Rameswaram is not just a destination—it’s an emotion. Nestled on Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, this sacred coastal town beautifully blends spirituality, history, and the calming presence of the sea. During my stay, I chose The Residency Towers, Rameswaram, which turned out to be the perfect base to explore the town comfortably. Here’s my personal journey through some of Rameswaram’s most iconic places, along with food experiences and travel times from the hotel.
Stay Experience: The Residency Towers, Rameswaram
The Residency Towers is one of the most comfortable and premium hotels in Rameswaram, located close to the town center and major attractions. The rooms are spacious, clean, and calm—ideal after long sightseeing days. The in-house restaurant serves excellent South Indian vegetarian food along with multi‑cuisine options, which is very convenient in a pilgrim town. Its central location made daily travel easy and stress‑free .
The Residency Towers Rameswaram | Hotel in Rameswaram
Dhanushkodi – Where Two Seas Meet
Dhanushkodi felt surreal. Often called the ghost town, it lies at the southeastern tip of India, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. The abandoned railway station, broken church ruins, and endless blue waters make this place hauntingly beautiful. Standing there, with strong winds and waves on both sides, was one of the most memorable moments of my trip.
- Distance from hotel: ~20 km
- Travel time: 35–40 minutes by car
The drive itself is scenic, with the sea visible on both sides as you approach Dhanushkodi .
Pamban Bridge – A Drive Over the Sea
The iconic Pamban Bridge connects Rameswaram Island to mainland India. Watching trains pass over the sea and feeling the salty breeze while driving alongside the bridge is a unique experience. It’s a paradise for photographers and sunset lovers.
- Distance from hotel: ~12 km
- Travel time: 20 minutes
This historic bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks in Tamil Nadu .
Hanuman Temple (Five‑Faced Hanuman Temple)
The Panchamukhi (five‑faced) Hanuman Temple holds immense mythological importance. It is believed that the floating stones used to build Rama Setu are displayed here. The temple atmosphere is peaceful and spiritually uplifting.
- Distance from hotel: ~4 km
- Travel time: 10 minutes
The temple is easily accessible and often combined with nearby sightseeing spots .
Sita Kund
Sita Kund is a sacred water body associated with the Ramayana. It is believed that Goddess Sita bathed here. The place is calm, less crowded, and ideal for a short reflective stop during temple visits.
- Distance from hotel: ~3 km
- Travel time: 8–10 minutes
It’s usually visited along with other religious spots in the town .
APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial & Museum
Visiting the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial was deeply inspiring. From his childhood stories to his achievements as a scientist and President of India, the museum beautifully narrates the life of the “Missile Man of India.” It’s a must‑visit, especially for students and young travelers.
- Distance from hotel: ~5 km
- Travel time: 10–12 minutes
The museum is well maintained and informative, offering a proud glimpse into India’s scientific journey .
Rameswaram Beach
Evenings at the beach were pure bliss. Gentle waves, cool breeze, and a peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Sunrise and sunset views here are simply magical.
- Distance from hotel: ~2 km
- Travel time: 5 minutes
The beach is clean, calm, and ideal for a relaxed stroll .
Food Experience in Rameswaram
Food in Rameswaram is simple, flavorful, and soulful. Being a pilgrim town, vegetarian food dominates, especially traditional South Indian meals.
Must‑try dishes:
- Idli, dosa, vada with sambar and chutney
- Tamil vegetarian thali
- Rasam, curd rice, pongal
- Strong South Indian filter coffee
Most of my meals were at The Residency Towers’ restaurant, which offered hygienic and tasty food. I also explored local eateries near the temple area for authentic banana‑leaf meals .
Final Thoughts
Rameswaram is a place that touches your soul. From the raw beauty of Dhanushkodi to the inspiration of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s life, every moment here felt meaningful. Staying at The Residency Towers made the journey comfortable and well‑organized. If you’re looking for a destination that offers spirituality, history, nature, and peace all in one—Rameswaram should be on your travel list.
Until the next journey… 