Where Rama Built His Bridge, and Shiva Resides as Mallikarjuna
A 5-day pilgrimage connecting two of the twelve Jyotirlingas across two states — Rameshwaram, on Tamil Nadu's southeastern coast, and Srisailam, deep in the Nallamala forest of Telangana — bridged by the great temple city of Madurai and a short domestic flight to Hyderabad.
The journey opens at Rameshwaram, one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites for Hindus, associated with the Ramayana legend of Lord Rama building a bridge to Lanka to rescue Sita. The Ramanathaswamy Temple here, famed for its extraordinarily long corridors, is the eighth Jyotirlinga, and is visited alongside Gandhamadhana Parvatham and the dramatically wind-swept ghost town of Dhanushkodi.
From Rameshwaram, the route continues to Madurai for the Meenakshi Amman Temple — one of South India's most magnificent living temple complexes, with towering gopurams covered in thousands of sculpted deities — along with Koodal Azhagar Temple and Alagar Koyil.
A short flight brings the journey to Hyderabad, the base for a day trip to Srisailam — the ninth Jyotirlinga, where the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple is revered both as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva and as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of the Goddess Parvati, a rare dual significance shared by very few temples in India.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Arrive at Madurai Airport or railway station, where you'll be met by our representative and driven to Rameshwaram (172 km, ~3 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel. Rameshwaram, home to the eighth Jyotirlinga, is one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites for followers of the Hindu faith. According to Hindu mythology, it was from here that Lord Rama built a bridge to Lanka to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
After breakfast, visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple — the eighth Jyotirlinga, renowned for its extraordinarily long pillared corridors, among the longest of any temple in India. Continue to Gandhamadhana Parvatham, the highest point in Rameshwaram, offering panoramic views of the town and coastline, and Dhanushkodi — a dramatically wind-swept former town at the very tip of the Tamil Nadu coast, abandoned after a devastating 1964 cyclone and now a hauntingly atmospheric stretch of sand between two seas. In the afternoon, check out and drive to Madurai (172 km, ~3 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel. Later, visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, and Alagar Koyil.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Madurai Airport to board your flight to Hyderabad (flight time approximately 1 hour 35 minutes). On arrival at Hyderabad, transfer to your hotel, with the rest of the day free for independent activities or rest after travel.
After breakfast, proceed to Srisailam — the ninth Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva (approximately 215 km, ~4 hours each way). The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple here is one of the greatest Shaivite shrines in India, and is also revered as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas of Goddess Parvati — a rare dual significance held by very few temples in the country. On arrival, visit the temple complex and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. In the afternoon, drive back to Hyderabad.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Hyderabad Airport for your onward journey. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 4 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Domestic flight, Madurai to Hyderabad
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all road transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Madurai or Hyderabad (excluding the included Madurai-Hyderabad flight)
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at temples and attractions
- ✗ Special/VIP darshan fees at any temple (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures for temple sightseeing across all three destinations. Rameshwaram and Madurai, being coastal/southern Tamil Nadu, stay warm year-round (rarely below 22°C) but are most pleasant outside the peak summer months of April–June. Srisailam, in the Nallamala forest of Telangana, is best avoided during the heaviest monsoon weeks (July–August) when the Krishna River can flood the approach roads.
Direct flights between Madurai and Hyderabad operate on select days with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 35 minutes; if a direct service isn't available on your travel date, a short connection via Chennai or Bangalore may be required. We book this flight on your behalf and will confirm the most convenient routing once your travel dates are finalised.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can extend Hyderabad's own sightseeing (Charminar, Golconda Fort), add Tiruchendur, or adjust the pace at Rameshwaram. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–28°C) for the ghats, boat rides, and temple queues. April–June is hot on the Gangetic plain (up to 42°C); the monsoon (July–September) raises the Ganges considerably, which can affect ghat access in both cities.
The new Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir draws very large crowds, particularly on weekends and during festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali. We schedule darshan with queue time built into the itinerary; carrying a valid photo ID is recommended, as security screening is in place at the main temple complex.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Lucknow, or swap Chitrakoot for additional time in Prayagraj. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
