The total time required for a round trip from Pune to Rameswaram ranges from 3 days (by air) to 6–7 days (by train or road), including a standard 1.5-day stay for darshan and sightseeing.
Because Rameswaram is an island with no airport of its own, your travel time is heavily influenced by the transfer at nearby hubs like Madurai or Trichy.
1. By Air (Fastest: 3–4 Days Total)
Since there is no direct flight, you must fly to the nearest airport, Madurai (IXM), and cover the remaining distance by road.
- Travel Time (One Way): ~8–10 hours (4–6 hours flight with a layover + 3.5 hours drive from Madurai).
- Round Trip Transit: ~16–20 hours total in transit.
- Recommended Itinerary: Leave Friday morning, reach Saturday morning, return Monday evening.
2. By Train (Budget-Friendly: 5–6 Days Total)
There are currently no direct trains from Pune to Rameswaram. You must book a train to Madurai or Vridhachalam and transfer.
- Travel Time (One Way): ~32–40 hours (e.g., Pune to Madurai is ~28 hours, plus a 4-hour connection).
- Round Trip Transit: ~64–80 hours total on tracks.
- Note: Trains like the Nagarcoil Express or Tirunelveli Express from Pune require a bus or local train transfer from Madurai to Rameswaram.
3. By Road (Self-Drive/Bus: 6–7 Days Total)
The distance is approximately 1,450 km one way via NH48.
- Driving Time (One Way): ~24–28 hours of pure driving.
- Practical Schedule: Most travelers break the journey in Bangalore or Salem. This makes it a 2-day drive each way.
- Round Trip Transit: ~4 days of driving (50–60 hours total).
Recommended Stay Duration
To fully experience Rameswaram, budget at least 36–48 hours on the island:
- Temple Rituals: 3–5 hours (including Agni Theertham bath, 22 Kunds bath, and Mani Darshan).
- Sightseeing: 6–8 hours for Dhanushkodi (Ghost Town), Pamban Bridge, and APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Flight Transfers: Madurai is the most convenient airport, but Trichy (TRZ) is a good secondary option if flight prices from Pune are lower.
- Darshan Timing: The Ramanathaswamy Temple closes between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Plan your arrival for early morning or late afternoon to avoid long waits.
- Pamban Bridge: Check the schedule of local trains if you want to see the train crossing the sea bridge; it is one of the most iconic sights of the trip.