Madurai Tour

One of the oldest cities in India, Madurai is the vibrant soul of Tamil Nadu. As you walk its narrow lanes; the delicate tinkling of the temple bells, the vivid colors of the temple towers and the fragrance of ritualistic flowers & incense take over your senses. Though the city is now emerging as a technology hub, yet its deep mythological connection reverberates in its soulful chaos.

Major Attractions of Madurai

Meenakshi Amman Temple
The crowning jewel of Madurai, this is the dwelling of the triple breasted warrior Goddess of Madurai. Built in the 17th century, during the reign of Thirumalai Nayak, this temple complex is a specimen of exquisite craftsmanship. Its 14 rainbow hued Gopurams, embellished with carvings of hundreds of deities, are an architectural delight. Its interiors, adorned with vibrant paintings on walls & ceilings, the delightful lotus pond and its arched ceilinged Mandapa are simply awe-inspiring.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Built in the 16th century by Raja Thirumalai Nayak, this palace is a gorgeous fusion of Dravidian- Rajput-Islamic styles of architecture. Its giant pillars, exquisite sculpture, intricate paintings and circular garden are sure to mesmerize you.

Temple Art Museum
The Thousand Pillared Hall inside the eastern Gopuram of the Meenakshi Amman Temple has been converted into a Temple Art Museum. This museum showcases bronze sculptures, paintings, and objects from the temple?s history.

Vandiyur Mariamman Temple and Teppakulam (Tank)
This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mariamman stands on the bank of a huge tank. This 16 acres temple tank was built much later in 1646 by Thirumalai Nayak and is connected to River Vaigai through underground channels. The center of the tank holds a beautiful Ganesh Temple.

Gandhi Memorial Museum
Mahatma Gandhi and the city of Madurai share a close bond. It was here in Madurai, in 1921 that he gave up western attire and took up wearing the dhoti as a symbol of nationalism. Housed in a 17th century palace, the museum showcases various aspects of Mahatma Gandhi?s life and his personal possessions including the blood-stained garment that he was wearing when he was assassinated.

Other Attractions

• St. Mary?s Cathedral
• Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple
• Samanar Hills- Jain monks? caves
• Koodal Azhagar Temple
• Pazhamudhir Solai Temple

Fairs & Festivals of Madurai

• Chithirai Festival- Celebrating the marriage of goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareeswarar (Shiva)
• Mariamman Teppakulam Float Festival
• Avanimoolam Festival- Coronation festival of Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva)
• Jallikattu- Bull Fight Festival

Shopping in Madurai
Pudhu Mandapa, an old pillared hall near the eastern entrance of the Meenakshi Temple is crammed with textile, crafts and tailoring shops. Do pick Madurai?s famous Sungudi Sarees and handloom fabric from this place. Also handicrafts like bell-metal lamps, bronze images, wood & stone carvings, etc may be picked from Cottage Arts Emporium.

Food in Madurai
Madurai?s food is a bit different than the quintessential Tamil cuisine. To eat like a native, try the local eateries known as ?Mess? that serve delicious home cooked food. Kari (Mutton) Dosa, Bone Marrow Omelette, Kola Urundai (Mutton balls), spicy Biryani, flavorful Tomato Rice and Madurai?s blockbuster Jigarthanda (a cold dessert)- roll your sleeves, abandon the cutlery and dig in!

Best Time to Visit
Madurai has hot, dry climate most of the year. It is best visited in winters from October to March when the temperatures are low enough for you to walk its old streets.

How to Reach
By Air- Madurai Airport connects the city with all major cities in the country. By Rail- Madurai Junction Railway Station connects Madurai with rest of India by an extensive rail network. By Road- Madurai is well-connected with other Indian cities by a network of state and national highways.

Check out our Temple Tour Packages for a delightful sojourn in this temple city of Tamil Nadu. A cultural paradise, Madurai Tour, is a perfect way to gloss through the rich Tamil culture & architecture.