A blend of a tourist destination, a place of rich cultural legacy and pilgrim center, Madurai also known as Madhurapuram is one of the most ancient cities of our country with its presence dating back to 3rd Century. As per mythological tales, Madurai is believed to be the place where honey dropped off from the locks of Lord Shiva.
Settled on the rocky banks of Vaigai River, Madurai is a city well known for its sumptuous cuisines, buzzing markets, charming people and magnificent architecture. Perhaps it is the only city that is known by so many different names all because of its numerous striking specialities. These names are:
- Thoonga Nagaram – City that never sleeps
- Koodal Nagarm – City of Junctions
- Koil Maanagar – Temple City
- Naanmada Koodal – Junction of four towers
- Malligai Maanagar – City of Jasmines
Major Tourist Attraction in Madurai
- Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple: An architectural masterpiece, this temple is one of the oldest and largest temples of India. It was built around 2000 years ago by Pandyas but very little of the structure had remained intact by the time when it was renovated to its actual splendour by Tirumalai Nayak. Since then, this temple has been worshipped by many dynasties and royal families. Today, this temple attracts thousands of visitors and tourist across India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati in their incarnation as Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. The spectacular site at the temple is the hall of 1000 pillars known as ‘Ayirankkal Mandapam’ and the outer courtyard with musical pillars. Another striking feature of the temple is its massive southern gopuram which has as many as 1500 sculptures.
- Thirumalai Nayak Palace: About a walking distance of 1.5 Km from Meenakshi Temple, this beautiful palace is located in the heart of the city. It was built by the ruler Thirumalai Nayak in a grandeur style. It was originally four times bigger from its present structure. It is famous for its high white pillars, indo-saracenic architecture, stuccowork on the domes and beautiful gardens. A nice Dance and light show is organized daily in the palace premises for the visitors and tourist.
- Thirupparankundram Temple: This temple is highly worshipped by the Hindus visiting this city. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan. The striking feature of this temple is the large rectangular chamber carved out of a single hill rock. It is located 8 Km on the hill side from the Madurai city.
- Mariamman Teppakulam: It is a huge and beautiful square tank built by King Thirumalai Nayak. This place is famous for the ‘Float Festival’ celebrated every year with huge pomp and gaiety. This tank is spread over an area of almost 16 acres.
Besides those that are mentioned above, there are many other places of tourist interest in Madurai
- Gandhi Museum
- Algar Koil
- Koodal Alagar Temple
- Banana Market
- Pudhu Mandapa
Festival and Fairs
There are almost eleven annual festivals that are celebrated with full joy and enthusiasm in Madurai. However, out of them the most important events that witnesses huge gathering and participation from the visitors and devotees all over the country include Chitirai Festival, Float Festival and Annamalai Festival.
Chitirai Festival as the name indicates the Tamil month ‘Chitirai’ that falls between the months of April and May. This ten day festival caters a huge crowd and visitors coming from different parts of the country. This is the festival of divine wedding ceremony of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar that takes place in the Madurai Temple. A huge procession is taken out on a golden chariot accompanying the idols of Gods and Goddesses with full of sounds of drum beats, tungi & turis. The whole city celebrates this festival with lot of excitement and fervour.
The Annual Float Festival is celebrated on the night of full moon in the month of January/February. During this festival, idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar are taken out of the Meenakshi Temple on a golden bull and these idols are floated around on a specially decorated raft in the temple tank. The ceremony is supported with lots of activities including dance and music shows all over the place.
Annamalai festival also known as Karthigai Deepam in Southern India is the festival of lights and is celebrated with full joy and fanfare in Madurai.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Madurai is between October and March when the climate is pleasant and cool. One can easily explore the city and enjoy the sightseeing. During the months of summer between April and June, Madurai witnesses hot summers with temperature touching 41 0C. Monsoon with heavy rain fall starts between the months of July and August.
How to Reach
By Air – Madurai has its own airport located at a distance of 10 Km from the main city. It is well connected to Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi and Mumbai.
By Rail – Madurai railway station is one of the major railway stations in Tamil Nadu and is very well connected with all the major cities in Tamil Nadu. This city is easily accessible from any part of India.
By Road – Madurai is well connected by Road with major cities within Tamil Nadu and other states of India. The road network in Tamil Nadu is well developed by the govt. Many buses and private cabs ply for smooth commuting within and around the place.
Also read – Rameswaram – Vellore – Salem
