Madurai District

Referred to as the ‘Athens of the East’ due to the lofty towers of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple just like the Greek Pantheon, the city finds reference in many literary works of Arabs, Romans and Greek travellers like Megasthenes.

Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, Madurai district is primarily famous for Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple. Melur, Vadipatti, Thirumangalam, Thirupparankundram, Peraiyur and Usilampatti are some of the main towns in the district which is a hub for film shootings. Alanganallur, Palamedu and Avaniyapuram in the district are popular for Jallikattu.

Madurai is Tamil Nadu’s culturally active and vibrant district. Its cultural heritage extends to more than 2,500 years from the great Tamil era. The district was an important cultural and commercial centre even as early as 550 AD. The capital city for the great Pandya kings was Madurai.

Witnessing hot and humid weather throughout the year, Madurai is considered as the hottest district and city of Tamil Nadu. The South West Monsoon is in the district from June to September and is followed by the North-East Monsoon from October to December.

Alagar Temple, Pazhamuthircholai, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Theppakulam, Vandiyur, Thiruvathavur Thirumarainathar Temple, Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, Thirupparamkunram Murugan temple, 1000 Thoon Mandapam, Eco Park, Kuruvithurai Vallaba Perumal Temple, Vaigai Dam, Anaipatti Anjaneyar Temple, Kodaikanal, Suruli falls, Kutladampatti falls and Kazimar Big Mosque are some of the tourist places in the district.

Destinations

Madurai

An ancient city that takes you back in time; where you will stand wondering about the evolution of culture, traditions and civilization. Walk further and you will be amazed by how such a historic city has a bustling urban face too.

Kutladampatti Falls, Madurai

Explore the unspoiled beauty of nature at Kutladampatti waterfalls. The picturesque beauty of this place has made this one of the most loved tourist spots.

Gandhi Memorial Museum

A must visit place in Madurai, Gandhi Memorial museum is housed in the splendid old palace of Rani Mangammal. The museum is a window to the glorious episodes of freedom struggles, glimpses from the Gandhian movement and a rich collection of relics.

Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, Madurai

Welcome to the enchanting world of Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple, a magnificent abode of divinity steeped in rich history and revered by devotees from far and wide. A hallowed haven of spirituality and grandeur, this temple is an architectural marvel, where the beauty of its intricate carvings and spectacular sculptures combine to create a sublime tapestry of art and devotion.

Koodal Azhagar Temple

Located in Madurai city, Koodal Azhagar temple is known for its brilliant architecture and design, making it a popular destination for pilgrim tourism as well as for those with a taste for fine architecture.

Alagar Kovil

Situated on a hill in a panoramic backdrop, Azhagar Kovil temple is a popular destination in Madurai. It is one of the 108 abodes of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the name of Kallazhagar.

Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple

Madurai is synonymous with Sri Meenakshi Amman temple. A famous pilgrimage spot, the temple is renowned for its classic architectural style, stupendous structures and carvings.

Aayiram Kaal Mandapam

The mystical city of Madurai is where ancient histories and cultural richness interweave to create a tapestry of splendour. There, in the midst of this enchanting land, lies a hall of unparalleled grandeur and beauty—the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam. This hall, renowned as the "1000-pillar hall," is a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Tamil civilization. Nestled within the venerated grounds of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, this hall has been a source of awe and inspiration for generations.

Samanar Hills

History, culture, and nature come together at Samanar hills, a rocky stretch of hillocks, known for its many Jain and Hindu monuments dotted across its landscape. Locally known as Thiruvuruvagam, Samanar malai or Melmalai, the Samanar hills is located near Keelakuyilkudi village in the Madurai district.

Pazhamudhir Solai

Nestled atop a hill and surrounded by dense forest, Pazhamudhircholai attracts devouts in good numbers. It is one among the six abodes of Lord Muruga; Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple, Palani Dandayudhapani Swami Temple, Swamimalai Swaminatha Swami Temple, Tiruchendur Senthil Andavar Temple and Tiruttani Subramanya Swamy Temple being the other abodes.

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Among the numerous historic structures in Madurai, the beautiful Nayakar Mahal is unparalleled in its architectural splendor.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

If you are in Madurai, you can’t miss out on visiting the famous St. Mary's cathedral. With its stupendous bell towers and marvelous architecture, the cathedral is a popular destination in Madurai.

Tirupparankundram

Carved out of the mountain, Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is an absolute architectural marvel. The temple is one of the famous shrines in Madurai.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

This magnificent temple pond complex with a manmade island is something you can't afford to miss when you are in Madurai. Associated with Vandiyur Mariamman temple, the place is just 2 kms away from the Meenakshi Sundareswara temple.

Kazimar Periya Pallivasal

Kazimar Periya Pallivasal or Kazimar big mosque is a sprawling structure located in the heart of Madurai.

Jain Circuit, Ariattapatti

Arittapatti, a quaint village nestled in the verdant landscapes of Tamil Nadu, beckons you with its treasure trove of ancient Jain monuments and scenic vistas. Steeped in history and culture, Arittapatti offers a mystical and captivating experience that transports visitors to a bygone era.

A place worth a thousand visits