Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram Entry Fee
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Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram Phone
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Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram Address: Dhanushkodi Road, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, 623526, India
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, a renowned scientist and former president of India, has made an indelible mark on the country. His contributions to India’s science and defence capabilities are unparalleled. It earned him the nickname “Missile Man of India.” And to commemorate his legacy, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Memorial in Rameshwaram was built.
Through various exhibits, the memorial provides a glimpse into the life of this eminent scientist. It houses a life-sized bronze statue of Dr. Kalam. You can see replicas of rockets and missiles he worked on. A few personal belongings of Dr. Abdul Kalam have also been kept here.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, is a convergence of education, science and patriotism. It stands as the memory of a man who inspired millions.
Where is the memorial of APJ Abdul Kalam?
Dr. Abdul Kalam was born and brought up in Rameswaram. And after his death, he was laid to rest at Pei Karumbu, on the outskirts of Rameswaram. The memorial is built at the burial site, and it exhibits Dr. Kalam’s lifetime of achievements.
History of Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram
Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam (APJ Abdul Kalam) was born in Rameswaram on October 15, 1931. He died of a cardiac arrest in Shillong on July 27, 2015. The same year, on October 15, the decision to construct a memorial in Rameshwaram was made public.
On July 27, 2017, his second death anniversary, the memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was then opened for public visits.
Architecture of APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial
Spread over 2 acres, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram is a simple yet elegant building surrounded by lush greenery. It was designed to represent India’s cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. The building mirrors a fine blend of Mughal and Indian architectural styles.
Dr. Kalam’s memorial is built of granite, marble and reinforced concrete. These construction materials are sourced from Jaisalmer, Bangalore, and many other parts of India.
The main entrance doorway of the memorial resembles the India Gate of Delhi. The dome resembles Rashtrapati Bhavan’s central dome. It’s connected to four display halls, exhibiting different phases of APJ Abdul Kalam’s life. His grave lies at the northern end of the memorial.
Things to do at Abdul Kalam Memorial
1. Learning about Dr. Kalam’s life – The memorial has exhibits with rare photographs that describe Abdul Kalam’s childhood in Rameswaram. An entire gallery is dedicated to his life story, sharing his remarkable journey through interactive displays. Many personal belongings of Dr. Kalam are also on display at the memorial.
2. Discovering Dr. Kalam’s achievements – Dr Abdul Kalam Memorial Rameshwaram is an excellent place to understand Dr. Kalam’s contributions to science, technology and education. Insights into his works (including the Pokhran atomic test), imitations of different rockets, and his dedication to mentoring young minds have been featured here. A lifelike bronze statue of Dr. Kalam at the entrance is another highlight of the memorial.
3. Paying respect to Dr. Kalam – The memorial is built near the grave of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. Although the entry is restricted, you can still pay your respects from outside the fenced area. The garden in the memorial complex has also been prepared according to Dr. Kalam’s taste. It’s laid out like a Mughal-style garden with handpicked blossoms from different places.
Abdul Kalam Memorial Timings and Entry Fee
The opening time of Abdul Kalam Memorial in Rameshwaram is from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can visit it on any day of the week. The best time to see it is during the winter season (November – February). During these months, the weather is the most comfortable for exploration. You can easily spend 1-2 hours exploring the premises.
Entry to the memorial is free for everyone.
How to reach Abdul Kalam Memorial?
Abdul Kalam Memorial is on the outskirts of Rameswaram, around 3 km from Rameswaram bus stand and 5 km from Rameswaram railway station. The nearest airport is in Madurai (175 km away). However, airports in Thiruvananthapuram (354 km) and Chennai (534 km) provide better air connectivity for Rameswaram.
Now, here’s how you can reach Abdul Kalam Memorial in Rameshwaram –
By bus – Local buses going towards Pamban or Mandapam from Rameshwaram stop near the memorial. The bus stop is only a few metres away.
By auto/cycle-rickshaw – You can also get auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws to reach the monument. They’re readily available all over Rameshwaram.
By taxi/cab – The best way to reach Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial is to hire a taxi/cab. You can get one from the top car rental companies in Rameshwaram to visit the memorial and other tourist places nearby.
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