Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge.

The bridge spans from Mandapam to Pamban, which is the starting point of Rameshwaram. The sight of a train cruising on the 2.2-kilometre-long bridge in the middle of the waters of the Indian ocean is spectacular. The bridge has been featured in many movies including Chennai Express.

The Pamban Bridge offers spectacular views of the Rameshwaram island, and it is a surreal sight to watch the arrival of a train from the road bridge. If you are near the Pamban bridge around sunset, you are treated to a magical sunset.

Rameshwaram Lighthouse | Pamban Lighthouse

If you love the romantic aura that envelops lighthouses, you are sure to like the Pamban Lighthouse. It is one of the two lighthouses in Rameshwaram. The original lighthouse dates back to the year 1845. It is located towards the east of the Pamban Bridge.

Vivekananda Memorial House Kundhukal

The Vivekananda Memorial set amidst serene surroundings is a beautiful and fitting tribute to the great mystic and monk, Swami Vivekananda. It is a beautiful and aesthetic structure that stands right opposite the Kundhukal Beach, about 8 kilometres from the Pamban Bridge. The memorial brings alive the stirring life and times of Swami Vivekananda through photographs and images of the monk.

The sunset from the Vivekananda Memorial House in Rameshwaram is also a surreal experience.

Day Two of Rameshwaram Itinerary

If you have decided to spend more time in the hallowed environs of Rameshwaram, which we recommend that you do, and are looking beyond a one day trip to Rameshwaram. We have lined up for you some more of the best places to visit in Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi.

Ramar Patham

If you are familiar with the Ramayana, you will know of the incident when Lord Ram stands atop a mountain and surveys the expanse of water stretching out to Lanka. He then decides to build a bridge to Lanka. Ramar Paatham, which literally means, “Feet of Rama,” is a temple built on a hillock. It is believed the hillock was a mountain in the times of the Ramayana.

Today the hillock happens to be the highest point in Rameshwaram and offers a panoramic view. The temple has the footsteps of Shri Rama engraved inside a Chakra in rock.

Lakshman Teertha

The Lakshman Theertha is a pond located not far from the main Rameswaram Temple. According to legend, Lord Ram’s brother Lakshman had installed and worshipped a Shivling here. During the festival known as Thai Poosam, a floating car procession is organized in the Lakshman Theertha.

Jada Theertham

The Jada Theertham is a holy pond that is located about 13 kilometres from Rameswaram. It can be visited on the way to Dhanushkodi. There is a small Shiva temple in front of the Jada Theertha. According to legend, Ram and Lakshman washed their Jada/Jata (hair), in this pond before they proceeded to Rameswaram, after killing Ravana in Lanka.

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi, which was once a thriving village on the edge of the southern coast of India is today a ghost town. Ruins of a church, railway station, and other structures can be seen standing forlorn in the sand. Dhanushkodi was completely destroyed during a storm in the year 1964.

The Dhanuskodi Beach makes for a pleasant stroll as a strong wind blows across the Indian ocean. The beach is not very safe for swimming as the currents can be strong.

Rama’s Bridge | Adam’s bridge | Ramar Sethu Palam | Rama Setu

Rama’s Bridge is a land path that is seen beneath the waters of the ocean. It is near the Palk Straits and leads from Rameswaram to current day Sri Lanka. Many believe that this narrow landmass that has been revealed by satellite imagery is the remains of the bridge, which is the bridge that was built by Lord Rama with his Vanara army.

The Rama’s Bridge is also termed as Adam’s Bridge and connects Pamban island in India and Mannar Island in Shri Lanka, along the Palk Strait.

Day Three of Rameshwaram Itinerary

By day 3, you would have definitely fallen deeply in love with the vibes of Rameswaram island. There are still many more beautiful places to visit in Rameshwaram, as part of your sightseeing at Rameswaram.

Ariyamaan Beach | Kushi Beach

When it comes to Rameswaram beaches, there are around 7 beaches on the island. The main beaches in Rameshwaram are; Agni Theertham, Dhanushkodi, Ariyamaan, Olaikkuda, Viloondi Theertham, and Pamban beach.

The Ariyamaan Beach which is also known as Kushi Beach is a picturesque beach with gentle waves caressing the shores. A lovely beach getaway that is located about 27 kilometres from Rameswaram.

Abdul Kalam Memorial Museum | House of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

If you are in Rameswaram, how can you afford not to visit the house of its most famous resident, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The memorial is a tribute to the “Missile Man,” of India. He lies in eternal sleep beneath the memorial. There is a museum that brings alive the inspiring life of one of India’s most loved presidents, through more than 800 paintings and 200 photographs along with other exhibits.

Sea World Aquarium

The Sea World Aquarium, is a fascinating place, especially for those interested in the creatures of the sea. The Aquarium is located near Rameswaram Bus Stand and close to the Abdul Kalam Memorial Museum. The Aquarium has a range of aquatic and marine life which includes octopus, sea lizard, rabbitfish, clownfish, and parrotfish, among others.

Villoondi Theertham | Villuvandi Theertham

The Villondi Theertham is a beach and is also one of 64 sacred theerthas or water bodies in Rameswaram. There are 22 of these thirthas within the Ramanathaswamy temple.  What is unique about the Villoondi Theertham is that it is a sweet water spring in the middle of the saline seawater. According to legend, Lord Rama had generated the sweet water spring by shooting an arrow into the sea, to quench the thirst of Sita, on the way to Ayodhya from Lanka.

Images of Rameshwaram

Other Places of Interest Near Rameshwaram | Temples Near Rameswaram

• Devipattnam
• Uttrakosai
• Thirupullani Thiruvadanai
• Kilakarai
• Sethukarai
• Uthirakosamangai
• Vivekandakendram
• Ekanthiramar Temple

Good to Know Information | Travel Tips for a Trip to Rameshwaram

• Carry extra clothes and towels for 22 Kund Snanam at Agri Theertham
• Ensure to take bath before visiting the temple
• Dress modestly and do not wear shorts, Lungis or short skirts in the temple
• Footwear and socks are not allowed inside the temple
• If you are visiting Rameswaram during the summer, make sure to carry sun protection gear including hats, shades, and sunscreen
• The best time to visit Rameswaram is during the winter months
• Start your day early to beat the heat and avoid rush

Map Of Rameshwaram

Here is the map of Rameshwaram.

Best Time To Visit Rameshwaram | Weather in Rameshwaram

The weather in Rameshwaram tends to be hot and humid and more so during the summer and monsoon months. The best time to visit Rameshwaram for a comfortable experience is during the winter months when temperatures range between 17 to 30 degrees centigrade.

How To Get To Rameshwaram | Rameshwaram Trip Planner

• Rameswaram is located on what is known as Pamban Island in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, India
• Rameswaram is about 560 kilometres from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu
• Rameswaram is located about 174 kilometres from the temple city of Madurai

Reaching Rameswaram By Air
The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is the Madurai Airport at a distance of about 177 kilometres. From Madurai, you can travel to Rameshwaram by rail or road.

Reaching Rameswaram By Rail
You can travel by train right up to Rameshwaram. There are trains to and from Madurai, Coimbatore, Bhubaneshwar, Ayodhya, Kanyakumari, Varanasi, Tirupathi, Ajmer, and other places from Rameshwaram.

Reaching Rameswaram By Road
Rameshwaram is well connected by road to other towns and cities of India.

You can plan a trip to Rameshwaram right here!  you can book your flight tickets right here through, Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline  and fly to Madurai. If you are thinking of a  road trip from Bangalore or anywhere else, do check out the rental car and bus options.

Where To Stay In Rameshwaram | Rameshwaram Hotels 

Is Rameswaram on your mind? Are you making your own Rameshwaram travel plans? If you are thinking about where to stay in Rameshwaram, there are plenty of options that include hotels in Rameshwaram near the temple.

You can book Hotels/Resorts in Rameshwaram or any destination right here through any of the options mentioned: TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined or  Agoda  and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Rameswaram Itinerary – FAQ

Which is the nearest airport to Rameswaram?
The nearest airport to Rameswaram is the Madurai Airport at a distance of about 177 kilometres.

How far is Rameswaram from Kanyakumari?
The distance between Rameswaram and Kanyakumari is about 174 kilometres.

What is the best time to visit Rameshwaram?
The best time to visit Rameswaram is between October to February as the weather is pleasant.

Which are the best places to visit in Rameswaram in one day?
The best places that you can cover in one day in Rameswaram are Arulmigu Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Agni Theertham, Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Pamban Bridge.

How many days are required to visit Rameswaram?
It is possible to see the main places of Rameswaram in one day. However, to really enjoy Rameswaram and see all the places, 3 days would be needed.

How far is Rameswaram from Bangalore?
Rameswaram is about 608 kilometres from Bangalore.

We hope you find our travel blog post about Rameshwaram and our 3-day Rameshwaram itinerary informative and useful. We are sure that it will help you as a Rameshwaram travel guide and curate a wonderful experience. Do connect with us for any more information. If you have not already subscribed to our blog, please do so, and also connect with us on our social media handles.

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with the best travel tips. Go check it out now. Thanks for visiting our site Voyager - imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post! If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected] We’d love it if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends. Follow our journey on our social media channels: Facebook  X  Instagram  Pinterest  YouTube 

Start dreaming about your next adventure with Tripadvisor. Book your next unforgettable experience here with flexible bookings and free cancellations.

60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn't You?