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Madurai, celebrated for its Meenakshi temple, is one of India's oldest cities with a history dating back of the 6th century BC. Madurai's trade with the ancient Greeks and Romans is well known. It was the capital of the Pandyan empire till the 14th century and is now an important commercial centre of South India.
Travel Information
Climate
Summer (Mar. to Jun.): Warm
Winter ( Nov. To Feb.): Mildly warm and pleasant
Clothing
Throughout the year-Cottons
Getting There
Connected by road to Madras (461 km) and to all major towns of South India.
Regular bus services.
Madurai is connected to Madras and other southern towns by express trains.
Madurai is connected by air to Madras.
Where to Stay
Luxury Hotels
Hotel Supreme
Madurai Ashok
Pandyan Hotel
Taj Garden Retreat
Standard Hotels
Hotel Tamil Nadu
New College House
YWCA
What to see
Alagarkoil
A temple at the foot of the Algar Hills (20 km). It has exquisite sculptures in the hall that faces the sanctum sanctorum.
Meenakshi Temple
A superb example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture, and the focal point around which the city has developed. The temple has two sanctra, one dedicated to Shiva and the other to his spouse Meenakshi. The highlight of the Meenakshi temple is the "Hall of a Thousand Pillars".
Tirmumalai Nayakar Palace
The curved dome, standing without the support of a girder or rafter, is an architectural feat.
Vandiyur Mariammant Tank
A huge temple tank measuring 304.8 metres on each side, with a mandapam in the centre.
Shopping
Glass bangles and other trinkets. Palm baskets, jaggery from palm trees are some of the specialities.
The streets around the Meenakshi temple in Madurai are the best places to shop. The areas are Chitirai, Avanimoola, Masi Street, Pudumandapama and Thevangu Chetty Choultry, all in and around the Meenakshi temple and Town Hall road.
Cuisine
Madurai is a city more known for its typical vegetarian South Indian cuisine particularly idlis and dosas.
Egg parota and kothu parota are two non-vegetarian specialities in Madurai other than biryani.
Festivals
Important festivals are Jallikattu Rekhla, The Float Festival and Chithirai Festival.
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