Rameswaram lies in the state of Tamil Nadu, a town in Ramanathapuram district.   It is a small island in the Gulf of Mannar. It is 572 kms. from Chennai. It forms part of Adams Bridge, a series of coral reef islands connecting India and Sri Lanka. Rameswaram is one of the holiest place for Hindus. It is very important pilgrim centre. The Temple City is an island of 31 miles length and 7 miles width in the shape of Vishnu's Conch. A devout Hindu who visits Varanasi is expected to visit the Rameswaram also. Rameswaram is a holy place because Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, offered his thanks to Lord Shiva and worshipped to wash away his sin in killing the Demon King, Ravana. The temple is facing the east. The sea is  just 100 metres away from the main entrance to the Temple. The water at this place is considered sacred and is known as 'Agnitheertham'. The pilgrims bathe in this place before entering the Temple.
Rameswaram is known for its 22 theerthas or wells in and around the main temple, it is famous for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world, it is 197 metres long East-West, 133 metres in length South-North. The temple has a tower 38.4 metres high. This Shivastalam is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India. It represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India.
Other places of interest are the Gandamadana parvatam is a hill on the island, it also bears a shrine said to bear the footprints of Lord Rama. There are ideal picnic spots in Rameswaram. There are beautiful beaches at Olaikuda, Dhanushkodi and Pamban. The Olaikuda beach is 1 km from the main temple and veritable gardens of coral reefs offer a picturesque sight there, in  makes bathing in the sea safe and enjoyable. With diving glasses and respiration tubes, scuba diving is safe and possible.  Besides there is a thick growth of coconut palms on the beach. Flamingos, sea gulls and a variety of birds migrate to the Rameswaram Island during winter. It is a very important export centre of fishes, prawns and lobsters.