Pilgrim

Puri

State

Puri, one of the oldest cities in eastern part of India, is a popular beach resort of Orissa that is positioned in a unique place that provides a visitor view of both sunrise and sunset from the beach. Puri is also famous for its annual Rath Yatra (Festival of Chariots), when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. It has dual identities of a relaxed seaside resort and of an important pilgrimage centre.

History

Puri is the site of the Govardhana matha, one of the four cardinal institutions established by Sri Adi Shankara Charya, the others being those at Sringeri, Dwaraka and Jyotirmath.

Puri is also famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or "Festival of Chariots", when the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. This festival occurs on various dates of the Gregorian calendar, typically in the month of July.

The town is famous for its many Mathas (monasteries of the various Hindu sects). It also houses the relics of many Hindu Saints as traditionally it is seen as a holy place to die in or to be cremated. As a result, it has had a disproportionate number of widows. Like other old Hindu religious towns it has a lot of character that is difficult to be glimpsed or picked up on easily by a casual visitor.

In 1903, Sri Yukteswar established an ashram in the sea-side town of Puri, naming it "Kararashram". From two ashrams, Sri Yukteswar taught students, and began an organization named "Sadhu Sabha."

Sri Yukteswar and his disciple, Paramahansa YoganandaLocation: Puri, Orissa State, East India.

Puri is a holy city in the State Of Orissa. It is well connected by National Highway No.203 starting from Rasulgarh of "BHUBANEHSWAR" (State Capital) mail and express trains by Indian Railways and airport, at about 57 km. from Bhubanehswar.

Accessibility

Air: Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Puri, which is nearly 56 km away from the heart of the Puri city. It costs about Rs 900 by taxi cab. The airport is connected to Delhi and Mumbai. International travelers need to get connections through Delhi or Kolkata.

Rail: Puri is a major railway junction. Regular direct train services are available from Puri to many cities in India, including Bhubaneshwar, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

Road: Orissa road transport corporation buses connect Puri to many cities in Orissa. Frequent bus services are available from Bhuvaneshwar (56 km), Cuttack (32 km) and Konark. Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) offer deluxe buses for sight seeing tours in Puri, which costs about Rs 250 per person.

Shopping

Puri is a wonderful place for shopaholics. In fact, it is one of the most common activities that travelers indulge in. You can check out numerous shops in the streets of Puri, which display fabulous Indian handicraft items, stone crafts and silver works. Apart from this, you can get the best deal for shoes, designer clothes, bags and other accessories as well. Beach-side shops often sell products made from shells, at reasonable prices. Sarees of Puri are famous, so it would be a delight for female travelers to move around shopping, in Puri.

Puri is a very popular destination in Orissa. For the discerning shopper, shopping in Puri may turn out to be a true delight. The state of Orissa has a rich tradition of handicrafts.

Being a beachside destination, shells and oyster are available in abundance in Puri. Over the years the ace craftsmen have perfected the art of making artifacts out of shells and oysters. A variety of utilities, decorative showpieces are definitely a feast to eyes and may leave you spoilt for choice. Do pick up a few items while shopping in Puri.

Weaving saris is a traditional craft of Orissa. Even in Puri you would find many outlets dealing in textiles where shoppers flock in large numbers. Do check out the exquisite Passapali, Bomkai and Ikat saris while shopping in Puri.

Palm leaf painting, Patta Chitra is also a popular craft in Orissa. The craft has earned worldwide renown. The item serves well to decorate the interior of your home. An item or two must feature in your shopping cart in Puri.

At the same time, stone crafts and silver works are also favorite items for shopping in Puri.

Accommodation

Puri, being the abode of Lord Jagannatha, is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage centers for Hindus in India. The land of many temples attracts huge number of tourists every year.

Alongside the temples, Puri is famous for its beaches too. Although Puri is not a typical beach resort, but the lure of sun, sand and surf is also an enduring lure for many.

Since Puri is a popular destination, there are a large number of hotels in Puri. Some hotels in Puri offer you high-end luxury and comfort. Some hotels are located close to the beach whereas others are in the city.

In the luxury hotels in Puri, you would find state of the art amenities like: well-furnished room, multi-cuisine restaurants conference halls, shopping arcade, swimming pool, well equipped gym, children parks, tennis courts and other indoor and outdoor games. They offer different categories of rooms too. From elegant suites to ethnic villas - choice is yours as per your taste and budget.

But it is not that all the hotels in Puri are expensive ones. In fact there are several other economy hotels in Puri to suit your budget if you wish to spend less on accommodation. There are lots of options that offer decent arrangement at a modest price.

Some hotels in Puri have great dining facilities too. A number of good restaurants and bars are available in Puri. The cuisine is definitely a gourmet's delight.

LUXURY HOTELS IN PATNA
Toshali Sands
Mayfair Beach Resort
BUDGET HOTELS IN PATNA
Hans Coco Palms
Hotel Arya Palace, Puri

Attractions

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Rath Yatra, which is also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of the most prominent festivals of Orissa, which is celebrated in the holy city of Puri. ‘Rath Yatra’ has derived its name from the words ‘Rath’, meaning ‘Chariot’, and ‘Yatra’, meaning ‘Procession’. This festival is celebrated with gusto in almost every part of the country. However, it was initiated in Jagannath Temple and it still attracts devotees from different parts of India. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is a very colorful festivity, in which people participate enthusiastically.

In the yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, enshrined in the Sri Mandira, are brought out and placed on their respective chariots. These chariots are then pulled by the devotees and the idols are taken to Gundicha Temple. The deities stay at this temple for seven days and then, return to Sri Mandira, in a similar procession. Before the procession starts, Gajapati (the ceremonial King of Puri) comes and cleans the chariots with a golden broom and then, sprinkles holy water on them.

Originally, the local king used to sweep the road on which procession was to take place with a golden broom, proclaiming to be the Lord’s first servant. Rath yatra has been gaining popularity and drawing more and more devotees year after year. It is believed that it is very auspicious if one manages to catch even a glimpse of Lord Jagannath on the chariot. People also hold a belief that the one who manages to touch the chariot, or even the ropes with which it is pulled, is bestowed with the results of several pious deeds for ages.

Puri Beach Festival

One of the most popular festivals of Orissa is the Puri Beach Festival. Fun lovers look forward to celebrating this festival every year at one of the holiest cities of India. The credit for conducting the wonderful Puri Beach Festival goes to the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa (HRAO). It is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; the Department of Tourism, Government of Orissa; Development Commissioner of Handicrafts and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center; Calcutta.

A variety of cultural events take place at the festival, ranging from fashion shows to various music shows. Puri Beach Festival, held at the beautiful beach of the holy city, is a delight not just for locals, but also for the tourists. It is a four-day long annual festivity that is hosted in the month of November. This festive occasion has been attracting more and more visitors every year. So, if you are planning a tour of Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, make sure you don’t miss being a part of the fabulous Puri Beach Festival.

Things to do

Pilgrimage
Since Puri is famous for its Lord Jagannath Temple, you should not miss to pay visit this religious site. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), the temple exemplifies the magnificence of ancient Indian architecture. The best time to visit the temple is during the Rath Yatra in July, because that is when the air is filled with festivity.

Nature Walk
Puri beaches are the best places to catch a glimpse of the blazing sun rising in the east. For the same, you may head towards the sea shore in the morning, whenever the time of sunrise is predicted. After witnessing the beautiful scene, you can enjoy taking a stroll along the shore and catch a breath of fresh air!

Boating
Cruising in the sparkling water of the sea can be a fun-filled experience for travelers coming to Puri. You can take a boat ride in the sea and catch a glimpse of the picturesque beauty of the town, while on board.

Fishing
Apart from fishermen, amateurs are also seen thronging the beaches of Puri, to catch fishes. So, fishing is also a wonderful thing to do in Puri. In fact, it would serve as a nice pastime during a weekend getaway trip to Puri.

Other Beach Activities
You can indulge in a number of beach activities, while staying in Puri. There, you can have the pleasure of playing a number of adventurous water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, swimming etc. Sun bathing is yet another activity popular in the beaches of Puri.

District
Puri
STD Code
06752
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
One of the four holiest points of pilgrimage for Hindus

Yana

State

Yana or Bhairavakshetra is an important pilgrimage center that has also become a popular rock climbing destination. It is situated in the beautiful evergreen forests in the Sahyadri range. The region offers variety of rock formations, rugged mountains, trickling waterfalls and a holy temple.

History

A popular legend associated with Yana holds that Bhasmasura, an evil demon, performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the power of reducing to ashes anybody on whose head he placed his hand. An ungrateful Bhasmasura, however, soon decided to test the boon on his benefactor. Devotees believe that when Bhasmasura pursued Shiva with the intention of destroying him, Shiva took abode in the Bhairaweshwara peak at Yana. Legend has it that the other peak is called Jaganmohini in honour of Vishnu, who took the form of Mohini and saved Lord Shiva's life.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim (Goa), around 210 km from Yana.

By Rail: The nearest railway station from Yana is Kumta.

By Road: Frequent buses are available from the city to either Sirsi or Kumta. From the Bangalore airport cabs services are available as well. The KSRTC (Karnatake State Road Transport Corporation) and many private buses that ply frequently from Bangalore.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation at Yana. It is suggested to stay at Kumta or Sirsi.

District
Uttara Kannada
Termperature
Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Dantewada

State

Dantewada, to the south of Bastar, derives its name from its presiding deity, Devi Danteshwari, the Goddess worshipped as an incarnation of shakti (strength). It is believed to be one of the 52 sacred shakti peethas of Hindu mythology. Traces of Buddhism and Jainism dating back to the 3 rd century AD can be seen here.

History

Before Indian Independence, the district was part of the princely state of Bastar. After Indian Independence in 1947, Bastar's ruler acceded to the government of India, and the erstwhile state became part of Bastar District of Madhya Pradesh state. Bastar District was divided into the districts of Bastar, Dantewada, and Kanker in 1999. In 2000, Dantewada was one of the 16 Madhya Pradesh districts that constituted the new state of Chhattisgarh. Dantewada has further been bifurcated in the year 2007 resulting into a new district Bijapur with 4 Tehsils namely Bijapur, Bhairamgarh, Usoor & Bhopalpatnam.

Accessibility

Air

The nearest Air terminal is Raipur.

Rail

South Eastern Railway is running a regular train (ordinary) from Vishakha Pattanam to Bailadila which passes through the beautiful Araku Vally, and stops a while at Dantewada before reaching its destination Bailadila.

Road

Dantewada is connected with Jagadalpur the nearest town, by State Highway No.9. MPSRTC runs regular services from almost all the big cities of Chatthisgarh, like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg and Rajnandgaon to Bailadila, which goes through Dantewada. Apart from MPSRTC private luxury buses are also being run from all these cities to Bailadila which passes through Dantewada. Dantewada is also connected by road to Hyderabad, the capital city of the neighboring state Andhra Pradesh on which APSRTC is running its bus service regularly.
Jagdalpur - 87, Raipur - 383, Durg - 421, Rajnadgaon - 462, Bilaspur - 499, Hyderabad - 560

STD Code
07856

Hatkoti

Hatkoti, called as the Valley of Stone Temples, is situated on the banks of the river Pabbar and is abode of Goddess Mahishasurmardidni (incarnation of goddess Durga) and has many stone temples. According to the Hindu mythology makes Hatkoti a place fit to be a pilgrimage with the convergence of the three water streams.

History

Hatkoti is believed to be the place where a fight took place between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In the Mahabharat epic, the Pandava brothers are believed to have lived here.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Hatkoti is Jubbarhatti in Shimla, which is at a distance of 126 km from Hatkoti. Taxi cabs are available from airport to Sarahan at a rate of Rs 1,600. The nearest International Airport is Delhi.

Rail: The nearest major railway station is at Shimla, which is at a distance of 104 km from Hatkoti. Taxi and Jeep services are available from Railway station to Hatkoti. It costs about Rs 1,400.

Road: Hatkoti is connected to nearby cities through Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses. Buses are available from Rampur (103 km) and also from Dehradun, Shimla and Jubbal.

Accommodation

One can stay at the Forest Rest House nearby or in one of the few hotels, which have mushroomed lately. Those looking for luxuries can go to Rohru, 10-km away from Hadsar.

District
Shimla
STD Code
0177
Termperature
Summer 13 to 23°C, Winter -4 to 13°C
Best time to visit
March to November

Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib is a bustling town situated on the bank of the river Yamuna, is famous for a Gurudwara dedicated to the tenth sikh guru, Gobind Sigh, who spent five years here. It recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from Paonta meaning "foot", either because he set foot on this place or, according to an alternate story, he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot called "Paonta" while bathing in the Yamuna river.

History

The land was discovered by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, who was encouraged by Raja Maidini Prakash of Sirmour to leave his home town of Anandpur Sahib at the age of 16 to take up meditation in this place. He also taught many of his disciples here. A Gurudwara (called the Paonta Sahib Gurdwara) has been built over the very same spot on the banks of the river where Guru used to meditation. It is believed that the rushing waters of the Yamuna became silent while flowing by so that the Guru would not be disturbed.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport in Himachal is Jubbarhatti 145 km.

Rail: Nearest broad guage line is Yamunanagar 56 km.

Road: Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the people.
Distance: Nahan 45 km., Shimla to Paonta Sahib 258 km., Chandigarh to Paonta Sahib 132 km.

Getaways
Things to do

Trekking
Trekking is a popular activity here. One of the more popular trekking trails include the scenic spot at Choordhar, meaning ‘silver bangle mountain’. It is more than 3,600m above sea level. Equally interesting are certain other less traveled trekking routes, but are well accessed with the help of a competent guide.

STD Code
0177
Best time to visit
March to November
Famous For
Paonta Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination for Sikhs and Hindus.

Rewalsar

Rewalsar is a small town on the banks of Lake Rewalsar and is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was from here that the great Indian teacher and `Tantric` Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche, the Precious Master, it was under Padmasambahava`s influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.

History

Located on a mountain spur, an hour's drive from Mandi brings you to this jewel like lake. With water, woodland and high hills, it presents a variety of natural beauty and the spot is sacred for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. It was here that the great Indian teacher and tantric, Padmasabhava left for Tibet. Known to the Tibetans as Guru Rimpoche - the Precious Master. It was under Padmasambahava's influence that Mahayana Buddhism spread over Tibet. There are islands of floating reed on Rewalsar Lake and the spirit of Padmasabhava is said to reside in them. It is here that the sage Lomas did penance in devotion to Lord Shiva, and the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh also resided here for one month.

Accessibility

Air

The closest airport from Manali is Bhuntar, which is around 63 km from the town of Mandi.

Rail

The closest railhead is in Kiratpur which 125 km away from the town of Mandi.

Road

Rewalsar is 24 km by road from Mandi. Taxis and buses are available at Mandi.

Accommodation

The HPTDC Rewalsar Inn has quiet good accommodation facilities. Even Drikung Kagyud Gompa and Nyinggmapa Gompa also offer some good basic rooms for staying.

Attractions

Sisu fair
The Sisu Fair is an annual fair held in February/March at Rewalsar.

Tsechu Fair
The Tsechu Fair is held in Rewalsar to commemorate the birthday of Padmasambhava. In 2004, this fair was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, the religious guru of the Tibetans and was attended by Urgyen Trinley Dorje Karmapa along with 50,000 other Buddhist pilgrims.

The fair is being celebrated for centuries by Buddhist devotees to commemorate the birthday of their guru, Padama Sambhava, on the 10th of the first month of every new year, according to the Tibetan Calendar (10th of Dawa Thangpo).

District
Mandi District
STD Code
01905
Best time to visit
May to October

Tabo

Tabo, holds a special place in the hearts of Buddhist, is a small town on the banks of the Spiti River. It is also referred as "Ajanta of the Himalayas". The town surrounds a Buddhist monastery which, according to legend, is said to be over a thousand years old. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has expressed his desire to retire to Tabo, since he maintains that the Tabo Monastery is one of the holiest.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mo-pop/6557198455/in/photostream

Accessibility

Air: One can reach Kullu by air, and take up the roadways to reach Tabo, which is 295 kms from Kullu.

Rail: Nearest railhead lies at Kalka, around 455 km away.

Road: Tabo can reached by road from Manali and Shimla. From Manali, Tabo is around 250 Km, and takes around 12 hours. Shimla is 365 kms from Tabo, and it takes more than a day to reach Tabo from Shimla.

Accommodation

There are a few hotels in Tabo, of which the Banjara Camps retreat is the most luxurious. The temperatures here plummet at night. There are other hotels and hostels like Tashi Gangsar, Menthok Dumra at Tabo, including the monasteries own guest houses.

District
Lahaul & Spiti
STD Code
01906
Termperature
Summer 14 to 20°C, Winter -5 to 23°C
Best time to visit
Apr - Sep

Renuka

Renuka is a sacred place that attracts tourists and pilgrims alike in Himachal Pradesh, famous for enchanting Renuka Lake. Acoording to a local legend, when the evil Sahasarjuna killed sage Jamadagini and attempted to abduct the latter's wife, Renuka, she threw herself into these waters. The gods brought her back to life, and consequently, this lake is considered to be her embodiment.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33504231@N03/3121631709/

History

Renuka got its name from the Renuka Lake, which is located in this place. The Renuka Lake is considered as the embodiment of the wife of sage Jamdagini and the mother of Parashurama, Renuka ji. The mythological story goes that the devil Sahasarjuna had killed the sage Jamdagini and tried to abduct his wife Renuka. She flung into the water to save herself from the devil. The gods later restored her and the lake is regarded as her embodiment. The lake, with a profile of a woman, has a circumference of 2.5 km. It is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is fed by the underground springs.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airports are at Chandigarh (95 km), and Dehradun(126 km). The nearest airport in Himachal is Jubbarhatti 158 km.

Rail: The nearest railheads are at Ambala (95 km), Dehradun, and Chandigarh. Nearest broad guage line is Yamunanagar 106 km.

Road: Renukaji is 335 km from Delhi. Taxis/buses are available for Renukaji at all places.

Distances : Nahan 36 km., Shimla to Renuka 165 km., Delhi to Renuka Lake 315 km. Chandigarh to Renuka Lake 123 km.

Getaways
Accommodation

There are ample accommodation options available in Renuka. There are the standard hotels as well as the economy hotels to cater to the accommodation needs of the tourists to Renuka. Other options like the resorts and forest rest houses are also available at Renuka. The Himachal Pradesh Tourist development Corporation also caters to the needs of the tourists.

Attractions

Renuka Fair
The reunion of mother and son is celebrated at the annual Renuka Fair in November where people come to seek the goddess' blessings for a happy and prosperous family life. Caps and turbans are exchanged as symbols of brotherhood. Processions of twelve local gods visit the Devi's temple during the fair. A number of food kiosks and entertainment pavilions are also set up for visiting pilgrims.

Things to do

Lion Safari: Directly adjacent to the zoo is the Lion Safari, a large enclosure. An armoured van is the preferred means of observing these big cats, from a close range.

District
Sirmaur District
STD Code
01702
Best time to visit
April to June and September to November

Kurukshetra

State

Kurukshetra, meaning "the field of righteousness", is an ancient holy pilgrimage place owing to sacred association with the Vedas and the Vedic Culture. It was here that the battle of Mahabharat was fought and Lord Krishna preached his Philosophy of 'KARMA' as enshrined in the Holy Bhagwad-Gita, to Arjuna at Jyotisar. It is intimately related to the Aryan civilization and its growth along the Saraswati river.

History

Kurukshetra was named after the adventurous King Kuru, the ruler of the Bharat dynasty and the ancestor of the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The famous battle of Mahabharata between the Kauravas and the Pandavas is believed to have been fought on the land of Kurukshetra. This town is the birth place of the Bhagwad Gita and has the imprint of Lord Krishna’s footsteps.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest Airports are at Delhi and Chandigarh, which are connected to Kurukshetra by road and rail. Taxi services are also available from the airports. Delhi international airport is air connected to all major cities in India and abroad. Delhi is at a distance of 160 km from Kurukshetra, for which taxi charge is about Rs 2,000.

Rail: Kurukshetra is a major railway junction connected to all important railway stations in the country.

Road: Haryana Roadways Buses and other neighboring State Corporation buses connect Kurukshetra to other cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and other important places. Buses connecting to Delhi (160 km), Ambala (40 km) and Karnal (39 km) are frequently available. Private A/C buses charge about Rs 1,500 for Delhi-Kurukshetra trip.

Accommodation

One of the most valued duties of the host town of Kurukshetra has been to set up stations for halt of pilgrims.

Neelkanthi Krishna Dham Yatri Niwas:
This complex of Haryana Tourism is a recent construction and a few kilometres from the Railway Station as also a short drive from the National Highway#1.

Krishna Dham:
It has a central open courtyard, with guest rooms and dormitories built round it.

Panchayat Bhawan (Kurukshetra):
It also has accommodation wings.

Parakeet at Peepli:
Another tourist complex of Haryana Tourism where tourists may opt for air-conditioned accommodation is Parakeet at Pipli, some 5 km from Kurukshetra town. It lies on the National Highway number one, some 109 km from Chandigarh.

Attractions

Gita Jayanti Celebrations
Every year the birth of Srimad Bhagwad Gita is celebrated as the Gita Jayanti. A visit to Kurukshetra during the festival is an exhilarating and spiritual experience. The environment of the town is imbued with sanctity.

Celebrating this philosophy of selfless Karma, the Gita Jayanti presents Bhagwad Gita recitals, 'aarti' and 'deepdaan' at Brahma Sarovar, 'shloka' recital and quiz, 'shobha yatras' and seminars on the importance of Gita in today's world. Free medical camps, book exhibitions and 'bhajan' recitals in classical tradition are organized.

District
Kurukshetra District
STD Code
01744
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Famous Hindu Pilgrimage

Rameswaram

State

It is located on an island separated from mainland India by the Pamban channel and is less than 40 kilometers from the Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. Together with Kashi, it is considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages. Hence, it is a bustling pilgrim centre.

History

According to the Hindu mythology i.e. the story of Ramayana Lord Rama performed thanksgiving rituals to Lord Rama after the battle at Sri Lanka and his triumph over the demon king Ravana. Owing to this Rameshwaram attracts Vaishnavites (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Saivites (worshippers of Lord Shiva) alike. Sri Lanka is at a distance of 24 kilometers from Rameshwaram. In fact the entire area of Rameshwaram is associated with various incidents from the Ramayana. Rameshwaram happens to one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India.

Accessibility

By Air: Madurai is the nearest airport to Rameshwaram, which is located at a distance of 163 km away from Rameshwaram.

By Rail: Rameshwaram (Mandapan station just 2 km away) is well connected by rail with many south Indian cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Thanjavur and Trichy.

By Road: Tamil Nadu Road Transport Corporation buses connect Rameshwaram with all cities in Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari, Madurai, Trichy and Thanajvur.

Accommodation

For the tourists accommodation is not an issue at Rameshwaram. There are several hotels, lodges, cottages and hostel that provide ample services and facilities for a comfortable stay. The pilgrims may opt for the dormitory service at the temple.

District
Ramanathapuram
STD Code
04573
Termperature
Summer 30-35°C, Winter 17-27°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Seat of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India, where Lord Rama woshipped.