Madurai Travel Guide

Madurai is a large town in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is known as the third largest among all the towns of the state. This city is settled on the banks of River Vagai and known to be the oldest inhabited city of the world. Madurai has a strong historical influence as it used to be the capital of the Pandya Kingdom and also called in several different names such as City of Jasmine, City of Junction, City that never Sleeps and the Temple City. This city is a home to a huge number of temples as the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most important temples visited by hundreds of people all over the year.

Why visit Madurai?

• Madurai is a place where you can spot various historical evidence in form of temples and other tourist destinations. There are many relics of the ancient Kings are also found here. But on the priority, you can visit the Meenakshi Temple which is counted among one of the most visited and sacred temples of India. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi who is another form of Goddess Parvati. In this temple, you can also find the Lord Sundereshwar which is a form of Lord Shiva and believed to be the partner of Goddess Parvati. The temple is a grand example of rich Dravidian architecture and this temple has four pillars which are known as Gopurams. These pillars are richly sculpted with mythological themes.
• You can have more visits to other temples such as Thiruparankundram which is dedicated to Lord Murugan Lord Kartikeya and known to be one of the most ancient temples of the city. There is also another temple known as the Alagar Temple and it is also considered very important because it is believed that this is the brother of Goddess Meenakshi and he arranged the marriage between her and Lord Sundereshwar.Pazhamudhir Solai is also another spot where you can visit and again this temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya like Alagar Temple.
• There are many other tourist destinations in Madurai such as Thirumalai Nayak Plae which is managed by Archeological Survey of India and you can visit various remnants of 17th Century. Do not miss the Light and Sound Show organized here.
• There are many Islamic religious places are present in this city such as Thirupparankundram, Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara, Gorippalayam Dargah and many others.

Madurai Tips and Recommendations

• In Madurai do not forget to buy the Sungidi Silk Sarees, brass wares, handicrafts, Tanjore paintings, and antiques.
• Do visit the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam which is a temple built inside a man made pond and it is famous for its float festival.
• You can drink vary good quality tea as there are various street side shops that will serve you with very good tea and if you want to taste the typical Tamilian food then you can taste the in various restaurants but be sure as they are very spicy.
• In the famous Meenakshi temple Non Hindus are not allowed so try to follow the rules otherwise you will be treated as trespassers.

Location Map Of Madurai

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