Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple Location
Breakfast done, we head to Rameshwaram temple by an autorickshaw. We decided not to take car since parking around temple is a challenge.
Also do note that mobile phone, camera and bags are not allowed inside the temple.
We find a lady at a shop next to the temple who has a rudimentary locker system. So we keep our belongings there and visit the temple.
May be due to the odd timing, we find the temple less crowded.
Only picture of the temple
House of Kalam
Once temple visit is done, we take an auto to house of former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
The place is around a KM from the temple.
Location
Do note that Google Maps location of the place is wrong, I have suggested an edit to Google. Hence do check with the location if you are using the link above.
The plot in front of the house is developed into a mini shopping mall to cater to all the tourists coming there. I don't think late presidents family has anything to do with that.
There is limited parking here, however would suggest anyone coming, to catch an auto like we did.
House is on the lane behind the shopping complex
Rules for visitors
Timings
Narrow bye-lanes next to the house.
It is impressive for anyone to come out of this bye-lanes to occupy the highest position of the nation, all without any fingers being pointed at you.
Photography is not allowed inside the house. The house is divided into three sections, the ground floor is where the family stays and is out of bounds. Second floor has few photographs, paintings and books. While, third floor has a gift shop.
Do note that, Kalam memorial is not located at this place and its bit far off out of Rameshwaram town towards Pamban.
Since the place is near to our hotel, we decide to walk back. Once at hotel, we quickly pack and check out.
At 12:33 PM we start from the hotel and head to APJ Kalam memorial.
APJ Kalam memorial Location
The memorial is located next to main road and parking is next to the road on the opposite side of the memorial. We reach there by 12:45 PM.
View of memorial from across the road.
Photography is not allowed inside the memorial, found it bit strange though. For a man who lived a very organized life, the memorial is bit of a let down. Though it was unveiled only few months back, practicality wasn't given much thought I feel. There is no parking space, main entrance is closed and visitors are let in through a side door for whatever reason also, interior has already developed seepages.
I hope the place is maintained properly in coming months.
We start from memorial at 1:22 PM.