Places to Visit in Madurai, Tourist Destinations in Madurai
Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of the state's top destinations, is more than 3,500 years old and has remained a major center for Tamil culture and learning. The city is often referred to as the "Athens of the East" because of its similar architectural style, including many alleyways. During the heyday of its history, when the Nayak dynasty ruled, many magnificent temples and buildings were constructed. These days, Madurai attracts pilgrims and tourists in equal numbers.
Puthu Mandapam- Venture inside the cavernous Puthu Mandapam, a 17th century pillared entrance hall opposite the Meenakshi Temple's east tower, to find rows of tailors and stalls selling fabric, scarves, jewellery, fashion accessories, handicrafts, and art work.
Banana Market- Madurai's wholesale banana market is a fascinating place to visit. Apparently, 16 varieties of bananas are sold there! They arrive, clustered together on branches, by the cart load. Watch as wiry workers unload them and carry them inside, up to half a dozen branches at a time.
Thiruparankundram- If you have time, head out to Thiruparankundram, around 20 minutes southwest of Madurai. There you'll find one of the city's other impressive ancient temples, dedicated to Hindu god Murugan (handsome son of Lord Shiva), who's revered as a favorite god of Tamils.
Meenakshi Temple- The Meenakshi Temple, a must-see south Indian temple, is the focal point of Madurai. Apparently, the city was built around the Shiva lingam that's inside its sanctum. The temple complex covers 15 acres, and has 4,500 pillars and 12 towers.
Madurai is more than 3,500 years old and is one of Tamil Nadus top tourist destinations. Do not miss these attractions and places to visit in Madurai.
Madurai, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu and one of the state's top destinations, is more than 3,500 years old and has remained a major center for Tamil culture and learning. The city is often referred to as the "Athens of the East" because of its similar architectural style, including many alleyways. During the heyday of its history, when the Nayak dynasty ruled, many magnificent temples and buildings were constructed. These days, Madurai attracts pilgrims and tourists in equal numbers.
Puthu Mandapam- Venture inside the cavernous Puthu Mandapam, a 17th century pillared entrance hall opposite the Meenakshi Temple's east tower, to find rows of tailors and stalls selling fabric, scarves, jewellery, fashion accessories, handicrafts, and art work.
Banana Market- Madurai's wholesale banana market is a fascinating place to visit. Apparently, 16 varieties of bananas are sold there! They arrive, clustered together on branches, by the cart load. Watch as wiry workers unload them and carry them inside, up to half a dozen branches at a time.
Thiruparankundram- If you have time, head out to Thiruparankundram, around 20 minutes southwest of Madurai. There you'll find one of the city's other impressive ancient temples, dedicated to Hindu god Murugan (handsome son of Lord Shiva), who's revered as a favorite god of Tamils.
Keelakuyilkudi and Samanar Hills- Off-the-beaten-track north of Vilachery, Keelakuyilkudi village is also worth visiting for its collection of painted mud horses and Jain sculptures. The mud horses, located in the picturesque village temple, are donated by potters from Vilachery at the village festival every year.
Meenakshi Temple- The Meenakshi Temple, a must-see south Indian temple, is the focal point of Madurai. Apparently, the city was built around the Shiva lingam that's inside its sanctum. The temple complex covers 15 acres, and has 4,500 pillars and 12 towers.
Madurai is more than 3,500 years old and is one of Tamil Nadus top tourist destinations. Do not miss these attractions and places to visit in Madurai.
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