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 Known as the Varanasi of the South, is a major pilgrimage centre for both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. It was here that Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana) offered thanks to Lord Shiva on his return from Lanka and performed Puja (ceremonial prayer) to wash away his sin of killing demon king Ravana. The town is located on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, connected to the mainland by rail, one of India's' engineering wonders, the Indira Gandhi Bridge. The town lies on the island's eastern side. Although proximity to Sri Lanka results in a high security presence, Rameswaram has a decidedly laid-back atmosphere.
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Place To See |
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Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Gandamadana Parvatham, Kothandaraswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach, Adam's Bridge, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary |
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Things to do |
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Pilgrimage, Natural sight seeing, Heritage sight seeing, Bathing in sea, Seeing Hindu customs, Cave exploring |
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How to reach |
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By Rail and road. |
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Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple |
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| Destination |
Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple |
| Location |
Rameshwaram |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Pilgrim Centre/Holy Place |
| Activities |
Pilgrimage/Place of worship |
 Located at the town's core, it is one of India's most venerated temples. Spanning 1.2 km, the construction of the temple began in 12th century AD with later additions over the centuries. It's a fine example of late Dravidian architecture and is most renowned for its four magnificent corridors lined with elaborately sculptured pillars. 22 theerthams (tanks) within the complex are believed by devotees to have particular powers. Only Hindus may enter the inner sanctum. |
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| Destination |
Gandamadana Parvatham |
| Location |
Rameshwaram |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Pilgrim Centre/Holy Place |
| Activities |
Trekking,Pilgrimage/Place of worship |
 Located 3km northwest of the town is a 2-storeyed shrine located on a hilltop reputedly containing Lord Rama's Paadam (footprints). |
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| Destination |
Kothandaraswamy Temple |
| Location |
Rameshwaram |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Pilgrim Centre/Holy Place |
| Activities |
Pilgrimage/Place of worship |
 Located 12km from the town, this temple was the only structure to survive the 1964 cyclone that destroyed the rest of the village. An episode of the epic Ramayana relates that Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka, surrendered to Lord Rama at this spot. |
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| Destination |
Dhanushkodi Beach |
| Location |
Rameshwaram |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Beaches |
| Activities |
Sun Bathing,Swimming/Bathing |
 6km beyond the Kothandaraswamy Temple, this is a jut out of the peninsula. The fishing settlements and the railway track were completely wiped out by the 1964 cyclone. Here the road seems to be going into the sea. Lined with fishing communities, it has the best beach of the area. |
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| Destination |
Adam's Bridge |
| Location |
Rameshwaram |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Scenic Nature |
| Activities |
Snorkelling |
 It refers to the chain of reefs, sandbanks and islets that almost connect Sri Lanka with India. According to legend, these are the stepping stones used by Hanuman to follow Ravana, in his bid to rescue Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. |
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Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary |
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| Destination |
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Location |
Rameshwaram |
| State |
Tamil Nadu |
| Destination type |
Wildlife |
| Activities |
Wildlife Safari/Bird Watching |
 Located in the foothills of the Nilgiri Hills, this 321 sq. km sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that includes Bandipur and Wayanad in the neighbouring States of Karnataka and Kerala respectively. The sanctuary is home to chital (spotted deer), gaur, tiger, panther, wild boar and sloth bear. Also found in the sanctuary are jackal, hyena, mongoose, wild cat, civet cat, giant squirrel, flying squirrel & bonnet monkey. Otters and crocodiles inhabit the Moyar River. The sanctuary's wild elephant population is one of the largest in the country. The avian population includes hornbills, woodpeckers, mynahs, barbets, parakeets and majestic birds like the crested hawk eagle and the crested serpent eagle. Nights are fascinating, especially during the month of April when the whole sanctuary is illuminated with millions of glow-worms.
The best time to visit is between December and June. Heavy rain is common in October and November and the sanctuary may be closed during the dry season February to March.
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