Madurai

Madurai is one of the oldest cities of southern India. It has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it, that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - Madhurapuri, now known as Madurai.

Madurai's history dates back to over 2000 years ago, when it was the capital of the Pandyan kings. In the 10th century AD, Madurai was captured by the Chola emperors.

It remained in their hands, until the Pandyans regained their independence in the 12th century, only to lose it to the Muslim invaders under Malik Kafur, a general in the service of the Delhi Sultanate. Malik Kafur's dynasty was overthrown by the Hindu Vijaynagar kings of Hampi. After the fall of Vijayanagar, in 1565, the Nayaks ruled Madurai until 1781 AD.

During the rule of the Nayaks, the bulk of the Meenakshi temple was built, the main attraction for visitors, today. Madurai also became the cultural centre of the Tamil people. Madurai passed on to the East India Company in 1781, and in 1840, the Company razed the fort which had previously surrounded the city, and filled in the moat. Four streets, the Veli streets, which were constructed on top of the fill, till today, define the limits of the old city.

Madurai Places To See

MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE

The temple is dedicated to both of Meenakshi of the limpid fish-shaped eyes, the lovely consort of Lord Siva; and to Lord Siva himself (Sundareswarar). It is one of the holiest places of worship in South India, drawing thousands of devotees everyday.

 

 

KOODAL ALAGAR TEMPLE

This ancient shrine has Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures, one above the other. It has elegantly carved ornamental windows described as "miracles of the stone masons art". There are also intricate wood carvings including a panel of lord Rama's Pattabishekam (coronation)

THIRUMALAI NAYAK MAHAL

The Thirumalai Nayak's palace is open to the public from 9.00a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00p.m. to 5.00 p.m. The most imposing remnant is a huge Audience hall opening into a countryard with elaborately ornamented arches. A sound and light show depicting the story of Thirumalai Nayak and Silappathikaram (a Tamil Epic) can be seen here daily. Timings: English: 6.45 p.m. Tamil: 8.15 p.m.

VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM

This enormous temple tank is fed by water brought from the Vaigai through an ingenious system of underground channels. The tank has a Mandapam at the centre enshrining Lord Vigneshwara. In January -February the Teppakulam is the venue of a float festival which attracts thousands of tourists.

GANDHI MUSEUM

This institution housed in a 300-year old palace is dedicated to Gandhiji and promotes study and appreciation of the Mahatma's teachings. There is a picture gallery, personal memorabilia of the Mahatma, a library and an exhibition of South India handicrafts and village industries. The Government Museum is also in this complex. Timing 10.00a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

THIRUPPARANKUNDRAM

Located 8 kms south of Madurai junction, the temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.

ALAGAR KOIL

Located 21 kms northwest of Madurai is a Vishnu Temple on a picturesque wooded hill. Here Vishnu presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar'. During the Chithirai festival in April/May, when the marriage of Meenakshi to Sundereswarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai. A gold processional icon called the Sundarajar is carried by devotees in procession from Azhagar Koil to Madurai for the wedding ritual. Pazhamudhirsoali, one of the six abodes of lord Subramanya is on the same hill, about 4 kms above. A natural spring called Buburagangai where pilgrims bathe, is also located here.

Madurai Excursion

VAIGAI DAM(70 KMS)

This is a popular picnic spot. Man-made gardens on one side of the dam contrast with the rugged terrain on the mountains. On Sundays the dam is illuminated.

KODAIKANAL(120 KMS)

Kodai is a hill station 2130 m above sea level in the Western Ghats. Wooded hills, pleasant walks, picturesque waterfalls and a magnificent lake, make Kodai one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. For organising Trekking this is an ideal place. The Tourist Officers, Madurai and Kodaikkanal, may be contacted for further details.

 

PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (THEKKADI) (155 KMS)

The forests of this beautiful sanctuary slope down to a manmade lake. On motor launches from this lake, one can view wildlife in its natural habitat. Elephant, Gaur, Sambhar, Bear, even Tigers and Leopards come down to drink waters of the lake.

MEGAMALAI

Megamalai, 130 kms from Madurai, lies 1500 m above sea level. One has to climb up from Chinnamanur side. There are many cardamon estates and tea plantations in the hills. Wild animals like sambhar, Elephant, Tiger, Cheetah, Gaur and Spotted Deer are found amidst thick vegetation.

SURULI FALLS

Saruli waterfalls lies 123 kms from Madurai on the way to Thekkadi via Uthamapalayam. The location of the falls, in a salubrious setting makes it a good picnic spot for domestic tourists.

VIRAGANUR DAM

Viraganur Dam with a picturesque garden lies 8kms from Madurai and not far from Vandiyur Mariamman tank. This is a nice picnic spot.

KUMBAKKARAI WATER FALLS

It is 105 kms from Madurai and 6 kms from Periyakulam, Kumbakkarai water falls is an ideal picnic spot. This area can serve as a Base Camp for trekkers in the Kodai Hills.

 

How To Reach Madurai

By Air: Indian Airlines connect Madurai with Madras, Calicut and Bombay. Vayudoot Services also connect Madurai with Madras & Pondicherry. East West Airlines also connect Madurai with Bombay.

By Rail: Madurai is Connected by rail via Madras with all the main places in India.

By Road: Madurai is connected by good motorable roads to Madras (472 kms), Trichy (142 kms), Rameshwarm (139 kms), Kanyakumari (232 kms), Tirunelveli (151 kms), Kodaikanal (120 kms), Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (136 kms), Palani (122 kms), Thanjavur (223 kms), Bangalore (446 kms), Bombay (1454 kms).