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South India Hot Destinations
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Madurai
lies on the banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is an
ancient city which reached its heights of glory under the Pandyas in the
13th century. The name Madurai is derived from 'Madhuram' meaning nectar.
Legend has it that when Lord Shiva came here to marry Devi Meenakshi, few
drops of nectar fell from his locks and therefore named as Madurapuri. Other
legend says that during the samudra manthan few drops of nectar fell from
Lord Shiva's locks at this place. Widely known for the Meenakshi Temple,
this place is famous for its jasmine flowers. The temple town with rich
cultural heritage is also called the 'Athens of East'. Bounded by mountains,
this city is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu..
Accommodation in Madurai India Travel
Madurai Travel Tamilnadu -
There are lots of hotels in Madurai ranging from luxury to budget class.
Hotel Best Western about 12 km from the airport offers beautiful centrally
air-conditioned rooms with round the clock room service, laundry and
conference facilities. Hotel Sangam stands 5 km away from the railway
station and is well equipped with Internet facilities, direct dialing, cable
TV, doctor on call service and laundry service.
Attractions in Madurai India Travel
»
Meenakshi Temple - It is situated amidst the city and is devoted to
Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. The temple has 12 gopurams and tallest of
them is at the southern side rising to a height of 200ft. The
thousand-pillared mandapam is regarded as the 'Wonder of the Palace',
reflecting the Dravidian art and architecture. The Temple Art Musuem is
housed in the 1000-pillared mandapam and exhibits icons, photographs,
drawings, etc., giving an insight into 1200 years old history. Other than
this there are several other smaller and bigger mandapams in the temple.
» Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank - This tank is about 5
kms east of Meenakshi temple. It is about 1000 feet long and 950 feet wide.
Teppam Float Festival is held here in January/ February, when the deities
are taken out on decorated boats.
» Koodal Alagar Temple - Lord Vishnu in Madurai is called
Koodal Azhagar. This temple is situated 2 km west of the city. There are
three sanctums where the dieties are seen in sitting, standing and resting
postures. Koodal Alagar, the main diety is in a sitting posture. The base of
the temple has spectacular carvings.
» Gandhi Museum - The Gandhi Museum,
dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, is housed in Mangammal Palace which is 300
years old. Gandhi's books and letters are exhibited here. This museum is
divided into two sections Khadi and Village Industries section and a South
Indian handicrafts section . Classes relating to Gandhi's thoughts and Yoga
are conducted here regularly..
Climate - Madurai Travel Tours South India
Summer
are too hot with temperature rising to 42 degree celcius. In winters, mean
temperature seldom comes below 20 degree celcious. Madurai receives showers
of rain from time to time, though not heavy enough to deter one from
sightseeing.
How to reach - Madurai Travel Tours South India
Madurai Travel Tours South India -
Madurai Airport is 10 kms away from Madurai city and there are flights from
here to Chennai, Trichy and Coimbatore. It is connected by rail with
important cities and serves as a major junction of the Southern Railway. It
is well connected by excellent roads to all parts of India. Bus services are
available from Chennai, Thanjavur and Kanyakumari to Madurai.
Must Try Out Shopping
Madurai is known for the beautiful Sungundi sarees, cotton fabric and
batiks. Brass lamps and wooden carvings can be purchased as souvenirs.
Prithu Mandapam Market, Chithirai, Avanimoola, Puthumandapam and Thevangu
Chetty Choultry are the main markets for shopping.
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