Madurai, on the bank Vaigei River in south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, fondly called as "Athens of the East" is an ancient city dotted with numerous striking ancient temples. Among oldest existing cities of India, some 200-year old, possessing a rich cultural heritage, Madurai invites tourists for its series of temples that are an epitome of architectural marvel of the ancient era.
In terms of tourist delights, the holy city of Madurai is all about temples-depicting Dravidian Architecture at its best- and art and culture- exhibiting the superiority of the Sangam period. Temples are many here, but Meenakshi Amman Temple stands out for its sheer majesty architecture. The Koodal Azhaar Temple- among the ancient ones here - and the 15th century Thirumalai Nayak Mahal- for its Indo-Sarcenic architecture- are other notable attractions here.
Other notable tourist attractions in Madurai include the Vanditur Mariamman Teppakulam and the Gandhi Museum. If Thirupparankundram invites tourists for its rock cut temple and Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex, for its idyllic settings and scene, then the Azhagar Koil, atop a picturesque hill, draws tourists for its religious significance. In a nutshell, Madurai is worth visiting for its being a holy site of Hinduism in India!
The Madurai airport, 10 kms off the city centre, has regular flights from major cities in the region like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Tiruchi.
By Rail
Madurai, on the Southern Railway, is well connected to cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchy etc with regular train services.
By Road
A chain of excellent roads connect Madurai to almost all the major south Indian cities.