¤ About Madurai
Madurai has been the centre of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, this modern industrial city is today famous as a temple town. The history of Madurai dates back to prehistoric times. Archaeological evidences unearthed from this region suggest the existence of settlements in the Megalithic Age and the Neolithic Age. The earliest recorded history of Madurai, available from the fourth century BC, can be found in the Tamil and Greek documents The ancient city had links with Greece and Rome and traded primarily in spices.

Madurai also finds mention in many ancient texts and especially the Puranas, where sage Agastya eulogizes the greatness and glory of the city. The city of Madurai has been ruled by various dynasties. The Cholas took over the city in the 10th century AD. The Pandyas regained control in the 12th century AD, only to loose it again to the invaders under Malik Kafur. In 1364, the Vijayanagar kingdom was established with the overthrowing of the dynasty established by Malik Kafur. The Nayaks, who were the local governors of Madurai, took over the city after the fall of the Vijayanagar kingdom in 1565 and ruled it till 1781. It was during this period that Madurai reached its cultural zenith.

The city was taken over by the British East India Company in 1801. The summers in Madurai can get very hot. Along with its burgeoning industrial set up, the legends, myths and the thousands of pilgrims swarming the city have given Madurai a unique character and ambience. The architectural marvels of the temples and the exquisite sculptures fascinate all those who have a look at them. You can also participate in the many festivals and regale in the rich tradition of the locals. Some of the major attractions in the city are the Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal, The Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam and Pazhamudhirsolai.

¤ Major Tourist Attractions of Madurai
» Meenakshi Amman Temple - An excellent example of Dravidian Architecture, the Meenakshi Temple attracts devotees from all over India and Tourist from all over the world. One can climb to the southern Gopuram of the temple to get a great view of the city.

» Koodal Azhaar Temple - One of the most ancient temples in Madurai, Koodal Azhagar temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In this temple he is seen in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the other. There are intricate woodcarvings in here, including one of Lord Rama's coronation.

» Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex -This is an ideal picnic spot with TTDC providing boathouses restaurants services.

» Thirumalai Nayak Mahal -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".

» Vanditur Mariamman Teppakulam -This huge tank is covers an area equal to the six of Meenakshi temple. Tirumalai Nayak built it in 1646. It is said that channels from the Vaigai River connect the tank. Today, this tank remains empty for most of the year except during the Teppam Festival.

» The Gandhi Museum -The museum was initially the palace of Rani Mangammal. It gives a clear account of the history of Independence movement of India. This museum also tells some little known facts about Gandhiji but the real piece of Gandhi Memorabilia is the blood stained Dhoti, which he was wearing at the time of his assassination. The local government museum is also situated over here. The small bookshop offers plenty of reading material from Gandhiji's works.

» Thirupparankundram -This is one of the abodes of Lord Sundareshwara, a rock cut temple carved out of a mountain, just 8-km from the city.

» Azhagar Koil -This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located 18-km northeast of Madurai on a picturesque hilltop. The gold image of Azhagar travels for the Celestial marriage during the Chithirai festival.


» Pazhamudhirsolai -On the same hills of Azhagar Koilthis is again one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

¤ Accomodation
Madurai has got a wide range of accommodation, varying from reasonable ones to luxurious that cater for the flocks of pilgrims and tourists. Most of the reasonable places to stay are located at Town Hall Road and West Perumal Maistry Street, not far from the railway station.

¤ Shopping
Madurai may not be shoppers' paradise, but here you can spend your time looking around the market and just chilling out amidst the colorful chaos of the marketplace. The hustle and bustle of the market packed with myriad of people jostling about over things they love to haggle. Indeed shopping in Madurai can be a fun. Plan a visit to Prithu Mandapam Market that is a famous market in Madurai, based just inside the eastern entrance of Meenakshi Temple. Here you can buy cotton and batiks, for which Madurai is famous. You can sit back on the Pottramarai tank and let the essence of Maduari seep in you. Madurai has also been a textile centre for long. Here skilled tailors can reproduce your dress with cottons and printed fabrics at Puthu Mandapam. You can also visit the government Poompuhar Handicrafts shop, the Cottage Arts Emporium and the Madurai Gallery for hand-woven silks and cottons, bell-metal lamps, bronze images, wood and stone carvings

¤ Climate of Madurai
The climate of Tamil Nadu is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.

¤ How To Reach Madurai
» 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.

» 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

» 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.