Madurai Madurai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu and has a population of about one and half million. It is situated on the banks of the River Vaigai in South Tamil Nadu.

After getting treated in Tamil Nadu, do not fail to visit the famous Navagragha Temples which are found in a close cluster around Kumbakonam in South Tamil Nadu. Nowhere in India do you find all the Navagragha Temples in such close proximity from each other, so that it is very easy to visit all the temples in about three days!   Surya  Chandra  Mangal Budha      Guru        Shukra  Shani     Rahu     Ketu

 

It is one of the oldest cities of India.it is more than 2500 years old.Marco polo is  said to have visited the city in 1293 A.D.Situated in the heart of the city is the world famous Meenakshi Temple , which attracts both pilgrims and tourists. The old city is built around the temple while the modern city with its many internet cafes, ice cream parlours, restaurants, textile mills, industries and vast university campuses sprawl around The 10 day Chitirai Festival  celebrated in April/May is the most important  of all the numerous festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm here. On the 10th day of the festival, the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar is performed with great fanfare. The entire city throbs with religious fervour as the city is visited by nearly 50000 devotees from elsewhere. Madurai is the direct inheritor of the Tamil culture which is more than 2500 years old. It was the seat of the Pandhya Kings of South India. Other temples are seen everywhere.

 When you visit Madurai do not fail to visit Tirumalai Nayak Mahal which is just a km away from the Meenakshi Temple. Constructed in 1636 ,this was the palace of Tirumalai Nayak, the greatest of the Nayaka rulers. It has 15 domes and arches adorned with carvings.There are about 250 massive pillars that are 58 feet in height. Do not miss seeing the Sorga Vilasam which serves as auditorium .An arcaded octagonal structure, its dome about 15m in diameter and 21m in height will make you wonder how it was constructed without any supporting girders. Also, do not miss a visit to the Ayiramkal Mandapam (hall of thousand pillars) which is also part of the Meenakshi Temple Complex. Nine hundred and eight five intricately carved pillars are scattered across a vast open hall. Each pillar is a work of art with elaborate and highly ornate sculptures of ancient Indian life. When viewed from a particular angle ,these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an absolute architectural marvel

When you go to Madurai you get the feeling of being transported to another era, mainly because of its quaint old world charm. It is also a modern city. It is home to some of India's oldest colleges of great repute. It has also got a very good university. Madurai is famed for the Arvind Group of Hospitals which provide excellent, cheap eye care to people from all over India. Many foreigners and Indians from other parts of India come here to avail of the excellent facilities. Madurai is noted for its export of jasmine flowers. Annually nearly 20000 tonnes of jasmine flowers are exported to countries like Singapore, Thailand ,Kuwait and Dubai. It is also noted for its Sungudi saris. These hand made saris are made in the traditional tie and dye method. They are appealing, long lasting  and give very good value for money. These saris are found in all shops in Madurai .You can find them in any textile shop around the Meenakshi Temple

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

 

   

            

           

            

            

 

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