A Spiritual Escape After the Southernmost Tip

After exploring the southernmost tip of Kanyakumari , I continued my journey towards serenity and divinity at Rameshwaram. The shift from Kanyakumari’s vibrant coastal crowd to Rameshwaram’s calm temple town felt like stepping into a more peaceful version of the ocean.

This blog covers how I travelled from Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram, places to visit, food, stay, itinerary, budget, and travel tips, in my usual Travel & Heal style.

Food to Try in Rameshwaram

Where to Stay in Rameshwaram

Varthini Mahal (My Stay – Recommended)

A clean, budget-friendly stay located near Lakshman Teertham.
Rooms are simple but well-maintained, the staff is very helpful, and they even kept my bags safely after checkout, which made travel easier.
Great for solo travellers, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful, no-frills stay near main temples.
📍 Address: Near Lakshman Teertham, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Varthini+Mahal+Rameshwaram

Luxury / Premium / Comfortable (Top-end stays)

1. Daiwik Hotels Rameshwaram
A comfortable, well-equipped hotel near town — modern rooms (Superior / Deluxe / Suites), good food, reliable service. Great for couples or families wanting comfort + convenience.
📍 Address: NH-49, Near Rameswaram Bus Stand, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Daiwik Hotels Rameshwaram”]

2. JKR Resort & Spa
Resort-style stay with upgraded amenities — ideal if you want a relaxed, spacious, more leisurely experience rather than basic pilgrim accommodation.
📍 Address: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “JKR Resort Rameshwaram”]

3. Hyatt Place Rameshwaram (or equivalent 4-star / premium hotel)
Modern hotel facilities, comfort and convenience — good choice if you prefer western-style amenities, especially after long temple/beach days.
📍 Address: Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Hyatt Place Rameshwaram”]

Mid-Range / Comfort + Value (Balanced stays)

4. Hotel Brindavan Residency
Good value for money — comfortable rooms, basic amenities, centrally located, well-suited for 2–3-night stays without splurging.
📍 Address: Central Rameshwaram / near town centre
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Brindavan Residency Rameshwaram”]

5. Hotel Vinayaga (by Poppys / local guest-house style)
A modest but neat stay — good for travellers wanting comfort without high cost; close to temples / town, easy for daily travel.
📍 Address: Near main town / temple area, Rameshwaram
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Hotel Vinayaga Rameshwaram”]

6. Hotel MCM Towers (or similar guest-house / budget-plus stay)
Simple stay, decent for short visits or for pilgrims — works well if most time will be spent exploring temples / beaches rather than staying indoors.
📍 Address: Near temple-town area, Rameshwaram
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Hotel MCM Towers Rameshwaram”]

Budget / Backpacker-Friendly / Basic Stays

7. Hotel Harish (or similar budget lodge / guesthouse)
Very basic but cheap stay — good for pilgrims or solo travellers who need just a clean bed near temple/central area.
📍 Address: Near main temple / town centre, Rameshwaram
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Hotel Harish Rameshwaram”]

8. Hotel Rameswaram Grand (or other low-cost hotel/guest-house)
Affordable rate, basic amenities — useful for short overnight stay, for travellers on tight budget or travelling in groups.
📍 Address: Central Rameshwaram / near bus-stand or temple road
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Hotel Rameswaram Grand”]

9. Local lodges / guest-houses near temple / main town (various small hotels)
If you want minimal cost and you don’t mind basic facilities — several lodges start from lower rates, good for quick stay or repeated temple visits.
📍 Address: Near temple / town centre, Rameshwaram
🔗 View on Google Maps: [search “Budget hotel Rameshwaram near temple”]

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How to Travel to Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is well-connected by road, rail and nearby airports. You can choose your travel mode depending on where you are starting from.

How I Travelled (Kanyakumari → Rameshwaram)

I started early from Kanyakumari and reached Rameshwaram by Volvo Bus.
This route is comfortable, scenic, and passes through the coastal belt of Tamil Nadu.

• Travel Time: 7–8 hours
• Experience: Smooth ride + beautiful views
• Highlight: Crossing the Pamban Bridge — the ocean stretches endlessly on both sides

Once in Rameshwaram, I used Rented bike to explore all the temple zones, beaches, and Dhanushkodi.

By Train (Most Popular & Convenient)

Rameshwaram has its own railway station: Rameswaram (RMM).

Major direct trains come from:

• Chennai
• Madurai
• Kanyakumari
• Tiruchirappalli
• Coimbatore
• Bangalore (via Madurai or direct on certain days)

Why choose train?

• Comfortable and budget-friendly
• Easy temple-town access
• Best way to experience Pamban Sea Bridge

By Road (Scenic Coastal Drives)

You can reach Rameshwaram through the NH-49 East Coast Road.

Distances:

• Madurai → Rameshwaram: 170 km / 3.5 hours
• Kanyakumari → Rameshwaram: 300 km / 5–6 hours
• Chennai → Rameshwaram: 560 km / 10 hours

Best part: Driving over the Pamban Road Bridge — absolutely stunning views of the blue sea.

By Air (Nearest Airports)

There is no airport in Rameshwaram.
The nearest major airport is:

Madurai Airport (IXM)

• 170 km away
• 3–4 hours by road
• Regular flights from Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi

After landing, you can take:

• Taxi
• Bus
• Self-drive car

Local Transport in Rameshwaram (How to Move Around)

Auto Rickshaws

Most common and easiest for temple-hopping.

Rented Bike / Scooty

Best if you want freedom to explore all points from
Rama Teertham → Lakshman Teertham → Hanuman Temple → Pamban → Kunthukal → Dhanushkodi.

Government Minibus (Budget Option)

Operates between Rameshwaram → Dhanushkodi at fixed intervals.

Private Jeep / Van

Great for groups who want a comfortable half-day Dhanushkodi trip.

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Rameshwaram Itinerary (2 Days)

DAY 1 – Morning to Evening

Morning – Start Exploring

1. Rama Teertham
2. Sri Nambunayaki Amman Temple
3. House of Kalam
4. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial

Afternoon to Early Evening (5–8 Together)

5. Viloondi Teertham
6. Kunthukal Beach
7. Vivekananda House
8. Kunthukal Dock

Evening (Main Darshan)

9. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple
Perfect time for peaceful darshan. The corridor lights, cool air and calm atmosphere make the evening visit beautiful.

DAY 2 – Early Morning to Night Departure

Early Morning (Gate opens at 6 AM)

Start towards Dhanushkodi stretch right when the road opens.
10. Dhanushkodi – First stop for sunrise
11. Ruined Church – Cyclone-hit memories
12. Light House View Point – Panoramic views
13. Kothandaramar Temple – Surrounded by the sea
14. Jada Teertham – Quiet sacred pond

Afternoon to Early Evening

After Dhanushkodi stretch, return back to main town.

Afternoon

15. Lakshman Teertham
16. Ramar Padam (Gandhamadhana Parvatham) – Highest viewpoint
17. Krusadai Island Viewpoint / Info area (entry requires permission)
18. Pamban Bridge – Best photos in daylight

Early Evening (Golden Hour)

19. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple – Floating stones
20. Shrikrishna Pranami Mangal Mandir – Colourful temple
21. Nataraja Temple – Calm & spiritual
22. Agni Teertham – Peaceful seaside ending

Night Departure

Start from Rameshwaram late evening / night for your journey back to Chennai.

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Rameshwaram Trip Budget (Per Person)

Category	Cost (Approx) – INR
Chennai → Kanyakumari (Bus)	1200
Kanyakumari → Rameshwaram (Bus)	600 – 700
Rameshwaram → Chennai (Bus)	1200
Local Transport (Auto + Bike/Scooty)	300 – 600
Stay – Budget (Varthini Mahal or similar)	600 – 1200 per night
Food	350 – 700 per day
Dhanushkodi Transport (Jeep/Auto if not using bike)	150 – 300
Miscellaneous (water, snacks, small donations)	100 – 300
Total Approx Trip Cost	4500 – 6000

Travel Tips – Rameshwaram

1. Visit Dhanushkodi Early Morning

The road to Dhanushkodi opens around 6 AM, and this is the best time to visit.

• Cooler weather
• Soft golden light
• Fewer crowds
• Clearer sea colours

Avoid afternoon — too hot and windy.

2. Krusadai Island Boat Timing

If you want to visit Krusadai Island, you must take the official boat, and it usually runs only till 4 PM.
Plan your day accordingly.

3. Keep Enough Water & Sun Protection

Rameshwaram is extremely sunny. Carry:

• Water
• Cap/scarf
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

Especially on the Dhanushkodi stretch and open beaches.

4. Prefer Renting a Bike/Scooty

Best way to cover all points (1–22).
Autos are available but expensive for longer distances like Kunthukal or Dhanushkodi.

5. Visit Ramanathaswamy Temple in the Evening

Evening darshan is calmer and the corridors look beautiful with lighting.

6. Carry Extra Clothes if You Plan Teertham Visits

Many people take a dip at:

• Agni Teertham
• Lakshman Teertham
• Rama Teertham

Carry a towel + extra outfit.

7. Avoid Heavy Luggage

Most sightseeing is spread across the island.
If staying at Varthini Mahal, they keep bags even after checkout (your personal tip).

8. No Photography Allowed Inside Main Temple

Especially inside the Ramanathaswamy Temple corridors and holy wells.

9. Keep Cash & UPI Handy

Small temples, teerthams, tea stalls, and autos often prefer:

• UPI
• Cash
  No card usage usually.

10. Best Time for Pamban Bridge Photos

Early morning or before sunset — the water looks bright blue and photogenic.

For me, Rameshwaram wasn’t just a pilgrimage spot — it was a peaceful reset. The long temple corridors, the early morning breeze at Dhanushkodi, and the endless blue water felt like nature’s own way of healing and grounding me.