Madurai
Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu has a number of titles to its credit such as “The Athens of East", “Sleepless City" and “The City of Temples”. Steeped into history this ancient city is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu and a popular pilgrimage destination of India. Legend has it that Madurai was built after cutting down a forest zone known as Kadambavanam. On the day of naming the city, Lord Shiva emerged on the site and drops of nectar fell from his hair on the ground. Hence the city got its name derived as Madurai from the Tamil word ‘mathuram’ which means “sweetness".
Steeped in traditional Tamil culture the city of Madurai is known for its mythical, vivacious and soulful essence that will draw your attention as you enter its precincts. The city exhibits a seamless blend of the traditional and contemporary with its historical Dravidian architecture and modern skyscrapers adorning its skyline. The world famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Idaikattur Church, The Pudhu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar Palace are the prominent historical monuments of Madurai city.
Besides, there are several other places of interest that will take you close to its rich cultural heritage. Some of the must visit places at Madurai are the Gandhi Museum, Vaigai Dam, Villacherry Pottery Village, Teppakulam tank, Madurai Kamaraj University and others. Besides, you can also ramble across the narrow lanes of the vibrant marketplaces or strike up a bargain with the vendors.
Down the years Madurai has become a cultural hub of Tamil Nadu attracting millions of tourists and history enthusiasts round the year who want to soak into its deep rooted ethos and cultural vibe. Winter (months between December-February) is the best time to visit Madurai when you can go sightseeing to the places of attraction as the climate is favourable. Also, the major Tamil festivals (Pongal, Christmas, Jallikattu etc) are held during this time which you can revel at. Take a look at the detailed information provided below before you visit this ancient city of Tamilnadu.
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Madurai FAQ's
What is the best time to visit Madurai?
Winters (October to February)
The best time to visit Madurai is in the winter months of October to February.
Monsoons (July and August)
The monsoon helps bring temperatures down and those who want to see the natural landscape come alive should travel during the months of July to August.
Summer
Summer is hot and sultry and can make exploring the city uncomfortable.
How to reach Madurai?
Madurai is easily accessible from different parts of the country by air and rail. It’s also connected to the southern region of India by road.
Air: Madurai Airport is one of the points of entry by air. Flights can be booked from Chennai and a few major Indian cities. Travelers coming in from abroad will arrive at the nearest international airport, Chennai International Airport.
Rail: Traveling by train is the preferred mode of entry for many domestic tourists. The railway station is connected to many cities in India. If you’re traveling from Chennai, it takes about 8 hours to reach Madurai.
Road: Travelers coming in from cities in South India can take a bus to Madurai. It takes about 8 to 10 hours to get here from Chennai.
Why is Madurai called Sleepless City?
Madurai is dotingly called by the Maduraites “Thoonga Nagaram '' which means the city which never sleeps for its unique round the clock work culture. The nickname goes justifiably well with the tempo of the city’s nightlife where you cannot find even a single road without any head even at the dead of night.
Evening dining starts in this city by only 7am and stays open till 4am. Bustling markets and shopping corners are vibrantly active round the clock with customers flocking there for their usual bargain. Also, transportation facilities remain operational here throughout night time.
What is famous in Madurai?
Madurai also called “The Athens of the East '' by the weatern scholars has won worldwide acclaim for its rich architectural and cultural heritage. The name of the city is coined after the green goddess Meenakshi who resides in the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai city.
The awe inspiring temple stands as a milestone of Dravidian architecture which was built by the Nayakas. The name of this ancient city of Tamilnadu occurs in the earliest scriptures of Sangam literature. This clearly suggests that the city had its origin in the antiquated past which shares its history only with Varanasi of North India.
Although Madurai is best associated with the Meenakshi Temple, however, there are some more things the city fairly boasts of.
- Madurai is a witness to the evolution of the world famous Carnatic music which dates back to the 16th century. Legendary classical singers M.S Subbulakshmi and Madurai Mani Iyer hail from this city.
- Madurai is also known as the textile hub of South India for its premium quality batiks, silk and cotton fabric. Streets of the city are dotted with shops selling sarees and other materials made of cotton and silk.
- What rocks most in Madurai is a popular beverage drink “jigarthanda" (“jigar"- heart, “thanda"-cold) which soothes your heart during summer. The main ingredients of this heady concoction are badam (nuts), pisin (an edible gum extracted from almond trees), cold milk, ice cream and nannari syrup.
Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Madurai?
South Indian cuisine dominates in Madurai and when you’re here, you must sample as many local dishes as possible. From dosai to idli to sweets to meals served on banana leaves, you’ll never run out of food to try. Here are some of the best places to eat at –
- Famous Jigarthanda Shop
- Sulthan Restaurant
- Burma Idiyappam Kadai
- Madurai Idli Shop
- New Shri Ram Mess
- Amma Mess
- Konar Mess
What are the best public transport modes to commute around Madurai?
Buses and auto rickshaws are the best ways to get around the city. Renting a car is possible but unless you have experience driving on Indian roads, it’s best avoided.
Which are the best places for shopping in Madurai?
Handlooms, silk sarees, carvings and bell metal lamps are some of the most popular things to buy in Madurai. You can get them as these favorite shopping places –
- Poompuhar Sales Showroom
- Cottage Arts Emporium
- Madurai Gallery
- Hajeemoosa
- Rajmahal Silks
- Khadi Emporium
- Benzers
- Handloom House
- Surabhi Handicrafts
Which are the famous temples in Madurai?
The city is famed for its numerous temples, most featuring detailed Dravidian architecture with pyramid shaped towers and figures of deities. Here are some of the most noted temples in Madurai –
- Sri Meenakshi Temple
- Koodal Azhagar Temple
- Pazhamudircholai
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Inmaiyil Nanmai Tharuvar Temple
- Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal temple
- Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple
- Kallazhagar Temple
- Vandiyur Mariamman Temple
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