Meenakshi Temple


Thirumalai Nayak Palace


Gandhi Museum


Thirupparankundram Temple

Meenakshi Temple: Tamil nadu teems with temples. The most monumental are the two Chola-era Brihadiswaras in thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram (already inscribed as 'Great living Chola temples' by Unesco).But arguably its greatest living temple,across all historical periods,is Madurai's Meenakshi Sundareswar temple. Of lesser antiquity than the Chola temples, the Meenakshi was built in the 17th century by Nayak ruler thirumala Naicker. The temple lies in the heart of Madurai, both geographically and symbolically, its 12 densely carved gopurams looming over the city. Its architecture is not particularly distinct from the other temple Complexes of Tamil Nadu but it's Considered special for its 'completenes'- amammoth but precisely laid-out affair with great halls (one is '1000-pillared')and corridors with beautiful murals on the ceiling leading out from the inner sanctum of the shrines of Meenakshi and sundareswara. Visitors speak of the overwhelming piety; we nominate it as a staggering piece of Indian heritage. There are direct flights and trains to Madurai from Chennai.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace: This palace is an excellent example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. It was built in 1523 AD and originally was four times larger than what it is today. The gardens, the defensive wall all have gone and what remains are the main entrance gate, the dancing hall and the main hall. Lord Napier renovated the palace in 1866-72 and later further restoration works were carried on. Today, the main attraction of the palace is light and sound show, which is based on the life of "Tirumalai Nayak" and "Silapathikaram".

Gandhi Museum: This is the most distinguished among the tourist attractions in Madurai and is a living memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.Housed in the old Palace of Rani Mangammal, the Gandhi Museum depicts the highlights of the freedom struggle and contains a picture gallery of the Gandhian movement

Thirupparankundram Temple: It is located 8 Kms South of Madurai Railway Junction. The temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock. You will find a wide range of Hindu deities carved on the walls on your visit to this temple. Located on the top a hill, people believe that it is one of six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Mariamman Teppakulam: It is also among one of the many things to watch in Madurai and is located at a distance of 5 km to the east of Meenakshi temple.Mariamman Teppakulam is a beautiful square tank spread over a huge area of almost 16 acres, located about 5Kms East of Meenakshi Temple. The tank is the scene of the colourful float festival held in January/February to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, who built this tank. The deities of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are placed in a float, called "Teppam", decorated with flowers and illuminated with hundred of lights.

Koodal Azhaar Temple: Among the most ancient temples in Madurai Koodal Azhagar temple stands high. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You could see him in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the other. Apart from that there are intricate woodcarvings, one of them depicting Lord Rama's coronation.

How to Reach:

By Air: Madurai has its own airport and there are flights, which connect the city with Chennai, Tiruchirappalli. The airline services have at least one flight daily from Madurai to Chennai. From there one can take flight to anywhere in India.

By Rail: Madurai has one of the major railway junctions of South India. It is connected with the all the major tourist as well as religious places in Tamil Nadu. Though there are not many trains, which connect the city with major cities of India such as, Madurai is easily accessible from any part of the nation.

By Road: There are good motorable roads, which connect this, second largest city of Tamil Nadu with other parts of the state as well as other places in India. Madurai has five bus stands, which cater to the needs of the people.