Home > Tourist Destinations > Madurai

About Madurai
Madurai is the second largest city of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for its temples, especially for the celebrated Meenakshi Temple. Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, it derives its name from the divine nectar (Madhu) that was showered from the locks of Lord Shiva according to a popular legend.

Attractions
The most famous attractions at Madurai, is the Meenakshi Amman Temple, where the main deities are Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. The temple has 985 beautifully sculptured pillars, forming the Thousand Pillar Mandapam Hall. It has also been the center of Tamil art, music and dance.

Festivals
Festivals are celebrated in all twelve Tamil months at Madurai Meenakshi temple. Some of the popular festivals are Chithirai festival celebrated in the months of April - May and Avanimool festival celebrated in the months of September - Ocotber. Other important festivals are the Navarathri Festival and the Float Festival celebrated in the months of January- February.

Best Time to visit
Best time to visit in the month of November to February.

Getting There
By Air
Madurai has its own airport situated 10 kms away from the city. There are daily flights to Madurai from Chennai, Bangalore, and Tiruchi & Coimbatore.

By Rail
There are train connections to Madurai from Madras, which takes eight hours via Trichy and from Rameshwaram, takes six hours. If you approach Madurai from Kerala, some spectacular scenes of the Western Ghats can be viewed.

By Road
The city has excellent roads connecting Madurai to all parts of South India. It has 5 Major buses stand. 

Shopping
Madurai is best known for its handloom sarees of excellent quality, brassware, and woodcarvings. Hajeemoosa well knows storehouse of fabric & sarees. Handicrafts can be bought from - Madurai Gallery, Imran Handicrafts Arts, Cottage Industries Exposition Ltd., Cottage Arts Emporium.