Places to visit in Madurai
Tucked away on the shore of River Vaigai, Madurai is a city like no other with rich culture, the magnificent temples, more than 2500 of history and an ambience that transcends you through time to a surreal word of the old. Surprisingly, Madurai is quite a bustling city any time of the day earning it the name ‘The city that never sleeps’.
While creating an itinerary to visit Madurai, ensure that you include the following places on your must-see list to understand the city in all its grandeur and style.
Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple:
Perhaps the most famous temple in the whole of South India, Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple span across an incredible 6 acres of land. Dedicated to the all-powerful Lord Shiva, the temple is a distinguishable exemplar of the architectural prowess of the people of ancient India. The thousand-pillar hall can definitely make you grasp for your breath and mesmerize you by its sheer construction brilliance. Adding to the breathtaking views here are the statues and the temples of the museum.
Gandhi Museum:
The building that houses Gandhi museum was created by Nayak Queen Rani in 1670 AD. The construction of the museum was completed in 1959 and converted as Gandhi museum. The museum has a dedicated hall depicting Gandhiji’s visual biography. To thrill historians, the museum has a ‘Hall of Relics’ that preserves some personal belongings of Gandhiji as originals and replicas and a collection of books that explain the rich cultural heritage of India and by Gandhiji.
MGR Race Course Stadium:
This another important place to visit while visiting Madurai. Having a synthetic track and swimming pool, the stadium has soon become an important place in Madurai for people visiting the city to spend some time at. The stadium has been gradually becoming an important sports hub hosting several national and state level athletic championships here.
Samanar Hills:
Believed to have formed in AD 1, the caves found here were used by Samanar, the Jains. The sculptures and the carvings found on the caves are a treat to the eyes and offer a peep into the early culture of the Jains here. A natural rivulet is found here that called ‘Pechchi Pallam’ in the local language here. People, who want to escape from the busy city life, can find solitude and serenity here, for sure.
Koodal Azhagar Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Koodal Azhagar Temple is considered to be one of the most ancient temples in South India. Believed to a place dedicated to impart education, knowledge, art and language, the temple has a rich and glorious past. As any other ancient temple, it too has brilliant architecture grandeur woven to its core. The temple is adorned with several paintings and sculptures that are a feast to anyone’s eyes.
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal:
Known for its exceptional and breathtaking Indo-Dravidian architecture and equally mesmerizing interiors, it is one of the most iconic buildings in Madurai. Built during the 16the century by Thirumalai Nayakkar, it is believed that Nayakkar hired an Italian architect to build this magnificent building. There are characteristics of Italian architectural styles along with styles from other parts of India.
