17 Things To Know Before Travelling to Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, Phone Code: +91
1. Destination Overview of Rameshwaram:
• Located in the southernmost tip of India, Rameshwaram is a popular pilgrimage destination known for its rich history and culture.
• It is famous for its Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Rameshwaram is also known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and delicious seafood.
2. What are the Fun things to do in Rameshwaram?
• Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple and participate in the daily rituals and ceremonies.
• Take a dip in the holy waters of Agni Theertham beach.
• Explore the former residence of former Indian President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
• Take a boat ride to Dhanushkodi, a ghost town destroyed by a cyclone in 1964.
• Try local seafood dishes at the local restaurants.
3. Best Places To Stay in Rameshwaram:
• Luxury Places: Hyatt Place Rameshwaram, Daiwik Hotels Rameshwaram, Hotel Vinayaga.
• Mid Range: Hotel Temple Towers, Hotel Brindavan Residency, Hotel Queen Palace.
• Budget Friendly: Hotel Pearl Residency, Hotel Island Star, Hotel Harish.
4. How to Travel to Rameshwaram?
• The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, which is around 175 km away from Rameshwaram.
• The nearest railway station is Rameshwaram Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
• Local transportation options include buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws.
5. Must Try Local Food and Drink in Rameshwaram:
• Some popular local dishes include fish curry, crab roast, and prawn masala.
• Rameshwaram is also known for its filter coffee and coconut water.
• Must-try seasonal fruit: Mangoes in the summer months.
6. Best Places to Eat in Rameshwaram:
• Sri Saravana Bhavan, Hotel MCM Towers, Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel Tamilnadu, and Rameshwaram Mess are some of the top-rated restaurants in Rameshwaram.
• Recommended dishes: Fish curry at Sri Saravana Bhavan, Crab roast at Fisherman’s Wharf, and Prawn masala at Rameshwaram Mess.
7. Weather and Climate:
• The best time to visit Rameshwaram is from October to April when the weather is pleasant.
• Monsoon season (July to September) should be avoided due to heavy rainfall.
• Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot and humid.
8. Local Customs and Etiquette in Rameshwaram:
• Dress modestly while visiting temples and other religious places.
• It is customary to remove your footwear before entering temples.
• Tipping is not common, but you can tip if you receive exceptional service.
9. Popular Scams in Rameshwaram:
• Beware of people trying to sell fake religious artifacts.
• Be cautious of touts offering discounted temple entry tickets.
• Avoid giving money to beggars as it may encourage them to continue begging.
10. Suggested Trip Duration:
• 2-3 days is a sufficient duration to explore Rameshwaram.
11. Total Estimated Budget Per Person:
• Stay: Rs. 1500-5000 per night depending on the type of accommodation.
• Food: Rs. 500-1000 per day.
• Activities: Rs. 500-1000 per day.
• Tickets: Entry to temples and other attractions range from Rs. 10-100.
• Total Estimated Budget Per Person: Rs. 5000-10,000 for a 2-3 day trip.
12. NearBy Cities:
• Madurai (175 km)
• Kanyakumari (310 km)
• Trichy (220 km)
13. Local Language and Communication in Rameshwaram:
• Tamil is the official language spoken in Rameshwaram.
• Some common phrases to know: “Hello” – Vanakkam, “Thank you” – Nandri, “How much?” – Evvalavu.
14. Accepted Currency and Money:
• Indian Rupee (INR) is the accepted currency in Rameshwaram.
• ATMs are available in the town center.
• Tipping is not common, but you can tip if you receive exceptional service.
15. Health and Medical Information:
• It is recommended to get vaccinated for common diseases like typhoid and hepatitis A before traveling to Rameshwaram.
• In case of a medical emergency, there are hospitals and clinics in the town center.
16. Packing Tips for Rameshwaram:
• Light, comfortable clothing suitable for hot and humid weather.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect from the sun.
• Modest clothing for temple visits.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
17. To sum up:
• Rameshwaram is a popular pilgrimage destination known for its rich history, culture, and delicious seafood.
• Must-try local dishes include fish curry, crab roast, and prawn masala.
• The best time to visit is from October to April, and a 2-3 day trip is sufficient to explore the destination.