Madurai

Its Beauty
Madurai is Tamil Nadu's most happening cultural arena. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India. It is more than 2,500 years old and has a rich cultural heritage and history. Madurai was an important cultural and commercial center even as early as 550 AD and was the capital city for the great Pandya kings.

Places To Visit

Meenakshi Temple
This temple is the city's main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town- a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares.

Azhagar Kovil
Located 21 kms. northwest of Madurai is a Vishnu Temple on a picturesque wooded hill. Here 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhgar'. During the Chitrai festival in April/May, when the celestial marriage of Meenakshi to Sundareswarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai. A gold processional icon called the Sundararajar is carried by devotees in procession from Azhagar Kovil to Madurai for wedding ritual.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace
This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The building we see today was the main Palace where the King lived. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa

The Gandhi Museum
It gives a clear account of the history of Independence movement of India. This museum also tells some little known facts about Gandhi ji but the real piece of Gandhi Memorabilia is the blood stained Dhoti which he was wearing at the time of his assassination.

Tirupatrankundram
Thirupparamkundram , 10 km south of Madurai, is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya.It is a cave temple . Here Lord Muruga was wedded to Devayanai, daughter of Indra, after annihilating Surapadman.

Kodaikanal
Situated at an altitude of over 700 feet on the Palani hills of the western ghats, Ko- daikanal is a beautiful and unspoilt hill station of Tamil Nadu. Kodai has more sunshine than any other Indian hill station.