Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial: A Tribute to the Missile Man

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the temple town of Rameswaram is the memorial dedicated to India’s renowned scientist, visionary leader, and former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The memorial honours his life, ideals, and invaluable contributions to the nation.

The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, on 27th July 2017. Since then, the memorial has consistently attracted visitors from across the country. The APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial spreads across 2.11 acres and stands on the very site where Dr. Kalam’s mortal remains were laid to rest on 27th July 2015. With an investment of Rs. 20 crore, authorities completed the construction within a remarkably short span of just nine months.

More about the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial

• An Initiative of DRDO: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with which Dr. Kalam remained closely associated for several years, took the initiative to construct this memorial as a tribute to his service to the nation.
• Symbol of National Integration: The memorial strongly reflects India’s unity in diversity, a value Dr. Kalam deeply admired. Notably, the entrance resembles India Gate, while its doorway mirrors the entrance of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. Additionally, the main dome draws inspiration from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of Mughal and Indian architectural styles. Materials, plants, and flowers were sourced from various parts of the country, further symbolising national unity.
• The Memorial’s Inside: The interior of the memorial actively reflects the teachings, vision, and beliefs of Dr. Kalam. It features four exhibition halls, each highlighting a distinct phase of his life. Moreover, exhibits on the Pokhran nuclear tests, along with replicas of rockets and missiles, celebrate his outstanding contributions to space science and national defence.
• Statue of the Missile Man of India: Another major attraction is the life-size statue of Dr. Kalam, inaugurated in 2016. This statue, placed at the centre of the memorial, portrays him playing the veena. In addition, two silicon statues depict Dr. Kalam in his presidential attire, shown in both sitting and standing postures.
• The Garden: The garden surrounding the memorial resembles traditional Mughal-style landscaping. Designers carefully selected plants and flowers from different states, keeping Dr. Kalam’s preferences in mind. Furthermore, a model of the Agni missile stands at the rear of the memorial, reinforcing his legacy as a pioneering scientist.

​Opening Time:

The Memorial is open in the morning from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

How to reach Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial

The memorial is less than 3.5-kilometers distance from Rameswaram Bus stand. Rameswaram is well connected by road and rail with Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and other important cities. The nearest airport is at Madurai, 163 kilometres from Rameswaram.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Pamban Bridge
• Kunthukal Beach – Rameswaram
• Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
• Agni Theertham Beach
• Dhanushkodi