Rameswaram Temple

Why Rameswaram Temple is special
This Shiva-dedicated temple is one of the holiest religious sites in India. It's a must-do Hindu pilgrimage and has some remarkable design elements.

Top 3 Rameswaram Temple attractions
Corridors
These ornate and colorful passageways measure 1.2 kilometers (3/4 mile) in overall length. They dwarf visitors (see sitting person) and are dramatically lined with 4,000 huge sculpted pillars.

Geporams
Four of these skyscraping towers serve as gateways. They are elaborately carved.

Wells
To the faithful, they have both therapeutic and spiritual qualities.

Top runner-up
It's the Nandi statue, the bull of Lord Shiva. It stands about 6 meters (20 feet) high.

More Rameswaram Temple tips & insights
Ramayana link
Rameswaram Temple is closely associated with the 11th Hindu epic poem Ramayana. After Rama defeated the bad King Rawana in Sri Lanka, he came here to thank Shiva, who in gratitude made the site sacred.

Location in India
Rameswaram Temple is 60 kilometers (37 miles) by road from the Tamil Nadu capital, Chennai. As the seabird flies, it's only 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Sri Lanka.