Madurai and Rameshwaram 2N/3D: jyotirlinga darshan and the 22 theerthams

Highlights

• Meenakshi Amman temple darshan
• Spatika linga darshan at 5 am
• The 22 theerthams and Agni Theertham
• Dhanushkodi and Arichal Munai
• Pamban bridge viewpoint
• Works in reverse by train from Chennai

For families who want the Rameshwaram jyotirlinga and Meenakshi but only have a long weekend. Both nights are on the island, so the 5 am Spatika linga darshan and the theertham round are easy, and Dhanushkodi fits in before the road closes. Coming from Chennai by train, we simply run it the other way round.

Day-wise itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Madurai, Meenakshi darshan, drive to Rameshwaram

Pickup at Madurai airport or station in the morning. Darshan at the Meenakshi temple before it closes at 12:30 pm, then about four hours by road to Rameshwaram. Evening darshan at the Ramanathaswamy temple. Night at Rameshwaram.

Day 2: Spatika linga, the 22 theerthams and Dhanushkodi

Spatika linga darshan at 5 am, a sea dip at Agni Theertham, the 22 theerthams and main darshan. Late morning at Dhanushkodi and Arichal Munai. Evening free on the island. Night at Rameshwaram.

Day 3: Rameshwaram to Madurai, departure

Drive back to Madurai, with a stop at the Pamban bridge viewpoint. Evening darshan at Meenakshi if your train or flight is late, then drop at Madurai airport or station. You can also take the train straight out of Rameshwaram towards Chennai.

Coming by train from Chennai?

If you are coming from Chennai, take an overnight train straight to Rameshwaram and do the trip in reverse: Rameshwaram first, Madurai last. Trains have run onto the island again since the new Pamban bridge opened in April 2025, so you no longer need to change at Mandapam.

What's included and what isn't

Visa, costs, best time and travel tips: Madurai, Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari Tour Packages.