Meenakshi Temple

By far, the most common reason for visiting the city is the temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (considered a form of Parvati) with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar (or Siva). Actually, historically, the Sundereshwar shrine is the larger and older of the two temple complexes. The complex itself is a splendid example of the south Indian Dravida architectural idiom. Four immense gopurams or temple towers crown the gateways at each cardinal direction, easily visible from a distance. Each tower is encrusted with more than a thousand brilliantly painted sculptures depicting an assortment of mythological and auspicious themes. It is traditional to enter through the south gopuram and, unusually, worship the Goddess before her consort. Inside the shelter for shoe-storage, offering baskets of coconuts, bananas and incense are available in addition to images of the Goddess for home altars. Many pilgrims -- particularly the men in black or orange sarongs who are devotees of the god Ayyappan -- circumambulate the main temple itself in the prakara or space between the outer wall and main temple. In addition, snake shrines and an assortment of offices and classrooms of religious foundations are found here.

Within the temple, devotees line up for darshan or viewing of the deities. Please note, however, that non-Hindus are not permitted into the inner sancta of Meenakshi or Sundareshwarar; anyone who looks suspicious can and will be pulled out of line by attendants. However, there is an abundance of sculpture and painting accessible to all. In addition, the steps of the Pottramaraikulam or Golden Lotus Pond is open to all and is a common meeting place for inhabitants of the city, in addition to pilgrims and tourists. In ancient times, the sangam or assembly of poets was said to gather at this pool to judge the merits of new compositions, often by throwing the manuscripts into the pool itself. Those that sank were inferior while those that floated were worthy of praise and propagation.

There are many shops within the east gate, selling everything from plastic toys to bronze images of the Goddess. Be sure to bargain hard. NOTE:One can buy the special tickets at the counter[each Rs.15] to get a special darshan,which is nothing but cutting short the line by at least a half.

WARNING: Beware of guides who offer to take you to vantage points outside the temple to get a better view. You will be lured into shops that have a very hard sell..

Koodal Alagar Temple

Important Vaishnav Temple magnificient, has three stairs of the lord posture. Sitting posture of the lord (Main moola deity), one level up is a standing posture of the lord, and the 3rd level up is the lying down posture of the lord. The temple is a spectacular one. It is located in the heart of the city, one of the Divya Desams ( 108). Worshipped by "Alwars - Vasihnav Saints ". Worth to see and worship.

Thiruparankundram

One of the important old Temple dedicated to Lord Muruga - Karthikeya located on a hillock approximately 8 km from the city. First Arupadai Veedu. References to this ancient temple are available in scriptures from 6th century AD (Paripadal). The temple interior is a huge rectangular chamber carved out of the hill, with side chambers housing various deities of Hindu religion approached via narrow passages. The temple is accessible via road from Madurai and has a railway station 1 km away. Most express trains do not stop there though.

Alagar Temple

Another Vaishnav temple Alagar Koil,20 km away from the city located in the nearby hills. At the top of the hill is a natural stream from where the water is carried fresh daily by the temple prist for the Lord. Famous for Chittrai Festival(First Tamil month)/9April-May)-Summer Festival. The Lord is considered the brother of Meenakshi (Lordes Paravathi) given in wedding with Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva). The Lord is taken in procession on all aupicious days and he stops at SriSri Krishnapremi bajanashram which is located near the temple.

Pazhamudhir Solai

Near to Alagar Koil, important Temple for Lord Karthikeya on the hills , of course inside of Solai - jungle. One of the six important temple for Lord Muruga - Karthikeya. This is a very large and beautiful temple. You can take an Auto rickshaw from the Meenakshi temple to visit this temple for a charge of around Rs 100 (2007). Regular bus service is offered by the Transport Corporation. There is a utsavam of the diety on a golden chariot at 7PM.

Naickar Mahal

The remains of the palace of the 17th century ruler Thirumalai Naickar who contributed extensively to the Meenakshi Temple.Only a small portion of the original structure[which was four times as largeremains. There were originally two parts-Swargavilasa[heavenly pavilion],meant for the King,is harem and housing the darbar court,and the ranka vilasa,which was for the servants. Currently,entrance to the roof is prohibited due the renovation work being carried out by the Archaeological Department.They claim to finish work in 6 months.

There is a sound and light show in the evening (Both English & Tamil Version of the show)

There is also a museum, which houses not only the original portraits of Thirumalai naicker,but also unearthed stine carvings of the 17th century,along with many sculptures of Hindu Gods like Brahma, Nataraja, Saraswati of the period. There is one rare painting on one of the pillars,which the Archaeological Department claim to have unearthed from one of the pillars.There is a painting hidden in every pillar,apparently.

The other portion of the palace, Rankavilasam was demolished by Thirumalai Naicker's Grandson. However, a small structure still remains known as "Ten pillars" or "Pathu Thoon"[in Tamil]. Sadly,these ten pillars of timeless beauty are now surrounded by shops and residential houses.

Please do visit the Archaeological Department adjacent to the palace for more information.

Gandhi Museum

This museum, located on the north side of the river, houses Gandhi's bloodstained dhoti and little else by way of artifacts. Those interested in the freedom struggle, though, will be interested in the extensive text housed here.

Tamil speakers and long-term visitors may be interested in the classes and workshops offered in subjects as diverse as t'ai chi and local herbs. There is also a khadi bhavan (store selling village and handloom products) and bookstore, with (mostly Tamil) books on spiritual and natural health topics.

Also located on the campus of the museum is a government museum (across from the library). The museum is located in Tamukkam Palace near Goripalayam on the northern side of the river Vaikai....

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

A temple built in the middle of a man-made pond. Famous for its float festival (teppa tiruvila) conducted during the Thai Poosam (falls in the second half of January). Popular story is that the spot was excavated for its soil to be used for building 17th Century king Tirumala Nayakkar's palace. The king had ordered excavated spot to be converted into a 16 acre lake fed from Vaigai river through under ground channels. The river itself boasts of water only during North-East Monsoon season (Oct-Nov) and hence the lake has water from Nov to Feb.

Main modes of transport for non-Indians are by air and by train.

By plane

Madurai is served by several domestic airlines including

• Jet Airways[6]
• Indian Airlines[7]
• Air Deccan[8]
• Paramount Airways[9]

The flights connect mainly to Chennai (Madras). The airport is about 15 km from the city off National Highway 47. It is best to hire a "pre-paid taxi" from the airport from the counter in the arrival lounge or pre-arrange for someone to meet you.

By rail

Madurai is well connected to the Indian Railway network and is the gateway to southern districts. Trains are available to/from Chennai (Madras), Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay) and Delhi. The train journey from Chennai takes 8 to 10 hours. Many overnight trains with sleeper facility (Air conditioned and non-air-conditioned) ply from Chennai.

• Indian Railways[10]

By bus

• The city is well connected to all major cities in Tamil Nadu via state government operated and private buses. Buses also ply from important cities in neighbouring states of Kerala(Ernakulam, Trivandram) and Karnataka(Bangalore, Mysore). The buses vary from ordinary (with minimal cushions on the seats and no limit to number of persons in a bus) to Luxury (with cushioned, push back seats with AC costing Rs 500 in 2007). Sleeper A/c buses and Volvo buses are also available.

The city has several bus stands of which the bus stand in Mattuthavani is for inter city travel and is located about 6 km from city center. The Periyar bus stand, located near the railway station and 2 km from city center, is the hub for intra-city buses. Apart from this, private bus operators may have their starting and ending points right in front of their office and most of these offices are traditionally located near Periyar bus stand.

By bus

There are government and private buses that will take you around Madurai and also to places like Kuttralam etc. For travel within the city, state government owned buses are available. These are heavily crowded during peak hours (around 8:00AM, 1:00PM and 5:00PM), but are cheap with a 5km trip costing you just Rs.3/-. Since most of the route information displayed on the bus will be in Tamil, it is best to take the bus conductor's help before venturing into this mode of transport.

By car

As elsewhere in India, you probably won't be renting a car on your own, but it is possible to hire a car and driver. See the main India article for more.

Average car rental to go to places like Alagar Temple,Thiruparakundram,Naicker Mahal,Palamudurcholai is Rs.600-650. Please be beware of cheats as foreign tourists are easily duped into paying more.

By Auto Rickshaws

The Auto Rickshaws are unmetered, which means you need to pre-negotiate your fare before commencing your travel. The rule of thumb rate is Rs10 per km of travel during day time(as of 2007) and Rs 15 per km during night. It is likely for auto rickshaw drivers to quote exorbitant rates to Foreigners and non-Tamilian Indians. It is usually safe to hire from central, well lit locations like the railway station. Otherwise caution should be used.

Famous for Sungidi Sarees ( Hand Loom) , Brass works, Tanjore Paintings Handi Crafts and antiques. Beware of touts who may try to sell at higher prices. Handloom cotton sarees are available in co-operative stores (often a union of several weavers and/or looms). Madurai also has several shops established for their Silk sarees and Gold, Silver jewelery. These places are located within 0.5km of the temple, in what are popularly know as "vengala kada theru" or Bronze shops street and "nagai kadai theru" or jewellery shop street.

ATMs

ICICI bank, Corporation bank, Federal Bank, HDFC bank, SBI, IB ATMs are found here.

Money changers

The State Bank of India branch in West Veli Street has a NRI cell.

Atmosphere

NNNN = Extremely noisy and crowded

NNN = Noisy and crowded

NN = Moderately noisy and crowded

N = Spacious and reduced noise level

Food type

[S] = Spicy

[H] = Hot (meaning: Garam)

[T] = Tasty!

[NV] = Non-vegetarian

[V] = Vegetarian

[J] = Jain food

[NVV] = Non-vegetarian and Vegetarian

• Modern Restaurant $$/NN/[S]/[T]/[V] One of the heritage vegetarian restaurants located on west Avani street behind the YMCA. It is the best place to savour a traditional south Indian meal. They still serve the most authentic idly, dosa, pongal and kesari (as you would find in a traditional bramhin household). Their clientele has boasted of the famous Nehru and even Mahatma Gandhi. Even till a few years ago, their walls were covered with photographs of who's who of India. A must see and eat place!!

• Amma mess $$/NNN/[S]/[T]/[NV] Amma (Tamil equivalent for Mother) mess is a very popular dining place among the locals as well as those travelling from neighbouring districts. Located on Alagar Kovil Road at Tallakulam, it is at a equal distance from Tamukkam Post Office bus stop as well as Tallakulam Perumal Kovil bus stop. If you get down at the former, head NE else head SW if latter. Their lunch is very popular. Buses to Mattuthavani should take you to this place.

• Jaffer's Home Biryani $/NN/[NV]/[T] Popular place for Biryanis and side dishes. In the evening, they make Parottas as well. Buses to Mattuthavani or Alagarkovil should take you to this place. The nearest bus stop is Evening Madurai Kamaraj Univ stop or Madurai Corporation Eco Park stop. The dining place is located on a small street opposite to the Thyagaraja Petrol Station.

• Chappati Park $/NN/[V]/[T], nearby the K.K.Nagar Arch. As the name implies, the dining place is known for its variety with Chappati (roti like item). You name it, they got it! You can notice creative stuffing with Chappatis. Popular place for dinner. The nearest bus stop would be K.K.Nagar Court (Neetheemandram). Head E if you get down at the above stop. Buses to Mattuthavani would take you to this place.

• Hotel Sabarish $/NNNN/[V]/[T]/, Town Hall Road. A very popular dining place for dosas and uthappams. Don't miss it! It is very nearby to the Madurai Railway Junction. If you head towards the Town Hall Rd from the Railway station, the hotel is situated nearby the second 4-road intersection.

• Hotel meeenakshi Bhavan $$/NN/[V]/[T] Serves very good south Indian food. Also, the north Indian food is pretty good. But all hotels serve north Indian food only during Dinnertime.

• Hotel Harish $/NN/[V] South Masi Road. Pure veg restaurant. Excellent fast food items like pizzas and chat.It houses a bakery too.

• New Ariya Bhavan, West Masi Street, it serves good Bombay/marwadi thali and south indian thali. Also,it has some fine bengali sweets in addition to local south Indian sweets and savouries.

• Murugan Idly Shop, West Masi Street. Exclusively for very soft Idlies. Also good for DOSAs and other south Indian food.Try once.

• Hotel Aarthi [V], just behind to Koodal Alagar Temple, Near Town Bus stand. Serves Good and safefood of South Indian and Continental dishes.

However, dinner options are limited. Wherever you are, please don't forget to savour the hot "raw banana bhajia' or Kela Bhajia or valakkai bhajji Tamil. Also be wary of drinking water, better to buy water bottles.

Try the tender coconut drink. The tender coconut drink is sold by roadside sellers on their tricycles parked under the shade of a tree.

Budget

• Shakeway This is a very small coffee shop on west Masi street. it serves cold coffees and mochas.

Mid-range

Splurge

• Taj India The restaurant is located in a small hill and the climate is also better when compared Madurai city, also the restaurent is away from the Madurai vehicle noise and has a very pleasant atmosphere.