Madurai - The Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu
Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in India. For the longest time in its history, it was ruled by Pandya kings. As such, it is also referred to as the Lotus City, as it was planned and built in the shape of a lotus.
Madurai is known for various reasons, such as the Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar. Apart from this temple, there are many other ancient temples in Madurai as well, like Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple—one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Muruga (Karthikeya). It is located on a hillock approximately 8 km from the city.
Having trade ties with ancient Rome, Madurai has a great cultural heritage. With bustling bazaars and fantastic street food, heritage walks are conducted throughout the day. Keep reading to know more about Madurai and its charm!
History of Madurai
The glorious Madurai’s history dates back to the Sangam period of the pre-Christian era. The famous Megasthenes visited the place in the 3rd century BC. According to the Sangam literature, this was the geographical region that used to be the capital of the Pandyan dynasty.
Several historians from Rome, such as Ptolemy, Pliny, and the Younger Greek geographer Strabo, have also mentioned this place in their respective works.
As the Sangam age ended, Madurai saw the Kalabhra dynasty take over. They were defeated by Pandyas around 590 CE, who were overthrown by the Chola dynasty in the 9th century.
By 1800, Madurai had come under the regime of the East India Company, which sparked the independence movement in the region.
Best Places to Visit in Madurai
Are you searching for ‘Madurai places to visit’? Your quest ends here! Below is the list of top places to visit in Madurai that will add magic, adventure, and fun to your exploration!
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple
Sited on the southern banks of the Vaigai River, the Meenakshi Amman temple is one of the prominent ‘Madurai tourist places’ that you’ll ever witness! This [lace is filled with historical profundities. It is believed to have been built between 1623 and 1655. The stronghold footing and charm of this temple are such that it holds a certain grandeur even today. You are sure to fall in love with this incredible place.
2. Thirumalai Nayakar Palace
Established in 1636 AD, this palace is another most popular Madurai visiting places, which beautifully depicts the perfect concoction of Dravidian and Rajput architectural styles. Since India's independence, the palace has been declared a national monument and continues to be an incredible travel getaway. Perfect for Madurai sightseeing, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is a must-visit!
3. Koodal Azhagar Temple
A Vishnu temple with beautiful sculptures and a three-tiered idol of Lord Vishnu in sitting, standing, and reclining postures.
4. Alagar Koil
This is yet another example of a remarkable Hindu temple where several devotees of Lord Vishnu gather to offer their prayers. This temple is situated in the Alagar Hills, and many people also refer to it as Azhagarkovil. In the temple, you will find a lot of statues of various deities. Visiting here can be a humbling experience.
5. Samanar Hills
A Jain heritage site with ancient rock carvings, caves, and inscriptions dating back to the 1st century AD.
6. Pudhu Mandapam
A 16th-century pillared hall near the Meenakshi Temple, now a bustling shopping hub for textiles and handicrafts.
Things to Do in Madurai
- Witness the Evening Aarti at Meenakshi Temple
- Explore Local Markets
- Try Madurai’s Famous Jigarthanda
- Enjoy Street Food
- Take a Heritage Walk
- Visit the Banana Market
Best Time to Visit Madurai
- Winter (October - February): The best time to visit, with pleasant weather.
- During Festivals: Chithirai Festival in April is the most vibrant time to experience Madurai’s traditions.
How to Reach Madurai
Madurai is an incredible tourist destination filled with lots of exciting travel experiences. To reach it, you will need to cover a total distance of about 2,612, 1,436, 2,154, and 436 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively. Check out the details on how you can reach it by the following means of public transport.
By Air
If you plan to travel to Madurai by plane, then deboard at Madurai Airport (IXM). Established in 1957, the airport is responsible for serving Madurai along with its nearby regions and districts. Spanning PAN India, the airport is considered the 32nd busiest airport in Tamil Nadu. Many prominent carriers operate to and fro this airport with good flight connectivity. Once off the airport, you must book a taxi or avail some other means of transport to reach your destination.
- From Guwahati - Board Spicejet, IndiGo flights from Guwahati Airport. The airfares start from INR 5,000 - INR 6,000
- From Coimbatore - Board AirIndia, IndiGo, Spicejet flights from Coimbatore Airport. The airfares start from INR 6,000 - INR 7,000
- From Bengaluru - Board IndiGo, Spicejet flights from Bengaluru Airport. The airfares start from INR 3,000 - INR 4,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Madura
By Train
If you are planning on visiting Madurai via train, consider deboarding at either of the stations - Madurai Junction (MDU), Kudalnagar (KON), or Tirupparangundram (TDN). Madurai Junction is regarded as one of the major railway stations serving the city and its nearby regions. Falling under the south railway zone, this station also acts as the headquarters for the Madurai Railway Division. Once you get off the train, you can easily take a taxi or other local transportation option.
By Road
Travelling to Madurai via roadways can be an exciting opportunity, especially when you are with your friends. The roads connecting Madurai with other cities and districts are smooth and easily accessible, so a long drive will only help you make a lot of cherished memories. You can book private or state buses to reach here; otherwise, you can also travel via a taxi or self-drive here.
- From Coimbatore - 214 Km via NH44
- From Kochi - 273 km via NH85
- From Ooty - 284 km via NH44
Conclusion
Madurai is a beautiful southern gem that awaits all explorers! To witness the stunning beauty of Madurai, book now with adotrip.com and let the magic unfold! With us, nothing is far!
Frequently Asked Questions about Madurai
Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Madurai?
A. The top tourist attractions in Madurai include the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Alagar Koil, and Pazhamudhir Solai.
Q. What is Madurai famous for?
A. Madurai is famous for its historical monuments including Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, and Koodal Azhagar Temple.
Q. What is so special about Madurai?
A. Madurai has an interesting historical past where it is deeply believed that Lord Shiva himself performed 64 wonders called Thiruvilaiyadals.
Q. Which food is special in Madurai?
A. Madurai is known for its delectable cuisine. Some of the famous food items include paruthi paal, idlis, idiyappam, and bun parotta.
