We all have some especial craze for abroad holidays because of the some breath taking location, striking beaches and many more things. But just imagine a place with waters so blue you don’t have a name for that colour; a place where the sand is soft and white, and littered with colourful seashells and starfish. A place where the wind floats through the palm trees and sings, and the morning rays are accompanied by the adieus of the fisherman and the priests call to prayer. Such a place does exist, not in Thailand or the Maldives or even in the exotic Andaman Islands, but off the coast of South East India, not very far from the bustling cities of Chennai and Bangalore. And we found this wonderful place, through a little serendipity and a little help from our friends.
Pamban
Pamban Island with the town of Rameshwaram is famous for two things; the Ramanathswamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the ghost town of Dhanushkodi.
To get to Pamban Island and the town of Rameshwaram
you have to take a train and cross the fantastic Pamban Bridge. I recommend doing it at least one way on the train bridge and one way on the bridge for cars and other transport. Opened in 1914, the bridge spans a two kilometre stretch, connecting mainland Tamil Nadu to the island of Pamban. The island, located in the ecologically rich Gulf of Mannar, was important in the 19th century due to British trade with Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and the possibilities of a bridge were discussed back in the late 1800s. The water has a shades of blue and green unlike anything I had seen before in India, dotted with tiny fishing boats and larger sea vessels, the air was clear and crisp.
Rameshwaram and the Shiva temple
If you are a history buff, religious or simply curious, a visit to the town of Rameshwaram and the Shiva temple, as well as gawking at the ghost town are recommended things to do. Built in the 12th C, the Ramanathswamy Temple is fairly typical in terms of form and structure, but it has the longest corridor amongst Hindu temples in India with intricately carved columns and pillars. Even if you are not religious, the temple with all its trappings is worth visiting. The island of Pambam, the old settlement of Rameshwaram, the amazing waters, clean beaches and the ghost town all make for a fantastic experience, and a great holiday.
Some Useful Information:
How to get there
Rameshwaram is well connect by train and road from Chennai, and by road from Bangalore, and due to its proximity to both is an ideal getaway for a long weekend
Where to stay
There are any number of small hotels and lodges in the town of Rameshwaram around the temple, but if you are looking for a relaxed beach experience in a slightly offbeat location we would recommend staying at Quest Expeditions property at Pamban, about 13 Kms away from Rameshwaram station (an auto to Pamban costs about Rs. 250 – 300).
Don’t Miss
A visit to the ghost town of Dhanushkodi is not to be missed
Rameshwaram is a typical bustling temple town but even if you aren’t the temple type, it’s definitely worth a visit as the temple itself is stunning, and seeped in history and mythology.
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Have look! The lady who makes amazing pies as sculptures!