Madurai
Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu
General Information
District: Madurai, State: Tamil Nadu, India
Area: 22 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Tamil and English
Long Distance Code: +91-452
Importance: Famous for the Meenakshi temple
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Description
One of the most beautiful cities of the state of Tamil Nadu, Madurai, has a history of more than 2500 years with it. Famous for the Meenakshi temple, the city was ruled by the Pandian kings and finds a mention in many epics, only to prove its age old culture and longitivity. It is referred to in the Ramayana and Kautily's Arthashastra. Megasthenes (302 BC), pliny (77AD) and Ptolemy (140 AD) wrote of "Madurai, the kingdom of the Pandian". Macro polo visited Madurai in 1293 AD.<br />Situated on the banks of River Vaigai, the name Madurai has a beautiful legend attached to it. It is said that one of the Pandian kings, Kulashekhar, built a beautiful temple complex in madurai, clearing the forest. Around the temple he developed a township in shape of a lotus flower. On the naming ceremony of the township, Lord Shiva appeared and blessed the land and its people. As he blessed divine nectar; Mathuram in the local dialect, was showered on the city from his matted locks. Hence the city was known as Madhurapuri.<br />Madhurapuri grew and prospered to become the capital of the Pandyan Kingdom. The Pandian kings encouraged the cultural movement of the town as praise to the Lord. Madhurapuri, later became Madurai and still boasts to be the cultural capital of the state. Today along with the beautiful Meenakshi temple it is also famous for the textile mills producing wonderful silk.Location
Located in the southern parts of the state, the district of Madurai is landlocked. Dindigul district is in the north, district of Sivaganga in the east, Teni in the west and the disrtict of Virudunagar in the south.
The temple at Palani is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya or Murugan. Dedicated to Sri Dandayuthapani, the temple is built atop a 140m high hill and can be reached by either using steps or the electrically operated winch. During the festivals of Panguni Uthiram (March-April) and Adi Krithikai (July-August) Kavadi dancers dance and walk their way from far and near as they flock to the temple in hundreds, often in a state of trance. Situted at 119 km from Madurai.
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple is located at the heart of the city; the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple has long been the focus of both Indian and international tourist attraction as well as one of the most important places of Hindu pilgrimage. It is the hub of the religious and cultural life of the city. Kulasekara Pandya built this pre-Christian era temple. However, it was in ruins before Tirumalai Nayak who brought back the glory to this magnificent structure rebuilt it.\r\nThe Meenakshi temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with Gopurams (large gateways) and Mandapams (multi-pillared halls) covered from top to bottom in a profusion of multi-coloured images of gods, goddesses, animals and mythical figures. Spread over six hectares, the temple has four entrances to it. The Rajagopuram on the eastern side is an unfinished structure that has a 174 sq. ft base, and had this tower been completed, it would surely have been the largest of its kind in the country. The eight smaller Gopurams are within the compounds of the twin temples.\r\nIn the Ashta Shakti Mandapam inside the Meenakshi temple, the sculpted pillars tell the story of the beautiful princess of Madurai and her marriage to Lord Shiva. It was believed that the princess was actually an incarnation of Parvati who came to earth to honour a promise. Shiva came to Madurai as Sundareswarar to marry Meenakshi and the two ruled over the kingdom for many years before they left for their heavenly abode from the spot where the temple now stands.
Muslim armies on the rampage brought an end to the royal line of the Vijayanagar Empire paving way for the Nayaks, who assumed royal powers over their principalities, which included Madurai. The city and the dynasty flourished from the 16th to the 18th century. Thirumalai Nayak built this palace 1 km Southeast of the temple. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, all that remains of this magnificent mansion today are the principal entrance, the dancing hall and the main hall. The main attraction now is the light and sound show in the palace, which depicts events from Thirumalai Nayak's life and also snatches from the ancient Tamil epic Silappathikaram.
Also built by Thirumalai Nayak in the 17th century, this huge tank in the eastern part of the city is said to have underground channels connecting it with the Vaigai River. There is a Mandapam with an idol of Vinayaka or the Elephant God, right in the middle of the tank, brilliantly illuminated during the Float Festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai, falling between 15th January and -15th February.
This cave temple is cut out of solid rock. There are myths and legends surrounding the deity Murugan here. This is one of his six abodes, Murugan being the second son of Shiva. Situated 10 km south of the city, the place where the temple is built is supposed to have been the site of his marriage to Devayani.
This museum as the name suggests is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation. It is housed in what used to be the palace of Rani Mangammal. Among the collection of Gandhi memorabilia exhibited here is the bloodstained dhoti that he was wearing on the fateful day of his assassination.
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Taste Of India / PC-641 (11 Days / 10 Nights)
Chennai-Tiruchirappalli-Karaikudi-Madurai-Thekkady-Kumarakom-Kochi
Enjoyed by millions of people around the globe, Indian cuisine has as much heart and soul as its people. South of India is known for its intricate temples, classical music traditions, festivals, spice gardens apart from tea estates and delicious food. The climate in the southern region is hot and humid, with abundant rainfall and abundance in the variety of fruits and vegetables apart from a mouth-watering seafood platter. Karaikudi is not only famous for its unique Chettinadu Houses or black pepper plantations, but also for a rich Chettinad Cuisine which is flavourful and at times fiery too. It takes a little twist from here as the mood moves from the home to the wild. Periyar National Park is one of the most enchanting animal reserves of the country. Southern landscape is beautifully painted with coconut groves, tea estates, spice gardens and backwaters, rivers, rivulets and lush green meadows apart from the exquisite temples. The entire tour gives a wonderful peep into the culture and the cuisine which at times is also associated with comfort food and the one that grants you peace and contentment to the soul!!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chennai
Day 2 : Chennai
Day 3 : Chennai-Tiruchirappalli-Karaikudi
Day 4 : Karaikudi
Day 5 : Karaikudi-Madurai
Day 6 : Madurai
Day 7 : Madurai-Thekkady
Day 8 : Thekkady-Kumarakom
Day 9 : Kumarakom-Kochi
Day 10 : Kochi
Day 11 : Kochi
Chennai-Tiruchirappalli-Karaikudi-Madurai-Thekkady-Kumarakom-Kochi
Enjoyed by millions of people around the globe, Indian cuisine has as much heart and soul as its people. South of India is known for its intricate temples, classical music traditions, festivals, spice gardens apart from tea estates and delicious food. The climate in the southern region is hot and humid, with abundant rainfall and abundance in the variety of fruits and vegetables apart from a mouth-watering seafood platter. Karaikudi is not only famous for its unique Chettinadu Houses or black pepper plantations, but also for a rich Chettinad Cuisine which is flavourful and at times fiery too. It takes a little twist from here as the mood moves from the home to the wild. Periyar National Park is one of the most enchanting animal reserves of the country. Southern landscape is beautifully painted with coconut groves, tea estates, spice gardens and backwaters, rivers, rivulets and lush green meadows apart from the exquisite temples. The entire tour gives a wonderful peep into the culture and the cuisine which at times is also associated with comfort food and the one that grants you peace and contentment to the soul!!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chennai
Day 2 : Chennai
Day 3 : Chennai-Tiruchirappalli-Karaikudi
Day 4 : Karaikudi
Day 5 : Karaikudi-Madurai
Day 6 : Madurai
Day 7 : Madurai-Thekkady
Day 8 : Thekkady-Kumarakom
Day 9 : Kumarakom-Kochi
Day 10 : Kochi
Day 11 : Kochi
Alleppey Trivandrum Tour / PI-0102 (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Kochi-Alappuzha-Kollam-Kovalam-Kanyakumari-Kovalam-Karaikudi-Madurai
Explore Kerala- the land of legends and lions. The place with its serene backwaters and other unique geographical features has also been termed as ‘God’s Own Country’ for the sheer beauty and essence of the place. Travel and discover this beautiful place that has been also counted among the thirteen paradises of the world as well as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Kochi-Alappuzha
Day 2 : Alappuzha-Kollam
Day 3 : Kollam-Kovalam
Day 4 : Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Day 5 : Karaikudi-Madurai
Kochi-Alappuzha-Kollam-Kovalam-Kanyakumari-Kovalam-Karaikudi-Madurai
Explore Kerala- the land of legends and lions. The place with its serene backwaters and other unique geographical features has also been termed as ‘God’s Own Country’ for the sheer beauty and essence of the place. Travel and discover this beautiful place that has been also counted among the thirteen paradises of the world as well as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Kochi-Alappuzha
Day 2 : Alappuzha-Kollam
Day 3 : Kollam-Kovalam
Day 4 : Kovalam - Kanyakumari - Kovalam
Day 5 : Karaikudi-Madurai
Temple Tour of Tamil Nadu / PI-0107 (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Chennai-Mamallapuram-Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram-Puducherry-Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai-Chennai
Tamil Nadu is one of the southern states in India. Tamil Nadu is famous for its innumerous temples and beaches, along with its delicious cuisine. This tour starts from the capital city of the state, Chennai, to take you around the places of main pilgrimage centres of the south.Unfortunately many temples here do not allow non-hindus to enter the sanctorium. But to watch the architecture of the temples from outside itself is a breath taking experience. Come and enjoy this five day tour and get entjralled with the mytholocgial stories related to the temples and the beautiful architecture along with an insight to the dravidian culture.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chennai
Day 2 : Chennai - Mamallapuram
Day 3 : Mamallapuram - Kanchipuram - Mamallapuram
Day 4 : Mamallapuram - Puducherry -Thanjavur
Day 5 : Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai
Day 6 : Madurai
Day 7 : Madurai-Chennai
Chennai-Mamallapuram-Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram-Puducherry-Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai-Chennai
Tamil Nadu is one of the southern states in India. Tamil Nadu is famous for its innumerous temples and beaches, along with its delicious cuisine. This tour starts from the capital city of the state, Chennai, to take you around the places of main pilgrimage centres of the south.Unfortunately many temples here do not allow non-hindus to enter the sanctorium. But to watch the architecture of the temples from outside itself is a breath taking experience. Come and enjoy this five day tour and get entjralled with the mytholocgial stories related to the temples and the beautiful architecture along with an insight to the dravidian culture.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chennai
Day 2 : Chennai - Mamallapuram
Day 3 : Mamallapuram - Kanchipuram - Mamallapuram
Day 4 : Mamallapuram - Puducherry -Thanjavur
Day 5 : Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai
Day 6 : Madurai
Day 7 : Madurai-Chennai
Dravidian Heritage / PC-644 (15 Days / 14 Nights)
Chennai-Covelong-Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram-Covelong-Puducherry-Chidambaram-Swamimalai-Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai-Thekkady-Kochi-Guruvayur-Kozhikode-Mysore-Chikmaglur-Shravanabelagola-Bengaluru
South India, stretching south of the Vindhya Mountain ranges down to the coastal areas surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, covers a vast swathe of the Deccan plateau. The states in this region are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, all four of which have their own languages, slightly differing from each other, but vastly different from the language and culture of the Indian heartland in the North and West. South India has two major claims to being a tourist attraction. Thousands of miles of pristine coastline and sandy beaches, dotted with sea side resorts and the ancient Hindu heritage architecture, temples and remnants of the Indus valley civilization. Boat trips on the backwater canals and protected wetlands, not to mention the health spas and Ayurveda clinics, make for a rejuvenating vacation, and most tourists leave Kerala in much better shape, mentally and physically, than when they came in.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chennai-Covelong
Day 2 : Covelong-Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram-Covelong
Day 3 : Covelong-Puducherry
Day 4 : Puducherry-Chidambaram-Swamimalai
Day 5 : Swamimalai-Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai
Day 6 : Madurai
Day 7 : Madurai-Thekkady
Day 8 : Thekkady-Kochi
Day 9 : Kochi
Day 10 : Kochi-Guruvayur-Kozhikode
Day 11 : Kozhikode-Mysore
Day 12 : Mysore
Day 13 : Mysore-Chikmaglur
Day 14 : Chikmaglur-Shravanabelagola-Bengaluru
Day 15 : Bengaluru
Chennai-Covelong-Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram-Covelong-Puducherry-Chidambaram-Swamimalai-Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai-Thekkady-Kochi-Guruvayur-Kozhikode-Mysore-Chikmaglur-Shravanabelagola-Bengaluru
South India, stretching south of the Vindhya Mountain ranges down to the coastal areas surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, covers a vast swathe of the Deccan plateau. The states in this region are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, all four of which have their own languages, slightly differing from each other, but vastly different from the language and culture of the Indian heartland in the North and West. South India has two major claims to being a tourist attraction. Thousands of miles of pristine coastline and sandy beaches, dotted with sea side resorts and the ancient Hindu heritage architecture, temples and remnants of the Indus valley civilization. Boat trips on the backwater canals and protected wetlands, not to mention the health spas and Ayurveda clinics, make for a rejuvenating vacation, and most tourists leave Kerala in much better shape, mentally and physically, than when they came in.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chennai-Covelong
Day 2 : Covelong-Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram-Covelong
Day 3 : Covelong-Puducherry
Day 4 : Puducherry-Chidambaram-Swamimalai
Day 5 : Swamimalai-Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli-Madurai
Day 6 : Madurai
Day 7 : Madurai-Thekkady
Day 8 : Thekkady-Kochi
Day 9 : Kochi
Day 10 : Kochi-Guruvayur-Kozhikode
Day 11 : Kozhikode-Mysore
Day 12 : Mysore
Day 13 : Mysore-Chikmaglur
Day 14 : Chikmaglur-Shravanabelagola-Bengaluru
Day 15 : Bengaluru
Madurai, India Tours
