MaduraiAn ancient city dating back to 550AD, Madurai, in Tamil Nadu isknown for housing age old templesin its heart. Not only does itguarantee serenity and peace forHindu devotees, it also promiseshistorical exploration andscholastic knowledge to seekers. Itis an ideal family destinationreplete with greenery. Head toMadurai to find peace, knowledgeand comfort.

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Famous For : Places To VisitReligiousCity

Madurai is second largest city in terms ofpopulation in the state of Tamil Nadu. Anumber of sobriquets such as Athens of theEast, City that Never Sleeps and the TempleCity are given to this city. Madurai has beena prominent human settlement for twothousand years. Mostly visited for theMeenakshi Temple of Godess Paravati andLord Shiva, which is a brilliant example ofDravidian Architecture, the cityscape has amultiplicity of other temples like the AlagarTemple, the Koodal Alagar Temple and theThiruparankundram. It also has theThirumalai Nayak Palace, which wasconstructed way back in the 17th century.Though largely in ruins now, this placemakes for a great site of historicalexploration for enthusiasts. The GandhiMuseum is located here, boasting of a large

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number of texts about the freedom struggleand drawing scholars to Madurai every year.Pilgrims and tourists still come looking forthe place where Shiva performed his 64Thiruvilaiyadals (divine games, oftenmischievous, that the lord played on godsand mortals) and where Meenakshi chose tomarry him in the form of Sundareshwarar.Stand in the shadow of the 160- foot-tallgopuram, lose yourself in the stoneworkneither muted by age nor defiled by grease,see the customs that have lived on acrosscenturies and you will begin to find thatplace. Mariamman Teppakulam is a squaretank spread across an area of 16 acres.Every year a colourful float festival isorganised here in the month of JaMadurai issecond largest city in terms of population inthe state of Tamil Nadu. A number ofsobriquets such as Athens of the East, Citythat Never Sleeps and the Temple City aregiven to this city. Madurai has been aprominent human settlement for twothousand years. Mostly visited for theMeenakshi Temple of Godess Paravati andLord Shiva, which is a brilliant example ofDravidian Architecture, the cityscape has amultiplicity of other temples like the AlagarTemple, the Koodal Alagar Temple and theThiruparankundram. It also has theThirumalai Nayak Palace, which wasconstructed way back in the 17th century.Though largely in ruins now, this placemakes for a great site of historicalexploration for enthusiasts. The GandhiMuseum is located here, boasting of a large

number of texts about the freedom struggleand drawing scholars to Madurai every year.Pilgrims and tourists still come looking forthe place where Shiva performed his 64Thiruvilaiyadals (divine games, oftenmischievous, that the lord played on godsand mortals) and where Meenakshi chose tomarry him in the form of Sundareshwarar.Stand in the shadow of the 160- foot-tallgopuram, lose yourself in the stoneworkneither muted by age nor defiled by grease,see the customs that have lived on acrosscenturies and you will begin to find thatplace. Mariamman Teppakulam is a squaretank spread across an area of 16 acres.Every year a colourful float festival isorganised here in the month ofJanuary/February. On the northern side ofthis tank is a beautiful temple dedicated to avillage deity of Tamil Nadu, known asMariamman. Do pay a visit to Madurai to getan insight into its rich cultural heritage andhistorical background. nuary/February. Onthe northern side of this tank is a beautifultemple dedicated to a village deity of TamilNadu, known as Mariamman. Do pay a visitto Madurai to get an insight into its richcultural heritage and historical background. 

When To

VISIThttp://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-madurai-lp-1050361

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JanPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:27.700000762939453°C

Min:20.899999618530273°C

Rain: 0.0mm

FebPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:28.100000381469727°C

Min: 20.5°C Rain: 6.0mm

MarPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:31.899999618530273°C

Min:21.799999237060547°C

Rain: 6.0mm

AprPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:25.399999618530273°C

Min: 19.5°C Rain: 48.0mm

MayPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:23.100000381469727°C

Min: 22.0°C Rain: 42.0mm

JunPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:29.100000381469727°C

Min:23.600000381469727°C

Rain: 0.0mm

JulPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:27.700000762939453°C

Min:23.200000762939453°C

Rain: 39.0mm

AugPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max: 22.5°C Min:

23.899999618530273°C

Rain: 9.0mm

Sep

Pleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:25.100000381469727°C

Min: 23.0°C Rain: 84.0mm

OctPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:30.299999237060547°C

Min:24.600000381469727°C

Rain: 246.0mm

NovPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen,umbrella.Max:25.399999618530273°C

Min: 22.0°C Rain: 219.0mm

DecPleasant weather. Carry Light woollen.Max:26.399999618530273°C

Min:22.200000762939453°C

Rain: 12.0mm

What To

SEE5 Sights

http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-madurai-lp-1050361

1 ISKCON Madurai, Sri SriRadha Mathurapati Temple

12 / 37, Maninagaram Main Road,Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, India

Another one from the ISKCON templeseries, visit this serene temple for anexperience of Krishna devotion. Loseyourself in the spiritual kirtans and lectureshere, or just sit back and enjoy the aura ofpurity and quiet divinity.

Famous for its temples, your trip toMadurai will be somewhat incompletewithout a visit to this one.

2 Thiruparankundram

8 kms From South of MaduraiJunction, Madurai, Tamil Nadu625001, India

The devotion to Lord Murugan (orSubramanya), the son of Lord Shiva, iscentral to the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu.He represents war and patriotism and isoften known as the patron god of theregion. The Murugan Temple atThiruparankundram is an example of thiscult of devotion, one of the 6 mostimportant pilgrimage sites for Hindudevotees of the deity. Situated atop a scenichill in Thiruparankundram, this temple andthe surrounding region is rich with its ownshare of myth and legends.

According to myths and local folklore,Murugan came to this hill after fighting the 6battles against 'evil' rakshasas (demons), tofinally save the heavens from the rakshasa,Soorapadman. It is here that he marriedGoddess Deivayanai, the daughter of LordIndra, who was given to him as a reward forhis victory of evil forces. It is this strand ofthe myth that makes the temple a popularand sacred marriage location, especiallyduring the festival of marriages, PankuniUttiram, held towards the latter half ofMarch every year.

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The complex is rock-cut and is built alongthe caves here, lending the place its historicaura. It is believes that during the reign ofthe Pandyas and the Nayaks, between 16thand 18th centuries, the temple got itsbeautiful gopurams (or gateways) and pillarscarved intricately with the lotus-pattern.One can also find inscriprions on the wallshere that showcase the history of thetemple. The presiding deities here are LordMurugan and Goddess Deivayanaii, whileother idols dedicated to Lord Shiva,Ganesha, Vishnu and Goddess Durga arealso housed here.

If this aspect of history wasn't sufficient,there also exists a dargah dedicated toSikander, or Alexander The Great, who wasbelieved to be a friend of King Murugan.

3 Vaigai Dam

Periyakulam, Theni, Madurai, TamilNadu 625001, India

Built over the Vagai River at Andipatti, thismassive dam is a sight to behold. It is thecentral source of drinking and irrigationwater for Madurai and hence of greatstrategic and political importance. Over theyears, it has become a popular picnic spot,especially for group excursions.

The area surrounding the dam is rich invegetation, with lush greenery spread acrossits sprawling acres. Though the area lacksany official amenities for a proper picnic,you can always plan a laid back afternoonhere.

4 Sri Meenakshi Temple

East Chitrai Street, Madurai, TamilNadu 625001, India

One of the most spectacular templecomplexes of India, Sri Meenakshi Temple in Maduraiis a wonderful mix of legends, myths, andsome brilliant architectural techniques.The original temple is believed to have beenbuilt by Kulasekara Pandya, who received aboon from Goddess Parvati in the form ofhis daughter, Meenakshi. The legend andbeauty of the temple lend Madurai most ofits current character, including the planningof the lotus-shaped city which has thistemple as its centre.Meenakshi literallytranslates to fish-eyed, a symbol of beautyand godly grace. The credit for the currentshape and form of the temple goes to theNayakas, who ruled the region between the16th and 18th centuries and brought thearchitecture of the temple to its presentgrandeur. Be it the fascination for history orfor the pure sense devotion, you're sure toexperience a heavenly feeling at this temple.Give yourself at least 3 hrs to appreciate thecomplex. On any given day, you’ll be oneamong 20,000 visitors here. Dedicated toMeenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati, andher husband Sundareshwar (an avatar ofShiva), the Sri Meenakshi Temple has Meenakshias its central deity instead of Shiva, amarked distinction from the usual norm.Located on the southern banks of RiverVaigai, the temple houses a black-stone idolof Meenakshi Amman in its main shrine anda swayambhu (self-appearing) lingam in theshrine close to it, marking Lord Shiva's

presence. Meenakshi Amman's idol isdepicted here with a parrot in her righthand, usually associated with the presenceof the Vaishnava Azhwar saint, Andal. Thereis also a hall named Kilikoondu Mandapam(a corridor of the parrots), which waspreviously used to train parrots to recite andchant Goddess Meenakshi's name.Sri Meenakshi Temple is also one of the few temples which has 4gateways facing 4 different directions. Thecomplex has several smaller quadrangularcomplexes and has 14 gopurams or towers,out of which the tallest is about 52 m high.The eye-catching vimanas over the shrine ofthe two central deities are another sight tobehold, each with their own set of intricatecarvings depicting humans, animals,demons and gods, both being plated in gold.A visit to this temple also calls for a visit tothe Hall of 1000 pillars or Aayiram KaalMandapam (which in reality has 985 pillars).Some of these pillars are also called MusicalPillars, which when struck, produce notes ofCarnatic music. This was built in 1569 byAriyanatha Mudaliar, with perfect symmetryand artistic vision. Each pillar here isintricately carved with figures of Shiva,Karthekeya, Ganesha and Rati (wife ofKama). If your heart still desires more, youcan visit the in-house museum here to delvedeeper into its 1200-year-old history.

5 Alagar Kovil

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Melur Taluk, Madurai,Tamil Nadu625001, India

Set amidst lush greenery and absoluteserenity, this temple is dedicated to LordVishnu in his avatar as Goddess Meenakshi'sbrother, Alagar (or Sundararajan). Legendhas it that Lord Alagar was unable to attendhis sister's wedding to Sundareshwar (anavatar of Lord Shiva) and had turned backfrom the banks of river Vaigai. This event isre-enacted every year through a processionof the idol of Alagar from this temple till theMeenakshi Temple in Madurai, during theChitra Festival that celebrates her marriage.

The temple complex is surrounded by theruins of a historic fort, lending it its oldworld charm and a historic aura. It isbelieved that the temple was beautified bythe Pandyan rulers during the 13th century,especially the sanctum sanctorum and themain vimana, that were plated in gold. Afterthis, the Nayaka kingdom during the timebetween the 16th and 18th centuries gainedmuch revenue for renovating and furtherbeautifying the temple. The central idol ofLord Alagar is a fine example of ancientcraftsmanship, all in pure gold. Other deitieshere include Andal and Lord Alagar's wife,Kalyana Sundaravalli.

An interesting legend has it that at theshrine of Karuppannaswamy (the God ofKallars) and the finely carved 18 stepsaround his shrine prohibit any visitor fromspeaking anything but the truth. The templecontains inscriptions from various dynasties,including those that point towards thepresence of Jain rulers and Ashoka's reign. Abeautfiful place that blends both religionand history perfectly, this is a must-visit onyour trip to Madurai.

Where To

Eat5 Places

http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-madurai-lp-1050361

1 British Bakery

31 a 1/2 West Veli Street, Madurai,Tamil Nadu, 625001, India

+91-452-4374477

A popular bakery in Madurai, British Bakeryoffers a lovely array of breads, baked itemsand confectionery. If you're in themood for a a snack, the bakery has a smallseating area and offers a wide range ofsandwiches, pizzas and other snacks.

2 Bamboo Garden

No 13/7, Opp To Eco Park, AbdulGafoorkhan Street Azhagar KoilRoad, Tallakulam, Madurai, TamilNadu, 625002, India

Rs. 350

+91-452-4361617|+91-98940-51001

Travel anywhere in the world and you'll findChinese food to be quite a favourite.Madurai is no exception in this aspect andBamboo Garden is a fine example of this.Head here for a relaxed, comfortable mealwith some authentic Chinese preparations,unlike the fast-food varieties that areotherwise available.

3 Heaven's Park Fried chicken

Surveyor Colony No.35-36 120 FeetRoad, K Pudur Madurai, Tamil Nadu625007,India

+91-452-4373144

Heaven's Park Fried Chicken is a great fastfood option for those who love chicken.Their perfectly fried, hot and crispy chickenis a delight to eat. For the health conscious

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people they even have fat free burgers andfish cooked in zero oil. Apart from the friedchicken, their chicken wings and chickenwrap are also worth a try.

4 Sree Sabarees

Peruma Maistry Streets, Town hallroad, Srm lodge near Town HallRoad, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625001,India

+91-452-2349037|+91-98421-12875

One of the busiest and most popularrestaurants in Madurai, this one will delightyou with its delicious and authentic SouthIndian preparations. One of the oldestrestaurants in town, it sees a regular flow ofvisitors in both locals and tourists.

If you're looking for a slice of the locallifestyle of Madurai, head here and you'llfind a glimpse of it. The place remains

bustling, especially during dinner time, butthe quick service ensures that you don'thave to wait too long. Their variety of disheswill keep you coming back for more, makingyou try each one of their mouth-wateringdishes. The restaurant also serves NorthIndian cuisines, despite being more popularfor its South Indian dishes. Not too far fromthe Meenakshi Amman Temple, thisrestaurant is also ideal for those breaksbetween your temple exploration.

5 Murugan Idli Shop

196, Westmasi street, Madurai,Tamil Nadu, 625001, India

Rs. 75

+91-452-2341379

Murugan Idli Shop is extremely popularamongst locals and tourists alike. Serving

everything from idlis to south indian thalis,the restaurant is highly recommended forits chutneys. Served with idlis, the sixdifferent types of chutneys has earned therestaurant its fair share of followers.

The perfect place to head to for a heartymeal. Try the lemon rice and different typesof dosas and you won't be disappointed.

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Quick

LOCATEhttp://www.ixigo.com/hotels-in-madurai-lp-1050361

SeeA: ISKCON Madurai, Sri Sri RadhaMathurapati TempleB: ThiruparankundramC: Vaigai DamD: Sri Meenakshi TempleE: Alagar Kovil

AccommodationF: Coral Shelters - Deluxe Ac RoomG: Coral Shelters Villa with 4 BedroomsH: Hotel ChentoorI: Coral Shelters - Deluxe Ac RoomJ: Coral Shelters Villa with 4 BedroomsK: Hotel ChentoorL: Coral Shelters - Deluxe Ac RoomM: Coral Shelters Villa with 4 BedroomsN: Hotel Chentoor

FoodO: British BakeryP: Bamboo GardenQ: Heaven's Park Fried chickenR: Sree SabareesS: Murugan Idli Shop