| Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and | | | | originally two parts-Swargavilasa, meant for the |
| second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is | | | | King, is harem and housing the darbar court, and |
| located on Vaigai River and was the capital of | | | | the ranka vilasa, which was for the servants. |
| Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan | | | | Currently, entrance to the roof is prohibited due |
| king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple | | | | the renovation work being carried out by the |
| around which he created a lotus shaped city. | | | | Archaeological Department. They claim to finish |
| Mythology says when city was being named; Lord | | | | work in 6 months. |
| Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the | | | | Gandhi MuseumThis institution housed in a |
| auspicious occasion some Divine nectar fell from | | | | 300-year old palace is dedicated to Gandhi je and |
| the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was | | | | promotes study and appreciation of the |
| named "Madhurapuri". This sacred town of south | | | | Mahatma's teachings. There is a picture gallery, |
| attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from | | | | personal memorabilia of the Mahatma, a library |
| India as well as abroad. | | | | and an exhibition of South India handicrafts and |
| Places to see in Madurai: | | | | village industries. |
| Meenakshi TempleThe landmark of Madurai is the | | | | Excursion of Madurai: |
| Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple dedicated to | | | | Vaigai Dam Vaigai dam is surrounded by |
| Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Kulasekhara | | | | well-manicured gardens and has come up as a |
| Pandya originally built the temple. But the credit | | | | popular picnic spots, just 70-km from Madurai. |
| for making the temple as splendid as it is today | | | | Megamalai The tea estates on the slopes of the |
| goes to the Nayak dynasty that ruled Madurai | | | | Western Ghats nestles Megamalai. This lovely |
| from 16th - 18th centuries. It is a twin temple; | | | | place is bound to capture your imagination. Good |
| one dedicated to Meenakshi and the other to Lord | | | | place to stay and enjoy a lovely surrounding. One |
| Sundareswarar (Shiva). The rectangular temple is | | | | can also watch the animals roaming in the forest, |
| graced by twelve gopurams (towers). The | | | | which is close to Megamalai, Just 130-km from |
| southern gopuram is the tallest and rises to 49m. | | | | Madurai. |
| The thousand-pillared hall has beautiful sculptures. | | | | Suruli Falls 123-km from Madurai city is Suruli falls, |
| Koodal Alagar TempleThis ancient shrine has | | | | which are located in a picturesque area. It is an |
| Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures, | | | | ideal spot and an excellent picnic spot to spend |
| one above the other. It has elegantly carved | | | | one day. |
| ornamental windows described as "miracles of the | | | | Courtallam Courtallam is located about 167-km on |
| stone masons art". There are also intricate wood | | | | the Western Ghats and is an excellent health |
| carvings including a panel of lord Rama's | | | | resort in this part of the country. This place is |
| Pattabishekam. | | | | also known as the 'Spa of the South'. Courtallam |
| Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist ComplexLocated 6kms | | | | is located just 160-km from Madurai. This place |
| from the Periyar Bus stand, Vandiyur Kanmoy | | | | has got nine splendid waterfalls, which attracts a |
| (tank) is an ideal picnic spot. T.T.D.C. operates | | | | large number of visitors. TTDC offers here a |
| children’s Train and boating service. There | | | | boathouse accommodation apart from the |
| is also a restaurant in the tourist complex. | | | | restaurant. |
| Tirumalai Nayak PalaceTirumalai Nayak Palace is a | | | | Palani 118-km from Madurai is the temple |
| kilometer away from the temple and was built in | | | | dedicated to Lord Subramanyam. The temple is |
| 1636 by the ruler, after whom it has been named. | | | | located on top of a hill 180 meter high. The |
| Though much of the palace is only in ruins, the | | | | temple attracts many devotees and people |
| entrance gate, main hall and dance hall remain | | | | coming to Madurai do not miss visiting Palani. From |
| intact. | | | | the hill top one gets an excellent view of the |
| Vanditur Mariamman Teppakulam This huge tank | | | | nearby area. |
| is covers an area equal to the six of Meenakshi | | | | How to get there: |
| temple. Tirumalai Nayak built it in 1646. It is said | | | | By Air Madurai has its own airport situated 10 |
| that channels from the Vaigai River connect the | | | | kms away from the city. There are daily flights to |
| tank. Today, this tank remains empty for most | | | | Madurai from Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchi & |
| of the year except during the Teppam Festival. | | | | Coimbatore. |
| Naickar MahalThe remains of the palace of the | | | | By Rail There are train connections to Madurai |
| 17th century ruler Thirumalai Naickar who | | | | from Madras, which takes eight hours via Trichy |
| contributed extensively to the Meenakshi Temple. | | | | and from Rameshwaram, takes six hours. If you |
| Only a small portion of the original structure which | | | | approach Madurai from Kerala, some spectacular |
| was four times as largeremains. There were | | | | scenes of the Western Ghats can be viewed. |