Madurai is a city in Tamil Nadu located on the banks of River Vaigai. The river runs in the middle of the city dividing it into two equal halves. Sirumalai and Nagamalai hills lie to the North and West of the city.
It is believed that Lord Shiva showered divine nectar from his matted hair on the city and the aroma that arose gave the name Madurai. It is also called by various names like Koodal, Malligai Maanagar, Naanmadakoodal, and Thirualavai.
Megasthenes the Greek ambassador to India in 3rd century BCE has mentioned the city in his travelogues. Human settlement have been found dating back to 300BC. Madurai has been rules by Pandyas, Cholas, Madurai Sultanate, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Nayaks, Carnatic kingdom, and the British. The loin cloth was first adopted by Mahatma Gandhi in 1921 at Madurai.
Best time to visit is from November to February.
Meenakshi Amman Temple is the center of Madurai city. The city developed into a political and industrial complex during the 19th and 20th century. Various industries like automobile, rubber, chemical, information technology, and granite manufacturing industries dot the city.
It is also an educational center in South Tamil Nadu. The American college in Madurai, started in 1881 is the oldest college in Madurai.
Main crop grown around the city is Paddy and Cotton. The city is also famous for the Jasmine known as Madurai Malli. Rubber plantations are increasing in this region.
Famous things to buy in Madurai are Chungudi cotton sarees, Handicrafts, Brassware, and Wooden toys.
Important tourist places in Madurai:
Sri Meenakshi – Sundareswarar Temple
Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Thirupparankundram Temple
Alagar Koil
Gandhi Museum
Mariamman Teppakulam
Kazimar Big Mosque
St. Mary’s Cathederal
Place Statistics:
Type of place: City
Situated: Tamil Nadu
Distance: 118 Kms to Kodaikanal, 163 Km from Madurai, 190 Kms to Tanjavur – Chidambaram
Transport: Well-connected road, rail and air
Facilities: Hotel, Resorts to suit all budgets are available
