The main tourist attraction in Rameshwaram is the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The other places in Rameshwaram are the Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi, Kurusadai Island, Agnitheertham, Ramanathapuram and Rameshwaram Setu.

Ranganathaswamy Temple
Ranganathaswamy Temple is the famous temple at Rameshwaram. This temple is believed to have been built on the site where Rama worshipped Shiva in order to do penance for killing the Ravana, king of Lanka. This temple is one of twelve Jyotirlingas of India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity of this temple is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha. This temple is one of the most beautiful shrines in terms of sculptures. This temple rises above a lake as a vast rectangle about 1,000 feet long and 650 feet wide and covers an area of 15 acres. This temple belongs to the 12th century and was built by the different rulers over a period of time and was completely built after three centuries. One of the remarkable feature of the temple is its corridor. This corridor is the longest corridor in the country that extends to 1200 metres and is flanked on either side by ornate pillars. Each pillar is an

individual composition carved out of solid granite. Some of the leading architects have also described the temples as the most evolved of all Dravidian temples. There are twenty-two wells in the temple and the taste of the water in each well is different from each other. 

Ramanathapuram
The ancient town of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters of Rameshwaram. The Ram Vilas Palace of the Sethupati Rajas is a worth visiting place in Ramanathapuram. The oil portraits of the Rajas of the past centuries and the articulately designed ceilings and walls embellished with eighteenth century murals can be seen in this place. The meetings with the English to battle with the Marathas were also held at this place. 

Oriyur:
The Christian pilgrim centre, 60kms. From Ramnathpuram is the site of martyrdom of St. John De Britto, a Portuguese Jesuit better Known as ‘Arul Anandar’. A fine church here enshrines a statue of Arul Anandar.

Uthirakosamngai (72 kms.)
An ancient Shiva temple here enshrines the image of the presiding deity carved in emerald. Arudhra festival celebrated there in February – March every year attracts a large number of devotees.

Devipattinam (Navabashanam) (70 kms.)
Lord Rama is said to have worshipped the ‘Navagrahas’ at this coastal village. Hindus perform religious rites for their ancestors over here.

Kurusadai Island (20 kms.)
It lies to the west of Pamban Bridge, about 4 kms. from Mandapa. The Marine Biosphere here is a ‘paradise’ for the marine biologists and nature lovers.

Rameshwaram Setu
Rameshwaram Setu is located about 5 km south of the Ranganathaswamy temple. This is the place where the Lord Rama built the bridge across the sea to bring his consort, Sita back from Ravana, the king of Lanka. There is also a temple of Sri Anjaneya. In Devipatnam, or Navapashanam, also by the sea, there are nine stones visible at low tide. It is believed that they were set up by Sri Rama to represent the nine planets, the Navagrahas.