Madurai Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Sightseeing:

The biggest landmark of the city is the Meenakshi Temple. This twin temple was built 2,000 years ago, with constant additions made to it by the many rulers that reigned over the region. It is in fact the oldest and the largest temple complex in India, covering an area of 65,000 Sq m. The two shrines here are of Lord Shiva and his spouse Meenakshi. It is surrounded by a Hall of Thousand Pillars surrounded by statues and carvings.

The temple has seven towering gopurams richly covered with figures of gods, mythological characters and animals. The four main gopurams at the four entrances are at an awesome height of 50 metres each.

The temple complex is quite fascinating with its shops selling pooja items, garlands and flowers. The main hall or Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa has a brass lamp with 1,008 diyas, which are lit up during festivals. At one side is the Golden Lotus tank surrounded by pillars running along corridors. At the gates of the temple is a vibrant market selling saris, jewellery and spices.

Around 1.5 km away is the 16^th century, Thirumalai Nayak Palace. It's an architectural marvel, famous for its stuccowork. You can also visit the temples of Aappudaiyaar Koyil Tevara Stalam, Koodalazhagar Divya Desam and Tirupparamkunram, which is home to Lord Murugan also known as Subramanya.

If you have had enough of temples, then visit the Gandhi Museum, in the Old Palace of Rani Mangammal, the only queen to have ruled Madurai.

Located on a hilltop, 21kms away, is yet another beautiful temple called Alagarkoil, dedicated to Lord Alagar.

Tourism Info: 

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC)

Tourism Complex, No.2,

Wallajah Road, (near Kalaivanar Arangam)

Chennai - 600 002.

Ph. 25367850 Extn.221; 25383333, 25389857, 25360294

One of the oldest cities of India, with a cultural heritage dating back to 2,500 years, Madurai is situated on the banks of the River Vaigai and is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu.

The city was the capital of the Pandyas and later the Nayakas and is famous for its Meenakshi temple dedicated to Sundarewshwara (Shiva) and his consort Meenakshi (Parvati).