Journeying from the tranquil beaches of Kovalam to the sacred shores of Rameshwaram offers you an exciting blend of nature, history, and spirituality. You can easily cover the 356 km distance (7.5 hours by road) from Kovalam to Rameshwaram by car, bus, train, and flight. Look at this comprehensive guide to pick the right mode in your budget and plan your trip.
Why travel from Kovalam to Rameshwaram?
The distance between Kovalam and Rameswaram is  356 km. Traveling from Kovalam to Rameshwaram is a unique journey as it combines the beach experience in Kovalam with a blend of scenic beauty, spiritual experiences, and a chance to explore pilgrimage site of Rameshwaram. The route crosses several quaint towns and villages in Kerala and Tamilnadu, providing a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of southern India as well as a chance tp experience the diverse cultures of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
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Regardless of where you visit it from, Rameshwaram is a great destination to explore!
Tucked on the Pamban Island, Rameshwaram is among the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India . It is a revered part of the Char Dham Yatra and is considered one of the Char Dham (four abodes) that Hindus believe everyone should visit in their lifetime. The Ramanathaswamy Temple here is famous for its magnificent architecture and the sacred Agni Theertham where pilgrims perform rituals.
Here are some reasons you must visit this wonderful destination in South India oozing spirituality and natural beauty!
- The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a legendary architectural marvel and features the worldâs longest temple corridor adorned with 1,212 pillars, each of which bears fascinatingly intricate carvings!
- Riding a train or driving on the Pamban Bridge, Indiaâs first sea bridge, is an exhilarating experience! And the fact that it offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other is a cherry on the cake!
- Rameshwaram has historical significance related to the Indian epic, the Ramayana, where it is believed to be the place from where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita.
- The scenic Adamâs Bridge, or Ramaâs Bridge, holds tremendous historical significance! Itâs the legendary bridge constructed by Lord Ramâs âVanar Senaâ (monkey army), during the events of Ramayana, by forming a link of limestone shoals bearing his name!
- Rameshwaram is also a great place to pay homage to the legacy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, one of the most beloved presidents and celebrated scientists of India!
- The beautiful Dhanushkodi Beach is frequented by a large influx of travelers for its exciting watersports, sunset views, and a tour of the famed ghost town!
- Beach lovers also love to visit the Sea Shell Museum to witness its collection of rare seashells from around the world!
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Best Beaches In Kerala
Best time to visit Rameshwaram
October to April is the best time to visit Rameshwaram. The weather is pleasant during this time with favorable winds, cool sea breeze, clear skies, and less humidity.
The temperature during this time ranges from 18°C to 28°C, ideal for sightseeing, temple visits, beach hopping, and outdoor activities.
ALSO SEE – Best Time To Visit Kovalam, Keralaâs Favorite Beach Town
How to reach Rameshwaram from Kovalam
While you can certainly get from Kovalam to Rameshwaram via car, taxi, bus, train, or even a flight, you need to remember that the last leg of your journey will involve crossing the Pamban Bridge overlooking the Indian Ocean on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other.
Youâll get to enjoy a variety of views of Tamil Naduâs countryside, forests lined with palm trees, rivers, backwaters, paddy fields, and charming towns!
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Check out all available transport options here and their estimated costs.
By car/taxi
Road travel is the most popular choice for reaching Rameshwaram since it offers flexibility, scenic beauty, and lets you explore at your own pace.
You can either drive there, take a taxi, or rent a vehicle. You can book a taxi from the nearest airport or railway station to Rameshwaram or book a prepaid cab online for more control over the type of vehicle and prices.
Estimated Kovalam to Rameshwaram taxi fare: Starting at INR 7,000 (one-way)
Estimated Kovalam to Rameshwaram rental cost: Starting at INR âš2,500 per day
The Nagercoil-Tirunelveli route is the best route to travel from Kovalam to Rameshwaram by car. The total distance is 360 km and youâll reach Rameshwaram in about 7.5 hours. You can visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the temples of Tirunelveli en route!
By bus
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) operate a regular bus service in these respective states, connecting all cities and towns.
These AC and non-AC buses run on a set schedule, so itâs easy and convenient to book a seat through the official websites of KSRTC and TNSTC.
However, there are no direct buses from Kovalam to Rameshwaram. You will first need to get to Trivandrum from Kovalam located 20 km (30 minutes) apart.
From Trivandrum, take a bus to Nagercoil and a connecting bus to Rameshwaram. Your total travel time might vary from 9-10 hours depending on the number of stops.
Estimated Kovalam to Rameshwaram bus fare: Starting at INR 400 (one-way)
*AC bus fare may be higher.
By train
There are no direct trains from Kovalam to Rameshwaram.
Trivandrum Central is the nearest railway station to Kovalam situated 12 km (18 minutes) away. From there, you can catch a train to Madurai Junction, and another train to Ramanathapuram, the coastal town connecting mainland India to Rameshwaram via the Pamban Bridge.
From Ramanathapuram, youâll need to take a taxi or bus to Rameshwaram (rail traffic on the Pamban Bridge was permanently suspended in December 2022).
Estimated Kovalam to Rameshwaram train fare: Starting at INR 600 (one-way)
AC coach fare would be higher.
You can book your respective trains from the official website of IRCTC. The total travel time by train would be about 10-15 hours.
By flight
If you don’t mind constantly switching modes of transport and spending a little extra, you can opt to travel to Rameswaram from Kovalam by air.
Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kovalam tucked 13 km (21 minutes) away. Madurai Airport is the closest airport to Rameshwaram located 180 km (3 hours) away.
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There is no direct flight between Trivandrum and Madurai. The fastest flight time between Trivandrum Airport and Madurai Airport (with 1 stop) is about 4 hours 20 minutes.
Estimated Trivandrum to Madurai airfare: Starting at INR 7,500 (one-way)
Alternatively, you can take a direct flight from Trivandrum to Chennai Airport and take a taxi, bus, or train for the remaining 537 km (9-hour) distance between Chennai and Rameshwaram.
Estimated Trivandrum to Chennai airfare: Starting at INR 2,700 (one-way)
Your flight time would reduce to 1 hour and youâd add significant road travel to your journey. However, the scenic views along the way will make up for it!
Kovalam to Rameshwaram travel tips
- Start early in the morning to avoid traffic and excessive crowds.
- List rest stops, restaurants, and tourist attractions along the way so that you can take adequate breaks.
- Keep light snacks and water bottles handy. Stay hydrated.
- Carry essentials like sunscreen, comfortable linen or cotton clothing, light walking shoes, power banks, flashlights, mosquito repellent, and a basic first-aid kit.
- Keep a tab on the weather forecast and live traffic updates.
- Ensure your vehicle is suited for a long journey. Get it serviced and check everything from tire pressure to fuel level and emergency kits.
- Avoid driving late at night, especially in remote locations, for safety and better visibility.
- Leave room for leisure activities and relaxation in your itinerary.
Your trip from Kovalam to Rameshwaram will be filled with wonderful experiences of culture, history, spirituality, and coastal charm. Book your trip via Iris Holidays to ensure a memorable holiday!
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