TRAVEL2TAMILNADU

MADURAI

It is the heartland of Tamil nadu.It is a great cultural centre known all over the world because of magnificent temple of goddess Meenakshi.The city is known for its rich heritage, culture and historical background.
Madurai is one of the major districts of Tamilnadu State. Madurai is surrounded by several mountains. It is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Jasmine flowers are transported to various other cities of India from Madurai. Kodaikanal is the beautiful hill resort situated near Madurai. The city is surrounded by three small prominent hills which are called the Anaimalai, Pasumalai and Nagamalai named after their resemblance to an Elephant, a Cow and a Snake respectively.

It has the famous sundereswarar temple in the centre.Madurai is located on banks of river Vaigai and was the capital of Pandya kingdom. Kannagi is the heroine of the great classic Silapathikaram sought justice for her husband Kovalan. Pandian Kings patronised Tamil language in a great way. During their period, many master-pieces were created. "Silapathikaram", the great epic in Tamil was written based on the story of Kannagi who burnt Madurai as a result of the injustice caused to her husband Kovalan.

MEENAKSHI SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE

Madurai is the busiest commercial center in south Tamilnadu. This sacred city of south India attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India and abroad.THe king 'KULASHEKARA PANDYAN' built the magnificent Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple around the sacred LINGAM and he built a lotus shaped city around the temple.

It is about 258 metres in length and 241.4 met in breadth.There are 5 gopurams that surrounds the temple. The different manifestation of Lord shiva are depicted on the pillars of this hall.The most interesting feature is THE HALL OF THOUSAND PILLARS which was built in the 16th century.There are also musical pillar which sounds a different note when struck.There is temple art gallery which is quiet interesting here.This temple is the city's main attraction.

This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town - a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meters. The Potrama Raikulam or the Golden Lotus Tank is the place where the Tamil literacy society, called Sangam used to meet to decide the merits of the work presented to them. The temple museum has 985 richly carved pillars and each one surpasses the other in beauty.

THIRUMALAI NAYAK PALACE

Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) was very popular, even now he is popular among people, since, it was he who contributed to the creation of many magnificent structures in and around Madurai. The Raja Gopuram of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, The Pudu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar's Palace are living monuments to his artistic fervor.

This palace is about 1 km south east of Meenakshi temple. The whole building was constructed in Indo-Sarcenic style by Thirumalai Nayak. A sound and light programme depicting the story by Thirumalai Nayak and of silapathikaram. The portico in front is known as Swarga vilasam.This Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times large are today. Sound and light show on the life of the Tirumalai Nayak and the story of the Silapathikaram are conduced daily

KOODAL ALAGAR TEMPLE

It is an ancient vaishnavate temple with beautiful sculptures. The lord here is in 3 poses of sitting,standing and reclining and each depicted one above the other.

GANDHI MUSEUM

It contains a picture gallery, a gallery of relics,khadi and village industries section and south indian handicraft section.The 300-year-old palace now converted into Museum has a picture gallery, a library of personal memorable of the Mahatma Gandhi and an exhibit of South Indian handicrafts and village industries

MARIAMMAN TANK

It is also known as Vandiyur tepakulam where the float festival is held here every year in the month of jan/feb.This enormous temple tank is fed by water from the Vaigai river. The tank has a mandapam at the center enshrining Lord Vigneshwara.

ATHISAYAM THEME PARK

Athisayam, is a several acre Water Amusement Park located in Madurai, TamilNadu, India. It has both water and dry games. The Waterpark has sports rides for everyone from the thrill seeker to the more relaxed family attractions. Athisayam is just 20 minutes drive from Madurai to keep the people in peace and happiness. It opens at 10:00 AM .There are wide variety of water games and rides. There is a courtallam called 'Madurai Courtallam' to experience the fun. More than 50 rides are here in the park.

HOTELS IN MADURAI

Madurai consist of 5 star hotels ,4 star and 3 star hotels.All the star hotels here have all the amenities such as pool ,fitnes centres,club,safety lockers ,24 hours internet facilities,money exchange services and with special performances.All are located near important terminals.Want to more about madurai hotels.yes you have the link here to get the details about all the star hotels in madurai.