Perched on the banks of the River Vaigai in Tamil Nadu is a world-famous religious center called
Madurai. This city is also known as the Athens of the East or the Temple Town, owing to the large number of temples and heritage sites that exist here. It's not just the religious significance that drives people to Madurai but the bustling activities, celebrations, and pomp. Not many are aware that Madurai is also known as 'Thoonga Nagaram' or 'The City That Never Sleeps' because of its bustling nightlife. Indeed the remnants of the past amalgamate with the prevailing modernity in this city and offer an all-inclusive platter of unique cultural, traditional, modern, and religious mix to all the travelers.
Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, with its history dating more than 3,500 years back. The city has been a major center of learning and culture in the state. It served as the seat of power for Pandyan kings, the Cholas rulers, Madurai Nayaks, and for the Pandyas, Madurai Sultanate, and Vijayanagra empires. The Dravidian style of architecture for the forts, palaces, alleyways, and temples in Madurai were a result of the art and craftsmanship brought by these rulers.
The most iconic site in this city is the Madurai Meenakshi Temple (also known as Meenakshi Amman Temple). This temple is one of the most sacred sites in South India and is always ranked one in all the Madurai Tour Packages. No Tour Packages in Madurai are complete without a spiritual tour to other popular temples like Koodal Azhagar Temple, Thiruparankundram, and Puthu Mandapam. Other tourist attractions like Gandhi Memorial Museum, Samanar Hills, Pazhamudhir Solai, Vilachery Pottery Village, Saint Mary's Cathedral, Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Vaigai Dam, Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara, Gorippalayam Dargah etc., also form an important part of Madurai Holiday Packages. Be it the spiritually awakening temples or the breathtaking architectural marvels, Madurai will leave every traveler with unforgettable memories forever.
Sungidi Sarees, Tanjore Paintings, Brass works, and other antiques can be bought from the markets surrounding the Meenakshi Temple as a souvenir. Almost all the Madurai Holiday Travel Packages dedicate at least half a day for shopping in the hustling-bustling markets of the city. The cuisine of Madurai has inherited the true Tamilian flavors and unique dishes like appam, panangkarkandu paal, paniyaram Paruthi paal, and jigarthanda etc., can be tasted to feel the flavors.
Reaching Madurai by rail, flight as well as by road is very convenient. While the Madurai Airport entertains both domestic and international flights, the Madurai Junction Railway Station connects the city with all the different parts of India. The city is located on NH-7, NH-45B, and NH-49 which makes it easy for anyone to reach here by road. The government-operated, as well as the state-run, buses can be boarded to reach Madurai apart from driving down the highway or hiring a private cab. While you book Madurai Travel Packages, make sure that everything, right from the transport to the accommodation and the sightseeing tours within the city, is properly taken care of.
