G.B. International ::- Madurai
| Chennai | Chidambaram | Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) |
|---|---|---|
| Madurai | Rameshwaram | Kanyakumari |
| Coimbatore | Mahabalipuram | Thanjavur |
| Kanchipuram | Coonoor | South India |
Madurai
Tamil Nadu travel guide will takes you to another temple city of South India. Madurai is the second largest city of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its temples, especially for the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, it derives its name from the divine nectar (Madhu) that was showered from the locks of Lord Shiva according to a popular legend. The city has a rich cultural heritage which it has inherited from the great Tamil era, which is more than 2500 years old. Once the capital of the great Pandya kings, Madurai was an important cultural and commercial center even as early as 550 AD.
Today, Madurai is a well-known producer of some of the finest textiles in India and some of the best harvests of jasmine flowers. The city of Madurai is also mentioned in Megasthenes' Indica. He was an ancient Greek diplomat and envoy to India in the 3rd century BC, who wrote praises about this temple city. Madurai's glory reached its peak, during the reign of the Cholas and then during the Pandyas' regime in the 13th century.
Places of Interest
Sri Meenakshi TempleMadurai is synonymous with the Sri Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Sri Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The temple complex, the main attraction at Madurai, is one of the biggest in India. The five gopurams that surround the temple are known for stucco work, and the 48.8 metre high southern gopuram is the tallest. Legend has it that when the last Tamil Sangam (Academy) met here, literary works were thrown into the temple tank. Those that floated were deemed to be outstanding literature. It is believed that the Kadasma tree under which Lord Shiva meditated was the only one that covered this area. Exquisite sculptures are to be found throughout the complex.
The Hall of Thousand Pillars
It is a museum of icons, photographs and illustrations. Apart from being a very sacred spot for the Hindus, the Meenakshi Temple is one of the country's most important tourist landmarks.
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
It is a place about one kilometre from the south east of the Meenakshi Temple. The show building is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style by Nayaks. The main attraction here are the musical pillars and the pathway. There is one small museum, and the main audience hall opens into a huge outdoor courtyard.
Festivals Celebrated Trichy
Festivals are celebrated in all twelve Tamil months at Madurai Meenakshi temple. Some of the popular festivals are Chithirai festival celebrated in the months of April - May and Avanimool festival celebrated in the months of September - Ocotber. Other important festivals are the Navarathri Festival and the Float Festival celebrated in the months of January- February.Shopping
Shopping at Madurai can be fun, here you can buy cotton and batiks, for which Madurai is famous. The Prithu Mandapam Market is a famous market of Maduari, situated just inside the eastern entrance of the Meenakshi Temple. Let yourself relax and visit the Pottramarai tank to feel the essence of Maduari.How to Reach
By AirMadurai has its own airport situated 10 kms away from the city. There are daily flights to Madurai from Chennai, Bangalore & Coimbatore.
By Rail
Madurai is an important railway junction of the Southern Railway and is directly connected to Chennai and Tirunelveli. Madurai is on the Madurai-Tiruchirappalli-Dindigul-Quilon route.
By Road
The city has excellent roads connecting Madurai to all parts of South India. It has 5 Major bus stand.