Things to do in Madurai

The fact that Madurai is more than 3,500 years old cannot be neglected because it is one of the oldest living cities in India. The city is truly Tamil born and deeply Tamil rooted. The essence of Tamil traditions, customs and culture are strongly reflected on the alleys, language, cuisines and overall atmosphere of Madurai. Interestingly, the city's architectural style shares similarity with that of Athens and has therefore been fondly nicknamed as 'Athens of the East'. It is one of South India's greatest temple towns that draws pilgrims as well as leisure tourists in huge numbers from all over the world.

Attraction in Madurai are mostly dominated by temples. The most famous amongst them is the Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the largest of its kind in India. The temple complex with its gigantic gates and construction work prove its existence on the roots of Madurai since 1623 CE. Located on the bank of Vaigai River, the temple forms the lifeline of the city. Apart from this, there are many other tourist places to visit in Madurai too which are equally unique and charming in their own ways. Some suggestive names are:

• Tirumalai Nayak Palace
• Gandhi Memorial Museum
• Banana Market
• Thiruparankundram and
• Pudhu Mandapa.

To feel the old Tamil charm, to discover and appreciate India's rich temple art and take a break from bustling metropolitan cities of South India, a trip to Madurai is a must. To make your trip completely relaxing and hassle free, we have also listed some of the best hotels in Maduraithat range from budget to luxury categories. Take a look and select the one that suits your mood and pocket.