About Madurai
Madurai is another important and beautiful city of South India. Megasthenes
visited Madurai in the 3rd century BC. Historically Pandya and Chola kings
have long ruled over Mysore. Later, the Muslim rulers and the British
captured it. The place is adorned by numerous temples. Sri Meenakshi,
Sundareswarar Temple (a must see), Thirumalai Nayak place,
Thirupparankundram Temple, Alagar Koil, Gandhi museum, Mariamman tappakkulam
etc. are temples of architectural beauty.
Madurai is a lively city, the Meenakshi bazaar making it more so. The city
is situated in a district, also called Madurai. The city is covered up with
rice fields and rocky formations which abruptly turns into green hills,
covered with coffee, cocoa and spice plantations. The City is filled up with
towers, pillars, halls and lavish artworks.
Pongal, Jallikattu, Chithirai, Avanimoolam, Cradle festival and Navrathri
are festivals worth a presence in Madurai. Du Pont, TVS and Honeywell, well
known organizations have their major processing and operations offices in
Madurai. In a middle-sized city like Madurai there are more than 50 movie
theaters.
Sri Meenakshi – Sundareshwar Temple: - Madurai city is revolved
around the Meenakshi temple. The temple has a huge religious as well as
cultural significance and holds much importance in the life of people. The
temple complex is one of the largest in India, covers an area of 65000 sq
km. The temple is 2000 old but well maintained as it seems newly built. The
four mammoth gateways enclosing two shrines with artistic sculptured work
can easily captivate anyone. The signature attraction of the temple is 1000
pillared hall. Each pillar is sculptured with ancient art, which is simply
spellbinding.
Mariamman Teppakulam – It is a huge square water tank built by
king Thirumalai, which is located 5 km east of Meenakashi temple. The tank
covers an area of 16 acres. Every year, on the ocassion of birth anniversary
of king Thirumalai, a glorious float festival is held. Mariamman is the name
of the village deity whose temple is located at the northern side of of the
tank.
Thirumalai
Nayak Palace - The palace was built in the 16th century by Thirumalai
Nayak and shows the artistic splendor of that time. The palace seems a touch
of Italian architecture possibly because it was supervised under an Italian.
The sturcture was destroyed by the grandson of king Thirumalai Nayak and now
its reduced to one fourth of original one. Every day half and hour show on
king’s life and you will get to know more about passions,lifestyle and
royalty of kings at that era.
Gandhi Museum - Gandhi memorial museum is always on the cards when
you visit Madurai. The museum is dedicated to ‘father of nation’
Mahatma Gandhi. The museum shows the snapshots of freedom struggle and
lovely picture gallery of Gandhian movement. The museum also preserve relics
of Gandhian khadi industries and other rare items.
Not To Overlook- Excursions From Madurai
Kodaikkanal – One of the best hill stations of India is located
about 121 km from Madurai city. The place is in the height of 2,130 m above
the sea level in the Western Ghats. Though a hill station but you will get
astonish with lush green valley equally mesmerizing are the mountains. A
must visit place for any traveler.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – In the lap of the mountains,
Periyar national park is one of the rarest wildlife sanctuary where you can
both thrill and sooth your mind. It lies 155 km from Madurai in the western
Ghats of Kerala. The place is wrapped in deciduous forests and Savannah
grassland. Periyar park also known as Tekkadi wildlife sanctuary spreads
across 777 sq km. The place is a tiger reserve and you can enjoy the
wildlife on the back of Asian elephant.
Megamala- Western Ghats are not only popular greathearted mountain
ranges but also famous for green tea estates. The romantic ambiance of the
place is ideal for recently wedding couple or you can alone unlax the
verdant surrounding. The place is 130 km from Madurai.
Courtallam – About 167 km on the Western Ghats, the place is
known for health resorts. Also known as ‘spa of th south’. The
natural beauty of Courtallam is spellbinding effect, waterfalls,lush green
valley, it has everything. You can take either hotel or boathouse maintained
TTDC(Tamil Nadu Tourism Development)
Kumbakkarai water Falls – The place is the base camp fro the
trekkers venturing Kodaikannal. The place is mainly attract families as it
is a great picnic spot. The place is 105 km away from Madurai.
Location : Madurai situates between 9-degree north latitude and
78-degree east longitude. It is situated on the bank of the river Vaigai and
on the soth of the state Tamil Nadu..
Climate : The weather remains dry and hot in Madurai. The maximum
during summer can reach 38 degree Celsius, while minimum remains at 26
degree Celsius. In winter the temperature ranges between 20 - 30 degree
Celsius. Average annual rainfall is 85 cm.
By Air : Madurai has a domestic airport that connects the
city with Mumbai, Chennai and other major cities through direct flights.
By Rail : Madurai is easily accessible through rail
network as it is linked with major railway stations in the south.
By Road : Well developed roads connects Madurai with most
of the southern cities. Also it connects national highway.
Related Storie(s)
Kanyakumari- Journey Begins
Where It Ends- By Prabhu Deva
