Rameswaram

Dhanushkodi Beach: One of the most exotic adornments in the vast coastline of Tamil Nadu is the picturesque Dhanushkodi Beach. A highly popular tourism hotspot, Dhanushkodi Beach is visited by lakhs of tourists every year from all over the world. This pristine beach is surrounded by the Gulf of Mannar on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other. Resting on the southern tip of Tamil Nadu, this amazing beach destination is a place rich in history, myths and beauty. The word Dhanushkodi means ‘Tip of the bow’. ‘Arichal Munai’ is the point at which the Indian Ocean meets the Bay of Bengal and the spot can be viewed from Dhanushkodi. It is believed that Lord Rama, from the Indian epic of Ramayana, pointed to the end of his bow and asked his troops to build a bridge across the ocean to reach the demon king Ravana’s Lanka. Ravana had abducted Rama’s wife Sita and Rama had to reach Lanka to rescue her. Thus this place occupies a significant and important position in Indian mythology and history. Extending up to 15 km in length, the Dhanushkodi Beach is one that often witnesses high tides. Despite this, the place is an ideal vacation spot for families, friends and solo travellers alike. The region also sees various migratory birds such as gulls and flamingos, adding to the natural bliss of the locale. Besides, various locations in and around Dhanushkodi are easily accessible from this beach, making it an all-round travel experience.

Ramanathaswamy Temple ; Ramanathaswamy temple is known for its imposing structure, majestic towers, intricate sculptural  works and corridors, making it an architectural marvel. The main deity worshipped in the temple is in the form of lingam. There is also an idol of Nandi, which is a massive statue, about 17.5 feet tall. Other deities worshipped here include Goddess Vishalakshi, Parvathavardhini, Lord Vinayaka and Lord Subrahmanya, Utsava idol, Sayanagriha and Perumal.The legend behind the temple is associated with Lord Rama from the Indian epic Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, after defeating the demon king Ravana, wanted to worship Lord Shiva as part of atonement. He asks Hanuman to bring him a Linga from Kashi. When Hanuman delayed his return, Goddess Sita made a Shivalinga using sand so that Rama could offer his prayers. It is believed that the self-same Shiva Linga, known as Ramalingam, is now worshipped at the Ramanathaswamy temple. The lingam brought by Hanuman from Kailash is called Vishwalingam. There are 22 Theerthams (holy water bodies) inside the temple where devotees bathe to atone for their sins.

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Memorial :Spread over 2.11 acres of land, the Abdul Kalam Memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) initiated the construction of the memorial to pay tribute to India’s missile man. Construction of the memorial began on the burial ground where Dr Kalam was laid to rest in 2015. The memorial has been structured through careful planning, taking into consideration Dr Kalam’s interests and likes. The entrance of the main gate looks similar to the India Gate, which also has a touch of the Chettinad style resembling the door of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. The main dome is a replica of the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. There is also a bronze statue of Dr Kalam playing the veena.  The memorial consists of four halls that reflect various facets of Dr Kalam’s life, including the Pokhran atomic test. There are replicas of rockets, missiles and paintings all of which highlight his association with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).  The garden outside the memorial resembles a Mughal Garden and is decorated with plants brought from Bangalore, Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. There are also other hand picked blossoms that accord with Dr Kalam’s taste.  This exemplary memorial and the well-thought-out efforts behind each segment was completed only in 25 days’ time.  The second phase of the memorial will incorporate a library, a planetarium and an auditorium. 

Pamban Bridge : The efforts for the construction of the Pamban rail bridge began as early as in the 1870s when the British government decided to expand trade connectivity to Sri Lanka. Stretching to about 2.2 km, and with 143 piers, it was officially commissioned in 1914. It is the second-longest sea bridge in India after Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The Pamban Rail Bridge works on the Scherzer rolling lift technology to allow ferry movement, which opens upwards at an angle of 90 degrees. The Pamban Bridge has always been marvelled at during the train journeys that offer jaw-dropping views of the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea.  Considered to be the longest brid

Viist Dhanushkodi Beach