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City in Tamil Nadu, India
Photo: Rajkumar Vijayraj, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Madurai (Tamil: மதுரை), formerly Madura, is the third-largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is on the banks of the river Vaigai and has been a major settlement for two millennia. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city was the capital of the Pandyan kingdom at Korkai, around 600 BCE, and was moved to Koodal (present-day Madurai) during the reign of Nedunj Cheliyan I. Madurai is famous for its temples built by Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings in the ancient traditional Tamilian style of architecture. It is also one of India's major Hindu pilgrimage centres. Madurai is also called as City of Junction (Koodal nagaram), City of Jasmine (Malligai maanagar), Temple city (Koil maanagar), City that never sleeps (Thoonga nagaram) and City of four junctions (Naanmada koodal).
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This museum 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 library housed here. The portrayal of freedom struggle is very inspiring and Indian tourists particularly students should consider visiting this place. 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).
Boating, swimming, and Fishing in Melamadai Vandiyur Lake provides some more ever green memories. These are only allowed if the Madurai Corporation authority provides permission. Migratory Birds are observed at the Melamadai Vandiyur Lake.
These rocky hills are home to various Jain and Hindu monuments dating between the 2nd-century BCE and the 12th-century CE. Situated 10 kms west of the Madurai city proper, it is declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Rock-cut stairs lead to the monuments from the base of the hills, with a maximum elevation of around 150 metres. Jain reliefs of Mahavira, and the Tirthankaras are found, along with several inscriptions.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace
The remains of the palace of the 17th-century ruler Thirumalai Nayak who contributed extensively to the Meenakshi Temple. Only a small portion of the original structure which was four times as larger remains. There were originally two parts – Swargavilasa heavenly pavilion, meant for the King's harem and housing the darbar court, and the ranka vilasa, which was for the servants. Entrance to the roof is prohibited until the renovation work being carried out by the Archaeological Department is conpleted. 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 Nayak's grandson. However, a small structure remains known as "Ten pillars" or "Pathu Thoon" in Tamil. These ten pillars of timeless beauty in Thirumalai Nayak are now surrounded by shops and residential houses. Also, irresponsible scribbling and name etching by tourists have spoiled the beauty of the pillars and monuments at the palace. Adjacent restroom is in shambles.
The name Goripalayam comes from the Persian word Gor which means Grave. This area is called as Goripalayam because the Graves of the two famous saints of Islam and rulers of Madurai Hazrat Sulthan Alauddin Badusha (Radiyallah) and Hazrat Sulthan Shamsuddin Badhusha (Radiyallah) are located here. A beautiful green coloured tomb can be seen from the A.V. Bridge Madurai, which is the Goripalayam Dargah in the northern banks of Vaigai River. It is amazing to see that the dome, which is 70 feet in diameter and 20 feet in height, is made of a single block of stone which was brought from the Azhaga Hills. People from all over Tamil Nadu come here to seek blessings and go back fruitfully. The two rulers were brothers who ruled the northern part of madurai after coming from Oman during 13th century to spread Islam. Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin Radiyallah of Kazimar street was Govt. Kazi (Islamic Legal advisor and jury) to them. An ancient Tamil inscription, can be found planted on the outer campus of the Maqbara of the dargah campus. This inscription is considered as one of the evidences to prove the existence of the Dargah since 13th century. The anniversary urus festival of this dargah is held on 15th night of the Islamic month of Rabi al-awwal on every hijri year.
This traditional mosque (masjid) is at the heart of Madurai city, within 500 m of the Periyar (Central) bus stand and within 1 km south east of the Madurai Railway Junction. Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin, who came from Oman during 13th century, received this land from the then Pandyan king, Koo(n) Pandiyan, and constructed the mosque which is the first Muslims' place of worship in Madurai. Maqbara the dargah of the Madurai Hazrats (Hazrat Meer Ahamad Ibrahim, Hazrat Meer Amjad Ibrahim and Hazrat Syed Abdus Salaam Ibrahim Rahmatullahi Alaihim) is also located inside the mosque premises. All of Kazi Syed Thajuddheen's descendants (Huqdars - shareholders of this mosque called as Syeds) have lived in the same locality (Kazimar street) for more than 700 years, and have managed the mosque since then. Syed Tajuddin was appointed as Kazi of the sultans, and still his descendants who live at Kazimar street, Madurai, are appointed as Kazis to the Government of Tamil Nadu. All Syeds belong to the Sunni sect of Islam and belong to Hanafi school of Islam. Most of the descendants of Kazi Syed Tajuddin are Khadiris and shadhilis and follow the Sufi order Fassiyatush Shadhiliya.
An Islamic dargah is at the top of the Thiruparankundram Hill, where the grave of an Islamic saint Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badushah shaheed Radiyallah Ta'al anhu, who came from Jeddah along with Hazrat Sulthan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed Badushah of Madinah (now in Erwadi) during the early 13th century, is found. Irrespective of religion, people from all parts of Tamil Nadu and from Kerala visit this durgah. People who visit the Ervadi Durgah are supposed to visit this durgah. Many poems were written in praise of Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badhusha, by Syed Abdussalam Ibrahim Saalim Hazrat, the third in the list of Madurai Hazrats and his Maternal grandson Syed Abdus Salaam Ibrahim Saahib Hazrat. It is seen that people who come here with a wish see it answered in a very short time, and so He is also called Mustajab ad Du'aa Sikandhar Badhushah. Mustajab Ad Du'aa in Arabic means A saint whose Supplications are immediately answered by Allah. The Anniversary urus festival of Hazrat Sulthan Sikandar badusha Shaheed is commemorated on 17th Night of the Islamic Month of Rajab every Hijri year.
Alagar Temple
Another Vaishnava 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 priest for the Lord. Famous for Chittrai Festival (First Tamil month, 9 April–May) - Summer Festival. The Lord is considered the brother of Meenakshi (Goddess Paravati) given in wedding with Sundareshwar (Lord Shiva).
Important Vaishnava Temple magnificent, 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 in the heart of the city, one of the Divya Desams (108). Worshipped by "Alwars - Vasihnav Saints". Worth to see and worship.
A very old temple which said to be around more than 600 years old. Preferable days to visit Pandi Kovil are Tuesdays and Fridays.
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 ₹100 (2007). Regular bus service is offered by the Transport Corporation. There is an utsavam of the deity on a golden chariot at 7PM.
One of the important old Temple dedicated to Lord Muruga - Karthikeya 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 Thiruparankundram temple is accessible via road from Madurai and has a railway station 1 km away. Most express trains do not stop there though.
A temple built in the middle of a man-made pond. Mariamman Teppakulam 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 Tirumala Nayakkar Mahal. The king had ordered excavated spot to be converted into a 16-acre lake fed from Vaigai river through under ground channels. The river has water only during North-East Monsoon season (Oct-Nov) and hence the lake has water from Nov to Feb.
மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோயில் Mīnāṭci Amman Kōyil, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
Solai amman temple
This is one of the six of the holiest of Murugan shrines referred to as the Aarupadai Veedugal. Unlike the other five temples, there is no grand edifice surrounding the central shrine of worship. However, this is a holy shrine venerated by the Skanda Puranam and by Nakkeerar's Thirumurugatrupadai of the Sangam period. Arunagirinathar's Thirupugazh also reveres this shrine.
Amma (Tamil for mother). This mess (restaurant) is a popular among the locals residents and those travelling from neighboring cities. Their lunch is very popular. Don't miss their speciality dishes like rabbit biriyani, dove biriyani, crab omelette and bone marrow omelette.
Tasty biryani, parota, non-vegetarian dishes. Close to shopping. This hotel is famous for its mutton fry and fish.
Great non-vegetarian restaurant. Amazing service.
$/NN/[S]/[T]/[V] Great place to savour a traditional south Indian meal. They serve authentic idly, dosa, pongal and kesari (as you would find in a traditional Iyengar household). Their clientele has boasted of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. Even till a few years ago, their walls were covered with photographs of who's who of India.
A first class non-veg hotel. It is popular in the noon. you can have your lunch there. Chicken biriyani, mutton biriyani are famous there. Fish fry, mutton fry, chicken fry and a lot of spicy dishes to taste.
Non-vegetarian. taste is very good
Geoffery Bawa designed this hotel so the restaurant faces the old banyan tree and has a lot of daylight. The food is delightfully moderate on both price and spices! They offer Indian and continental menus. The staff speak English, so it's probably the best place to eat quality food in Madurai.
Non-vegetarian dishes
Quality non-vegetarian restaurant catering to foreign tourists.
75 furnished rooms with LCD TVs.
Youth Hostel Madurai City
Located next to the temple, their a/c double rooftop rooms have matchless view over the western gopuram. They don’t have an in-house restaurant, but they will order in food and beer for you. Great location and lovely view of temples from the roof. Not so clean and don't provide soaps and towels. Blankets at extra cost which are OK.
Also a popular landmark. A no-frills, neatly maintained place.
A fairly decent mid-range hotel. There are 74 spacious rooms. It has a multi-cuisine restaurant, a roof top restaurant and a bar.
The Sunshine Hotel has good size well designed rooms, well laid out, working lifts, working fast Wi-Fi and good room service. The restaurant is not bad, but the room service has a much better choice and is reasonably priced. The included buffet breakfast had lots of choice and was very good. The front desk staff were excellent always helpful and efficient. Unless you need to stay in the centre of the city, consider this hotel. They offer complimentary temple drop to the Meenakshi temple. They also have a bar called Clubhouse.
Established in 1988, it has the first roof top restaurant, the only hi-tech spaceship bar in the city. The hotel celebrates a 'dosa festival' in Jan/Feb, featuring South Indian cuisine. There are suite, super deluxe, deluxe, duplex a/c & non a/c rooms, a total of 69 rooms. For the best night view of the city and the temple, take this place.
The rooms are of fairly good size, though the front side rooms overlooking the road are bit noisy. The cleanliness of the rooms and bathroom is very good. The room service is fast. The roof garden restaurant with kebabs in the evening with city view is good, but the food is bit spicy. The complimentary breakfast had nice tasty South Indian and continental food. The basement car parking at rear side was not convenient, but valet parking helped.
This hotel is close to the station and to other hotels and restaurants, with a bar and rooftop terrace, usually filled with smoking foreigners. Genuine 24 hour charging period. About cleanliness of the room and bathroom- they were spotless, towels, toilet paper, bathroom products all provided. The room does smell of stale cigarette smoke. Some say third floor rooms are better than the rest. Not sure about car park. Staff extremely helpful and the complimentary Indian breakfasts are plentiful and delicious.
Mani's Residency is 10-min walk from Madurai Junction & Periyar Bus Stand at opposite lane of Town Hall. Good service, courteous staff at reception. The Residency is suitable for family and solo travelers. The price is reasonable as per the amenities provided. West Gopuram (Tower) entrance of Sri Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is at the walk able distance, Hotel Sree Sabarees a popular veg restaurant is near by where one can have the best food.
Hotel not far from Shri Meenaski. Hot water and TV are available. Restaurant on the top of the hotel with a nice view on the town and the temple.
The hotel is part of the network, Sangam hotels are also in Trichy and Thanjavur. The Sangam is situated away from the centre of Madurai but in a good location. It is really a 4-star hotel with good service and friendly staff. The rooms are clean and well maintained. Restaurant is good and prices are reasonable. Also the breakfast in the morning has a good spread right from the south Indian variety to the continental food. Neat and clean swimming pool and also the place overall has a welcoming look and which makes your stay really comfortable. Choose rooms above the ground floor and which face the back side of the hotel. Very quiet.
Formally Taj Garden Retreat
Perched atop the Pasumalai hill, amid 62 acres of peaceful, landscaped gardens, this hotel has 63 chalet-style centrally air-conditioned rooms. High-speed Internet & Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel. There is large banquet hall for 500 guests and smaller conference rooms for meetings of 20.
It's a 3/4-star hotel. The staffs are cordial both the breakfast and dinner buffet are nice. The rooms are a little old fashioned but clean. Free Wi-Fi throughout good. The pool is clean and the bar is okay. Beer is pricy.
Formerly Best Western
Hotel Germanus is one of the old 5-star hotels. It used to be one of the best hotels in Madurai. The rooms are functional, comfortable, not spacious though, but acceptable. But for ₹3000 or more standard single per night in Madurai one expects more. It’s now comparable only to a mid-budget hotel. The complimentary buffet breakfast included idlis, vadas, parathas and eggs to order, is quite ample but not tasty. The view from the rooftop is simply amazing. You can catch the glimpse of the Meenakshi Amman Temple from here.
The major part of this property is the result of the conversion of what was company accommodation, then a British club, into a hotel complex. Some newer rooms and facilities have been added. The basic rooms are in 2-storey blocks of around 6 units. Each room is very spacious; they have business class rooms and the luxury villas with plunge pool and a huge bathroom is really unique. The food, which is good in choice, presentation and quality, however, the bar is surprisingly average. Very good service and all the amenities of a modern hotel.
By plane
The flights connect mainly to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai, but there are few direct flights to other cities.
By train
Trains are the major mode of entry into the city. Madurai Junction railway station (Tamil: மதுரை சந்திப்பு தொடருந்து நிலையம்) is centrally located and many facilities are accessible from there.
By road
Madurai is served by National Highways NH-7, NH-45B, NH-49. Almost all of them are being upgraded to multi-lane ways as part of a national highway development program.
By boat
Madurai is inland, and the Vaigai River which used to be overflowing with water is now dry. However, the nearest ports for entry are Chennai (450 km) and Tuticorin (160 km).
By bus
Local buses are run by the government and are safe to use. Travelling them is different as you get to see a lot of city while you are in the bus.
By car
It is as difficult to drive in certain cities of India like any other big city in the world, as traffic can be high and there needs to be improvement in the fineness of the roads too.
By auto rickshaws
Auto rickshaws are readily available in the city and they are not equipped with meters. Be prepared to bargain. A 5-km trip should cost about ₹70 by auto.
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Madurai · Regional · IXM
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