Traveling
to Madurai is always a humbling experience for a discerning tourist as
the holy city has some of the grandest temples in its womb that make
your visit more of a pilgrimage. The city is among the oldest in India,
a flourishing seat of art and culture since the Sangam period. Some of
the awe-inspiring temples and other tourist destinations are mentioned
below: Meenakshi Amman Temple
The city of Madurai is originally built around the Meenakshi temple. Though there are many temples in the city, Meenakshi temple outdoes all with its sheer magnificence and splendor of architecture. You can marvel the temple's flawless Dravidian Architecture and be a part of devotees who throng the temple from all over India. If you wished to have a bird's eye view of the city, you could also climb the southern Gopuram of the temple see to get a great view of the city.
Koodal Azhaar Temple
Among the most ancient temples in Madurai Koodal Azhagar temple stands high. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You could see him in various postures sitting, standing, reclining one over the other. Apart from that there are intricate woodcarvings, one of them depicting Lord Rama's coronation.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
Built in 1523 AD by the Nayak ruler Thirumalai Nayak, the palace is an excellent example of Indo-Sarcenic architecture. Once four times larger than what is left of it today, the palace is only left with the main entrance gate, the dancing hall and the main hall. You can enjoy the main attraction of the palace which is light and sound show based on the life of "Tirumalai Nayak" and "Silapathikaram".
Vanditur Mariamman Teppakulam
Built by Thirulmalai Nayak in 1646, this huge tank covers an area equal to the six of Meenakshi temple. Some sources say that this tank was once connected to Vaigai River, however today it lies empty except during th Teppam Festival.
The Gandhi Museum
All those with interest in Gandhi's philosophy may well plan a visit to this museum, which has some of the little known facts about Mahatma Gandhi. The museum has a real Gandhi Memorabilia in the form of a blood stained dhoti, which he was wearing at the time of his assassination. The museum is the repository of various testimonies relating to the freedom movement of India.
Thirupparankundram
As one of the abodes of Lord Sundareshwara, it is a rock cut temple carved out of a mountain, just 8-km from the city.
Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex
An idyllic picnic spot with TTDC with boathouses restaurants services.
Azhagar Koil
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is located 18-km northeast of Madurai on a picturesque hilltop. You can attend Chithirai festival when the gold image of Azhagar travels for the Celestial marriage.
Pazhamudhirsolai
It is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya on the same hills of Azhagar Koilths.
