Madurai Tourism

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Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu, with a cultural heritage dating back to 2,500 years. Madurai reached the heights of glory during the time of the Cholas and then during the Pandyas' regime in the 13th century. The city has been an important commercial center and has conducted trade as far as Rome and Greece since as early as 550 C.E

Sri Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple

This is a twin temple. The temple in the southern side is dedicated to Sri Meenakshi the consort of lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) and the other to lord Sundareswarar. There are four entrance for the temple in the North West South and East sides of the temple. The temple is usually open between 5.00am and 12.30pm and again between 4.00pm and 8.30 pm. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to Tirumalai Nayak who brought back glory to this magnificent structure.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

This palace complex was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636. It is a national monument and is now under the care of the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department. The palace of Tirumalai Nayak is about 1 km away from the Sri Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple. The mahal is designed in such a way that the people visiting this mahal is also benefitted by receiving the blessings of the God perumal. There’s daily sound and light show in English at 6.45 pm and in Tamil at 8.15 pm. This half an hour show extols the virtues of King Thirumalai, particularly his passion for arts, his victories in battle and his love for his subjects.

Timings: 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m 2.00 p.m.and 5.00 p.m.
Tickets for the show: Adults Rs.10/-- Children Rs.5/-

Madurai Gandhi Museum

This museum is one of the rare living memorials of "The Father of India" and has an elaborate historical account of India's struggle for independence.

Mariamman Teppakulam

It is actually a big temple tank, which is situated quite close to another important tourist attraction of the city called the Meenakshi temple. The distance between the Meenakshi Temple and the Mariamman Teppakulam is only 5 km. Mariamman Teppakulam is famous for the celebrations of the Float festival, which is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai. The festival commemorates the birthday of King Thirumalai Nayak. During this festival, which is organized between the months of January and February, not only the Mariamman Teppakulam but also the entire city of Madurai has a festive look.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral in Madurai is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madurai. One of the oldest Roman Catholic church situated at 2 km South East of Madurai Railway station and only 200 meters from the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal.

Annamalai and Nagamalai

Annamalai and Nagamalai are two striking rock formations, and home to ascetics of the Jain and Hindu faiths. The treasure trove, in the form of Jain caves, stone and rock carvings and the stone beds of monks, has not been fully exploited to attract tourists to the city. While the Archaelogical Survey of India has managed to safeguard the rock carvings in Nagamalai, located on the outskirts of the city, precious Jain caves have been lost in nearby Samanar Malai, due to the impact of indiscriminate quarrying. Nagamalai, as a relic of the Jain culture in this region, holds immense potential as a popular tourist destination.

Manalur

20 kms from the place of Madurai, Manalur, important travel attraction came to the limelight by the chance. Discovery of the 13th century idol of Lord Krishna in his child form along with Bikshadanur. The discovery has thrown light on the fact that Manalur was a historical important place in the older times. On the side of the Vaiger river, innumerable brick kilns and sand quarries are today seen which once boast of being the capital of the Pandyas in the early history. The place was also famous during the rule of later Pandyas. A detailed excavation at Manalur may help unravel many mysteries connected with Pandya kings.

Kudal Azhagar Koil

Koodal Azhagar Koil is one of the 108 Divyadesams of the Vaishnavites, the idols of Vishnu and Lakshmi are huge and beautiful. Most of the students do their regular prayer here as hayagrivar is the one who brought the epic fallen into water back to the earth. he temple finds mention in Sangam literature dating back to 2000 years. This is one of the temple found in center of city. The temple is situated in Madurai district of Tamilnadu. It is close to the main bus stop and also the famous Meenakshi temple. Madurai is well connected by trains, buses and flights with major cities.

Nearest station and airport: Madurai