In September 2025, we undertook a four-day journey through southern Tamil Nadu, tracing places associated with the Ramayana while also visiting several other ancient temples en route.

Day 1: Madurai to Rameswaram

We travelled by Vande Bharat to Madurai, and from there we hired a cab for the entire trip, ending at Nagercoil. In Madurai, we paid a visit to the magnificent Meenakshi Amman Temple.

From Madurai, we proceeded toward Rameswaram, stopping at the following places:

Devi Pattinam

According to local tradition, Lord Rama installed the Navagrahas here before beginning his mission to Lanka. The nine stones (we could see only 5) standing in the shallow waters continue to attract devotees seeking blessings before major undertakings.

Villundi Theertham

This serene coastal spot is associated with an episode from the Ramayana in which Rama is believed to have shot an arrow into the ground to provide drinking water for Sita. We tasted the sweet water from the well, which is located right next to the Bay of Bengal.

Gandhamadhana Parvatham (Ramar Paadam)

One of the most revered Ramayana sites in Rameswaram, this hilltop shrine contains footprints believed by devotees to be those of Lord Rama. The elevated location also provides panoramic views of the island. It is also believed that Hanuman leapt from this hillock toward Lanka.

Sakshi Hanuman Temple

This revered shrine is located about 3 km from the main Ramanathaswamy Temple, on the way to Gandhamadhana Parvatham. It marks the spot where Lord Hanuman presented the Choodamani (jewel) from Goddess Sita to Lord Rama as proof that he had found her alive in Lanka.

Agni Theertham

Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, this sacred bathing spot is where pilgrims traditionally take a dip before visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Ramanathaswamy Temple and the 22 Theerthams

The highlight of the day was the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of India’s most important pilgrimage centres.

According to tradition, after defeating Ravana, Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here to seek absolution. Pilgrims often take ritual baths in the temple’s 22 sacred wells, each believed to possess unique spiritual significance.

The temple’s long corridors, intricately carved pillars, and spiritual atmosphere make it one of the most remarkable temple complexes in India.

We stayed overnight at a homestay close to the temple in Rameswaram.

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Day 2: Dhanushkodi, Thirupullani, and Tiruchendur

Dhanushkodi

Standing at the edge of India, where land gives way to the Indian Ocean on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other, Dhanushkodi evokes powerful Ramayana imagery.

Tradition holds that this was the starting point of Rama’s bridge to Lanka, known as Rama Setu.

Kothandaramar Temple

This temple is associated with Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother, surrendering to Rama and seeking refuge before the war. It remains one of the most important Ramayana sites in the region.

Thirupullani

One of the most significant Ramayana locations in Tamil Nadu, Thirupullani is believed to be the place where Rama lay on a bed of darbha grass (pull in Tamil) while praying to Varuna, the god of the sea, seeking permission to cross to Lanka.

Uttarakosamangai Temple

Though not directly connected to the Ramayana, this ancient Shiva temple is renowned for its rich history and beautiful architecture. It also has a separate sannadhi dedicated to Saint Manikkavasagar.

Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Located along the seashore, Tiruchendur is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga.

We stayed overnight at Sivamurugan Lodge in Tiruchendur.

Day 3: Thirukkurungudi and Kanyakumari

Thirukkurungudi

This ancient Divya Desam is associated, through local tradition, with Lord Rama’s southern journey. It is believed that Rama worshipped Azhagiya Nambi Perumal here.

The temple enshrines Lord Vishnu in five distinct forms:

• Ninra Nambi (Standing)
• Irundha Nambi (Seated)
• Kidandha Nambi (Reclining)
• Thiruparkadal Nambi (located near the Nambi River, but open only during limited hours in the morning and evening)
• Thirumalai Nambi (located on a hilltop about 8 km away within a reserve forest, requiring a 3 km walk for the final stretch)

The main temple was undergoing renovation during our visit, and only the utsava murthis of the first three Nambi forms were available for darshan.

Kanyakumari

Our day concluded at India’s southernmost tip.

We visited:

• Kanyakumari Temple
• Ferry service to Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the Thiruvalluvar Statue
• Sunset viewpoint

A practical tip: there is no advantage in purchasing the special ferry ticket over the regular ticket, as both queues merge after a short distance.

Watching the sun set over the confluence of three seas was a fitting conclusion to another day filled with history, mythology, and devotion.

We stayed at Sivamurugan Lodge, a relatively new addition to the city.

Day 4: Sunrise, Suchindram, and Journey Home

The final morning began with a spectacular sunrise viewed from our hotel terrace in Kanyakumari.

Suchindram Temple

This famous temple is dedicated to the divine trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.

Local tradition associates the temple with the Ramayana and with Hanuman, whose towering idol remains one of the temple’s major attractions.

Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil

Our final temple visit was the unique Nagaraja Temple, known for its serpent-worship traditions and distinctive architecture.

Soon afterward, we boarded the Vande Bharat back to Chennai, bringing our Tamil Nadu Ramayana trail to a close.

Temple Dress Code Tips

Male visitors should note that shirts must be removed before entering the inner temple areas at Tiruchendur, Thirukkurungudi, Kanyakumari, Suchindram, and Nagaraja Temple in Nagercoil. Carrying a light towel or angavastram can be useful.

Tamil Nadu offers a remarkable pilgrimage route where sacred legends, ancient temples, and coastal landscapes come together to create an unforgettable experience.