Among the oldest cities in the state of Tamil Nadu and even India for that matter, Madurai sparkles in a blend of various shades influenced by the many dynasties of rulers that settled here. It is a temple town located on the banks of the river Vaigai and is said to be planned in the shape of a lotus flower, with the world-famous Meenakshi temple in the center and the by lanes and streets emerging in the form of petals. Even though modernization has seeped through its ancient roots scattering the city with restaurants, malls and business complexes, it still manages to embody the essence of Tamil Nadu’s temple culture beautifully and serves as a cultural and commercial center of South India. Its market-places are always whirring with life at any time of the day titling the city – “thoonga nagaram” meaning “the city that never sleeps”.
Top 5 Things To Do In Madurai
Here is our list of places you can explore and things you can do to make the most out of your time in the city and soak up its soulful and fragrant culture
Meenakshi Amman Temple
Gandhi memorial museum
St Mary’s Cathedral
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Imperial Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Visit The Glorious Meenakshi Amman Temple
The Meenakshi Amman temple, also called the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is one of the most visited temples in India and a must-visit temple in South India. The principal deity worshiped here is Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, which makes it unique as most temples in India are dedicated to male deities. The phrase “fish eyed” is used in Tamil poetry to mean perfect pair of eyes and the deity is often fondly referred to as the fish eyed Goddess. It is believed that Lord Shiva got married to Meenakshi at the place where the temple is located and hence it is a site of vital mythological and historical significance for the devotees, attracting almost 15000 visitors each day.
The temple structure houses 33000 sculptures with vibrant colors and boasts of the “Aayiram Kaal Mandapam” or the “Hall of thousand pillars”, an architectural masterpiece believed to have been carved out of a single piece of rock. Among the historical sites nominated for the seven wonders of the world this majestic temple exemplifies the Dravidian style of architecture like no other. Being centrally located in the city precinct, almost every road leads to one of the grand gates of the temple.
Although foreigners are not allowed in the main inner sanctum of the temple, a visit to other sections is enough to marvel at this architectural wonder and to experience the tranquility and the divinity that thousands of people seek and pray to be blessed with every day. The temple is surrounded by a market area full of shops selling handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, sandalwood and restaurants serving the local cuisine and is best explored on foot.
Travel Back In Time At The Gandhi Memorial Museum
The Gandhi Memorial Museum of Madurai is one of the five main Gandhi Sangrahalaya (archives) in India. Other than showcasing various artifacts and belongings of Mahatma Gandhi, it stands as a tribute to his lifelong devotion to the freedom struggle in India. Originally the palace of Rani Mangammal of Naick dynasty which was named Tamukkam palace, it was built around 1670 AD and is spread over an area of 13 acres.
The museum has various sections, each representing and highlighting various aspects of and events in Gandhiji’s life. It has a vast collection of relics and replicas, panels with illustrations of the freedom movement in India, various manuscripts, letters, paintings and sculptures.
Popular among these exhibits are part of the blood-stained garment word by Gandhiji when he was assassinated, a congratulatory message sent by Gandhiji to freedom fighter and poet Subramania Bharti and an interesting letter written to Adolf Hitler addressing him as “Dear Friend”.
If you are a history buff and enjoy facts then this is a perfect place to take a quiet break from sightseeing and dive back in time to learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life and important events in the freedom movement of the country.
Take A Peaceful Pause At St Mary’s Cathedral
Also called Church of Our Lady of Dolours, it is one of the most popular churches in Tamil Nadu and an important landmark in Madurai. The present building of this cathedral was built in 1969 and beautifully illustrates a blend of Roman and other European architectural styles.
The two bell towers reaching a height of 42 meters make for a distinct feature of the building adding to the facade’s grandeur and can be easily recognized from afar.
Its interiors are tranquil and serene as opposed to the noisy, trafficky streets that surround it. Located at East Veli Street, about 2 kms from Madurai railway station, this cathedral offers respite from the heat and urban chaos for peaceful contemplation and prayers.
Walk Around Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
Located about 2 km from the Meenakshi temple is this beautiful and serene temple pond complex with a man-made island in the middle. Considered as one of the largest temple tanks in South India, it receives water from the river Vaigai through underground channels. During the construction process an idol of Lord Ganesha was unearthed here which has been enshrined in the floating temple. The Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is one of Madurai’s famous things.
The rituals of the famous Float Festival are performed on the Mariamman Teppakulam waters where the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Sundareswarar from the Meenakshi Temple are brought here for a boat ride on a raft-like structure with extravagant decorations of flowers, lights, lamps and silken buntings.
It is a perfect place for a saunter in the evening or to sit along the promenade enjoying a cool breeze. The nearby area is dotted with street food stalls and restaurants where you can sample some of the local delicacies and a most delectable and invigorating cup of chai tea.
Visit The Imperial Thirumalai Nayak Palace
A truly spectacular and majestic structure, this palace is a monument that the city takes pride in. It was built by the King Thirumalai Nayak in 1635 as a residential palace, who commissioned an Italian architect for its design and construction. Its architecture is an artful amalgamation of Dravidian and Islamic styles and the building has been declared as a national monument. Unfortunately, most possessions and parts of this magnificent palace were either ruined or usurped by its own rulers during their reign and what remains today is only a quarter of its original structure. The arches and domes of the palace are covered in beautiful eye-catching paintwork which is very admirable. Another unique feature of the palace is its massive columns supporting the arches and domes and adding to the beauty of this imperial building. It is situated about 1.5 km from Meenakshi temple and about 3 km away from the Madurai railway station making it easily accessible.
A spectacular light and sound show about local folklore is conducted every evening in English and Tamil language and is not to be missed.
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