You must go to Madurai if you want to see a place with a rich past and a bustling present, as well as great temples that showcase the artisans’ architectural brilliance. The city of Vaigai, which is over 2500 years old and has a rich legacy, is situated on the banks of the Vaigai river. Madurai, dubbed “the city that never sleeps,” is always bustling, no matter what time of day it is. You will find the city crowded whenever you go out, and even if you are hungry in the middle of the night, you will find ‘idlis,’ a popular south Indian cuisine, offered here. Madurai is also well-known for its idlis.
Feature Image credits: Madurai Tourism
Ensure that you include the following six attractions of Madurai.
- Minakshi Amman temple
The historic Meenakshi Amman temple is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. The magnificent architecture of the place, which was built between 1623 and 1655, is famous worldwide. Meenakshi Temple is devoted to Parvati, also known as Meenakshi, and Shiva, her husband. The fact that both God and Goddess are worshipped simultaneously distinguishes this temple from others.
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- Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Nayakar Mahal is one of the attractions of Madurai. King Thirumalai Nayak built Thirumalai Nayakar Palace in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, in 1636 AD. The palace is a beautiful combination of Dravidian and Rajput architecture. This palace was named a national monument after independence, and it remains one of Southern India’s most stunning monuments to this day. The majestic palace is in close proximity to the well-known Meenakshi Amman Temple. It was created during the reign of the Madurai Nayak Dynasty and depicts the Saracenic style of architecture. It is usually regarded as the most prestigious monument built by the Madurai Nayak Dynasty.
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- Vaigai Dam
Vaigai Dam is a stunning man-made structure built across the Vaigai River near Andipatti in Tamil Nadu’s Theni District. Andipatti is around 70 kilometres from Madurai, and it is frequently visited by tourists on their route to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The place has become a popular picnic spot over the years since it is wonderfully lit in the evenings, especially on weekends, and one can spend hours admiring the magnificent view. Sunrises over the reservoir are soft and pleasant, and they’re worth seeing.
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- Alagar Kovil
You have to add this place to your list as it is one of the major attractions of Madurai. Alagar Koil is a beautiful temple on Madurai’s northwestern outskirts. The temple is Lord Vishnu’s resting place and a sacred site for several Lord Vishnu devotees in the area.
It is also known as Azhagarkovil and is located in the Alagar hills. The Lord’s statue is totally formed of stone and is a magnificent work of art created from kallalgar. The ideal type of separate temples in southern India consists of a range of statues in various poses of the Lord housed in the temple under the same roof.
- Meghamalai
Meghamalai, often known as the “High Wavy Mountains,” is a small yet lovely hill station in Tamil Nadu’s the Western Ghats. At 1500 metres above sea level, this spot is ideal for beating the heat and spending some quiet time relaxing in nature. The fresh perfume of cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper fills this spot, which is nestled amongst the evergreen forest. The lush green tea estates will allow you to sip fresh piping tea while taking a leisurely stroll through nature rich in flora and animals.
- Samanar hills
Samanar Hills, also known as Samanar Malai, is a picturesque hill rock complex in Keelakuyilkudi hamlet near Madurai that was once home to Tamil Jain monks. The interior walls of the hill caverns include beautiful sculptures and drawings of monks, making them a major tourist attraction. A magnificent lotus temple can also be seen on the premises.
