Quick Facts
| Big bags in temples | Not allowed inside sanctums/queues. Carry only a small pouch. |
| Mobile phones | Frequently restricted (especially Srirangam and Madurai). Dedicated deposit counters available. |
| Best storage | Railway station cloak rooms, your hotel, or verified private counters near the temple. |
| What you’ll need | Government ID, a valid train ticket (for railway cloak rooms), and a sturdy lock on each bag. |
| When to reach | Early morning for quick deposit and shorter queues at darshan. |
How to use Indian Railways cloak rooms (step‑by‑step)
- Make sure that every bag is equipped with a solid external lock; zip-tie locks in soft form can be turned away.
- To have a valid train ticket/PNR (arrival or onward inside the allowed window). Platform tickets also can be used on some counters as short hold– again depending on the station.
- Show a government ID if asked. Fill in name, phone and description of bag.
- Pay the per-bag fee (in blocks of 24 hours or part thereof). Hold on to the printed receipt/token.
- Give the receipt at pickup; employees will cross-check numbers on the tags and might request a signature.
- Cash, jewellery, electronics or documents should not be stored–cloak rooms have only standard limits of liability.
Rameswaram: Where to keep your bags
| Option | Location & Access | Timings (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Railway Cloak Room – Rameswaram (RMM) | At the railway station building; signposted “Cloak Room/Left Luggage” | Commonly 24×7 or extended hours; lunch break possible |
| Temple deposit counters | Near key gates (East/West) for mobiles/footwear | Temple hours; midday breaks possible |
| Hotel day‑use/early bag hold | Most lodges around East Car Street/Beach Road | Depends on hotel |
| Private luggage rooms/shops | Lanes around East Gate and Agni Theertham | Daylight hours |
| Bus stand enquiry | Rameswaram bus stand | Varies by day |
Madurai: Where to keep your bags
| Option | Location & Access | Timings (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Railway Cloak Room – Madurai Junction (MDU) | Main station concourse; well‑used facility | 24×7 with short meal breaks |
| Temple deposit counters – Meenakshi Amman | Counters near East/West entrances | Temple hours |
| Private luggage storage near Chithirai/West Avani Moola St. | Short walk from temple gates | Daytime |
| Hotels/hostels | In and around Town Hall Road/Periyar areas | As per property |
Srirangam: Where to keep your bags
| Option | Location & Access | Timings (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Railway Cloak Room – Tiruchchirappalli (Trichy) Junction (TPJ) | Major junction ~9–12 km from Srirangam; best official option | 24×7 |
| Temple deposit counters – Sri Ranganathaswamy | Near main gopuram entrances | Temple hours |
| Hotels/guest houses in Srirangam | Around Amma Mandapam Rd/Thiruvanaikoil | Daytime |
| Private shops | Streets around gopurams | Daytime |
Safety, scams and smart tips
- Inquire to be issued with a printed receipt/token with the number of bags. Take a picture of it because you lose the slip.
- Always keep valuables in your person-carry pouch not in stored luggage.
- Hard locks; place a tag (outside) with your surname and phone.
- Lines are long in the course of festivals (Vaikunta Ekadasi at Srirangam, Chithirai at Madurai, important amavasya days at Rameswaram), and deposit counters are usually crowded.
- There are touts who will offer inside access available or VIP darshan with bags- even the security will not allow luggage to enter the temple.
FAQs
Is it possible to bring a backpack to the temple in case it is a little one?
- Usually no. A purse/waist pouch is permitted only in small size. External storage or use deposit counters.
Will laptops/cameras be accepted by temple counters?
- Phones only have mobile counters. Do not deliver laptops/cameras there. Closet room on the railroad or in your hotel.
Do cloak rooms have over-night storage?
- Yes, they are short and multi-day storage with tags and registers. Storing of valuables or documents is not allowed.
What of bus stands–are they locked?
- A few depots provide temporary holds through the depot office, although it is not a certain service. Use cloak rooms in the railways or hotels.
Special regulations when there are festivals?
- There is increased security measures; more rigorous mobile bans. Queues may be placed in deposit counters–be there early and have only the essentials.
