Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial, Rameshwaram - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 6 km from Rameswaram Railway Station, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Memorial is a memorial located in Peikarumbu, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the must-include places in Rameswaram heritage tour packages.

Spanning an area of 2.11 acres, the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Memorial honors the legacy of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. This memorial was designed and constructed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as a tribute to Kalam, often referred to as India's missile man, and also showcasing the rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity of the nation. The official inauguration took place in 2017, led by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.

As a representation of national unity, the memorial combines elements of Mughal and Indian architectural styles. It features three entrances, with the main entrance resembling the India Gate, infused with Chettinad architectural influences resembling the door of Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. The central dome is modeled after the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. The construction employs a blend of granite, marble, and reinforced concrete, with materials sourced from various parts of India and transported to the site.

Located at his ancestral home, the memorial has been transformed into a museum that highlights Dr. Kalam's life, achievements, and contributions to the country. Born in Rameswaram, Dr. Kalam served as the 11th President of India and was laid to rest at this site, where the memorial now stands. It comprises four halls that depict different aspects of Dr. Kalam's life, including the Pokhran atomic test. The exhibits feature replicas of rockets and missiles, along with paintings that emphasize his connections with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Additionally, there is a bronze statue of Dr. Kalam playing the veena.

At the northern end of the memorial lies Kalam's grave. The garden surrounding the memorial is designed in the style of a Mughal Garden, adorned with plants sourced from Bangalore, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, along with other carefully selected flowers that reflect Dr. Kalam's preferences. The pathways are lined with models of missiles, enhancing the memorial's thematic coherence.

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Free