A burst of rainbow hues, vivacious energy, tinkling temple bells and soulful chaos; welcome to Madurai- the ancient stronghold of Goddess Meenakshi. A city laced with heritage structures & legacy dating back to over 2000 years, Madurai is a gold-mine of legends & fables waiting to be discovered by curious travelers.
While Madurai’s economy is driven by the booming IT sector, its heart beats in its charming legacy. Taking long strides of modernity, yet maintaining its graceful & unhurried pace, Madurai’s soul is abuzz with chatters of its mythological legends & fables.
A city within the city, the sprawling complex of this beautiful temple is synomous with spirituality & festivity. The temple pays obeisance to Lord Sundereswara and Goddess Meenakshi, the manifestations of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati respectively, and is believed to be their marriage venue.
The most defining features of the temple, its 14 Gopurams (entryways), punctuate the gorgeous skyline of the city. Soaring from solid granite bases and embellished with rainbow-hued stucco figurines of deities, monsters and mythical animals, these tall towers are marvels of architecture. It’s imposing arched ceilinged Mandapa, impressive pillared halls and vividly painted walls and ceilings are breathtaking.
As you enter from the Eastern Gopuram, you are greeted by the grand Thousand Pillared Hall that has now been converted to a museum of temple art. Exquisitely carved pillars, brilliantly painted panels and majestic bronze figurines are its major highlights.
A crumbling edifice, less than a quarter of its original size, Thirumalai Nayak Palace depicts the high aspirations of the Nayak Kings. Built in the 16th century in a Dravidian-Islamic hybrid style, this palace marks the movement of capital from Tiruchi to Madurai. Its exquisite interiors, graced with foliated brickwork and lustrous stucco, are fine specimens of impressive architecture.
This magnificent hilltop temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, a form of Lord Vishnu, is a favorite with locals & travelers alike. Craved as a cave-like structure, this shrine is known for its serenity, panoramic surroundings, detailed life-sized sculptures, and artistically carved pillars.
This ancient temple, perched on the edge of a colossal tank, paints a picture of sanctity and spirituality. A gorgeous temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, stands in the middle of the tank.
Depicting Madurai’s strong bond with Mahatma Gandhi, this museum takes you on a comprehensive journey of India’s struggle for independence. The museum showcases a visual biography of Mahatma Gandhi, his many photographs, quotations, and letters. The highlight of the collection is Mahatma Gandhi’s blood stained garment that he was wearing at the time of his assassination.
Check out Pudhu Manadapa, a pillared hall opposite the eastern entrance, for gorgeous Sungudi Sarees, exquisite handlooms and craft stalls. You may also pick bell-metal lamps, bronze images, and wood & stone carved artifacts from its market lanes or from the state sponsored Cottage Arts Emporium.
Madurai’s local eateries called “Mess” are the best ways to eat like a native. Dig in delicious Mutton Dosa, Bone Marrow Omelette, Mutton balls, spicy Biryani, flavored Tomato Rice and its deliciously cold dessert Jigarthandafor the distinct taste of Madurai.
Madurai is best visited in winters from October to March when the temperatures dip and it is pleasant to walk its vibrant streets.
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.
Explore this beautiful temple town of Tamil Nadu and delight in its pulsating energy and soulful tranquility. Do reach us for customized tour packages to take you on a spiritual temple tour of this ancient city.
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Just came back from an amazing 2 week trip to India. First we done the golden triangle which we chose to do the train trip from Delhi to Agra a must you have to do if not just for the experience.
