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Madurai the second largest city of Tamil Nadu, is
situated on the banks of Vaigai River. The town with an
area of 22Sq. Kms has a population of above 1.1 million.
Madurai was the capital city of the Pandya kings of
South India. The Meenakshi temple in the heart of theold
town, attracts tourists as well as pilgrims. One of
south India's oldest cities, Madurai has been a centre
of learning for centuries. Madurai has a history dating back to the Sangam period of
the pre-Christian era. It has arich cultural heritage coming
from great Tamil era, more than 2500 years old. |
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The city has
remain an important commercial centre from early 550 AD.
Madurai is also called as the "Athens of the East" because
of its beautiful architecture and meticulous planning like
that of Athens. This ancient city is surrounded by three
small prominent hills namely Anaimalai,Pasumalai and
Nagamalai. The people of Madurai are known for their deep
respect for tradition and warm hospitality of the guests.
They lead are laxed and simple life style and prefer Thavani
(Half Saree) or Dhavani (Saree), a traditional Indian wear.
The city has many non-stop bazaar full of shops,street
markets, temples and restaurant. The temple and the old city
are on the southern bank, while modern Madurai with its
textile mills,engineering industries and large universities
situated on the surroundings.
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Attractions :
Meenakshi Temple - The Meenakshi temple situated
in the heart of the old town, is dedicated to Meenakshi
the consort of Lord Shiva. Made in Dravidian
architecture the temple has long been the focus of
tourists and also as one of the most important places of
Hindu pilgrimage.Kulasekara Pandya built the original
temple, but the credit for making today's temple goes to
Tirumalai Nayak, who brought back glory to this
magnificent structure. There are 12 temple towers (Gopurams)
and the outer towers (East, South, West and North tower)
serve as the landmarks of Madurai.
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam - Located 5 Kms east
of the Meenakshi temple this is a huge temple tank. At the
center of the mandapam an idol of Vigneshwara (Vinayaka)
stands. Discovered duringexcavation to construct the
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, the place was believed to be
sanctified and was converted into a teppakulam (tank). The
temple tank is fed by water of the Vagai river, brought
through an in genious system of underground channels. The
place also serves as the site of the popular temple's
float festival.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal -
Located at a distance of1 Km from Meenakshi temple, the
palace perfectly illustrates the architectural style of
Nayaks. Built in 1523 in Indo-Saracenic style the original
palace was four times bigger than today's standing
structure. The two main parts of the palace namely
Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa house the royal residence,
theatre, shrine, apartments, armory, palanquin place,
royalbandstand, quarters, pond and gardens. The most
amazing part of this palace is the dome of Swarga Vilasam,
which lies beyond a large courtyard. The domeis a fabulous
example of the engineering skill of its builders, rising
to a height of 20m without any kind of support.
Koodal Azhagar Temple -
Koodal Azhagar temple lies
around 20 Kms from Madurai. The temple is on the way to
Palamurthir Cholai,one of the six sacred abodes of Lord
Muruga. The temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu houses some
beautiful stone sculptures on the pillars of the
hall.Beautiful sculptures and paintings also found inside
the temple. This ancient temple has Vishnu in sitting,
standing and reclining postures one above the other.
The Gandhi Museum - Gandhi Memorial Museum is one
of the important places to be visited in Madurai.Gandhi
Museum is situated at the old palace of Rani Mangammal
houses. In the year 1955, the Tamil Nadu State Government
gifted 13 acres of land to Gandhi Smarak Nidhi for the
purpose of housing Gandhi Memorial Museum. Dedicated to
Gandhiji-his life and work, the museum has a collection of
Gandhiji's books and letters and a fine exhibition of
South Indian Village Industries and handicrafts. This
museum is one of the rare living memorials of "The Father
of India" and has a vast historical account of India's
struggle for independence. The picture Gallery presents a
visual biography of Gandhiji.
Kodaikanal -
Kodaikanal, one of the most beautiful
hill stations in India lies at a distance of 120 Kms from
Madurai.The hill station is situated in the Western Ghats
at an altitude of 2,130 meters above the sea level. The
major attraction of the town is the lake in which one can
enjoy boating or fishing. You can also have the pleasant
look of the wooded hills and the picturesque waterfalls.
Rameswaram -
Located on an island in the Gulf of Mannar, the place is
connected to the mainland by the Indira Gandhi
Bridge.Rameswaram has many temples dedicated to various
Hindu gods and goddesses.Considered as one of the most
important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus, the place is
sacred for both Vaishnavites and Shaivites. In addition
to the temple the beaches of Rameswaram are also famous.
Vaigai Dam - About 70 Kms from Madurai the
Dam,falls on the way to Thekkady. The beautiful gardens
in the dam is a popularpicnic spot. It also offers a
breathtaking views of the nearby areas.
Accessibility :
As Madurai is second largest city of Tamil Nadu, it is well-
connected with Air, Rail and Road links.
Air - Maduai is connected by air with the
Mumbai,Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchi and Coimbatore
etc. The Airport is 10 Kms away from the main city.
Rail - Madurai railway station falls under Soutern
Railways and the station has direct connections with
Bangalore,Coimbatore, Kollam, Chennai, Rameshwaram,
Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Tirupathi and Tirunelveli etc.
Road - Two national highways NH 7 and NH 45 connects
Madurai to all parts of South India. The city has regular
bus services to all the towns in nearby regions and rest of
the Tamil Nadu. |
Madurai
Travel Packages:
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