About Rameswaram
Rameswaram is an island town at the tip of Tamil Nadu, a few hours by road from Trichy. It is one of the Char Dham, and the Ramanathaswamy Temple here is among the twelve Jyotirlingas.
The journey is part of the appeal, crossing the Pamban channel to an island of temples, fishing boats and narrow white-sand spits.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
The temple is famous for its corridors, with thousands of carved pillars running into the distance. Pilgrims bathe at the sacred theerthams inside before darshan. Carry a change of clothes and go early to avoid the longest queues.
Pamban and Dhanushkodi
The Pamban bridges link the island to the mainland across bright water. Dhanushkodi, destroyed by the 1964 cyclone, stands in ruins near the end of the road. Beyond it lies Arichal Munai, where the land finally runs out.
Remembering Dr Kalam
Rameswaram was the home town of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. His memorial at Peikarumbu and the family house museum are visited with real affection, and they make a thoughtful addition to a pilgrimage.
