Travels in Madurai – Temple city

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Madurai- an Indian city situated in state Tamil Nadu. Madurai is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu. It is the district of Tamil Nadu and with the population of 1,462,420 (census2011) Madurai considered as metro city. It is situated above 101metres of sea level. This beautiful city is located on the bank of river Vaigai. Madurai is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the whole world. Madurai has recorded history related to Magasthenes, kautilya, chandragupt Maurya and East India Company. This city is also known as city of junction, the city that never sleeps, city of jasmine and as a temple city.

Climate and geography:
The climate is dry and hot normally. Rainy season comes during October-December with north east Monsoon. Temperatures during summer reach a maximum of 40 and a minimum of 26.3 °C. Winter temperatures range between 29.6 and 18 °C. The average annual rainfall is about 85 cm.

Vaigai River runs in the north south direction through the city and divides this city into equal two halves. Periyar dam is helpful to utilize land of Madurai for agricultural activity. Sirumalai hill lies to the north of the Madurai and Nagamalai hill lies to the south of the city.

This entire city is in the shape of a lotus. It is built around the minutia sunderashwar temple.

Meenakshi sundareshwarar temple –

Generally opens between 05:00 hrs and 12.30hrs and between 16:00 hrs and 21.30 hrs. Buy the special tickets at the counter [each Rs.15] to get a special entry. This temple is dedicated to goddess Parvati. There is a golden lotus pond, that is usually open to all and there is a common meeting place for tourists and others. There are all kinds of facility available for tourists.

Gandhi museum: opening time- 10:00a.m. – 13:00pm and 14:00pm – 18:00pm. If you are interested in freedom struggle than you should must visit here. There is a khaki Bhawan, book store related to spiritual books. Entrance in this museum is free.

Kazimar mosque and maqbra: This mosque is 500metres far from central bus stand and 1km far from the junction and located at the heart of Madurai. The maqbra of Madurai Hazarat is located inside the mosque.

Thirumalai nayakar Mahal:

it was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style in 1636 by Thirumalai nayakar. Recently it has been under the care of the Tamil Nadu archeological department because it is a national monument.

Goripalyam dargaah: Here the graves of the two saints of Islam (hazrat sultan allaudin and shamsudin) are located. It is located on the northern banks of Vaigai. The urus festival of this dargaah is held on every Hijri year on 15th night of Islamic month of Rabi-ul-awwal.

Koodal Azhagar Koil:

This is a beautiful Vishnu temple in the center of the city. Another temple Hyagriva is also located close to this temple.

Shri subramanyamswami temple: it is also a religious site and near about 6.5km far from city center.

Vaigai dam and Periyar dam: Periyar dam was built in 1985 and Vaigai is constructed over the river near Andhipati. These provide water for irrigation and drinking in district Madurai.

Besides these educational institutes (Madurai Kamaraj University) and festival sites (Pongal, Chithrai and Navratri) are also visiting and entertaining sites in Madurai.

Transport:
Madurai junction is connected from all major cities in India. Monorail project is also in the process.
Madurai has Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminal and major bus stands. Special buses provided for tourist as per tour package. Madurai is connected by NH7, NH45B, NH208, NH49 National highways.

Madurai airport is located 20 km far from the city. Here is the available domestic flight to major cities.
Places of peace and worship:

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