Madurai is on the bucket list of discerning travellers across the world.
Fascinating, intriguing, and captivating — this is how travellers who have enjoyed the splendour of Madurai describe the destination.
Nestled in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Madurai is an enchanting patchwork of rich history, strong heritage, and a culture that demonstrates warmth and generosity. The streets overflow with sights, sounds, and stories that cannot be witnessed anywhere in the world. That’s why Madurai is on the bucket list of discerning travellers across the world.
There are many reasons to fall in love with Madurai. For one, it is an ancient city with a 5000-year-old rich history. Its energy is vibrant, and it has a lot of character.
Madurai (before the bifurcation of districts) is also the birthplace of legends like music maestro Illayaraja, beloved film makers Mani Ratnam and Bharathiraja, and actor Kamal Haasan.
A blend of past and present
Discerning travellers – be it an overseas globetrotter or a tourist from North India – will be fascinated by the way Madurai functions as a city. The city gives a unique sense of both the past and the present. While Madurai’s busy streets are bustling with activity, its stately temples and heritage sites exude serene tranquillity.
Flower market
Mornings in Madurai are best spent in Poo Market (Flower Market). Rows upon rows of colourful sweet-smelling flowers sold by local vendors line the pathways between the Central Market and the Maatuthavani Bus Stand.
The city is renowned for its fragrant Madurai Malli (jasmine of Madurai), which you get nowhere else in the world. The market is renowned for making garlands for special occasions like weddings and religious processions.
Madurai: Thoonga Nagaram
People of Madurai are early risers. Early morning, one could see and smell aromatic steam popping out of random places on the streets of Madurai. On one side of the alley, there is the aroma (and the steam) of freshly brewed coffee; on the other, there is steam coming out from several idli pots. It’s a sight to behold, and it smells delicious.
Madurai has its own version of nightlife. The city is open 24/7. The markets are open. Restaurants are open to cater to traders as well as tourists who want to catch a glimpse of the city’s night life.
The city of temples
Madurai is home to several temples. The popular ones include Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Azhagar Kovil, Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple, Sri Mavoottru Velappar Temple, and Vandiyur Mariamman Temple.
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai defines the identity of the city and its people. It is fascinating to see how the temple is the hub of activity. The temple opens at 5:30 am. The priests enter the temple with huge brass pots to bathe the goddess and adorn her with fresh garlands. After the puja is complete, the shops begin to open their shutters. The city then springs into action. It’s like Goddess Meenakshi has given the people of Madurai her blessings to start their day.
Every year, the temple draws a huge crowd during April (the Tamil month of Chithirai). The month-long Chithirai festival is a tribute to Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Sundareshwar. While the first 15 days celebrates Meenakshi’s wedding as well as her coronation as the ruler of Madurai, the next 15 days celebrates the journey of Alagar (Lord Vishnu) from Alagar Kovil to Madurai.
Madurai is also home to Jain settlements. Samanar Malai is known for Jain caves and Jain sculptures.
Cuisine of Madurai
A trip to Madurai is not complete without jigarthanda, the city’s signature dessert. Made of sarsaparilla root syrup, milk, ice cream, and almond gum, this dessert is loaded with health benefits. A tall glass of jigarthanda will help bring down the body heat.
One should also try Aamai Vadai along with tea, Thennang Kuruthu (coconut stem), which is a healthy snack, and a cup of warm Paruthipal (cotton seed milk). Arisi Puttu, Keppai Puttu, and Keerai Vadai (Spinach doughnut), a delicacy from Saurashtra community, must be on your list. Non-vegetarians should try Kari Dosai.
Shopping in Madurai
Madurai is an abode for shopaholics.
Being an ancient city, the streets of Madurai are still named after a particular trade or business. There is gold bazaar (Nagai Kadai Theru), there is a street for selling flowers (Poo Kadai Theru), and a place for selling betel leaves (Vethalai Pettai).
One of the popular spots where money is spent by tourists — specifically by women tourists — is Kunnathur Sathiram, popularly known as Pudhu Mandapam. Situated at the east entrance of Meenakshi Temple, Pudhu Mandapam is home to Madurai’s local traders. There are over 300 shops in Pudhu Mandapam that sells products unique only to Tamil Nadu— from books, bangles, and clothes to silverware, steel utensils, and Sungudi sarees. The most spectacular sight here is that one part of the market is dedicated to tailors. One would be amazed to see more than 100 tailors sitting together under one roof. Pudhu Mandapam has a service called Express Tailoring. If you want something stitched, you can get it done in less than two hours.
History has it that King Thirumalai Nayak built Pudhu Mandapam in 1628 as a tribute to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar. It was meant to be a summer abode for the deities. Even today, this monument is a venue for popular temple festivals like Avani Moolam, Chithirai, Theppam, and Navarathri.
With a height of 25 feet, length of 330 feet, and breadth of 105 feet, 124 pillars adorn Pudhu Mandapam.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace is one of the most sought-after attractions in Madurai. It is an architectural marvel, blending the aesthetics of Dravidian and Rajput designs.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Madurai
At the heart of majestic Madurai is a picturesque Portuguese church. St Mary’s Cathedral, also known as Church of Our Lady of Dolours, dons a spectacular white and blue façade. The church’s majestic edifice, which is over 150 years old, stands tall at E Veli Street in Mahalipatti. The church, which is an architectural marvel, is close to the railway station and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Madurai.
Gandhi Memorial Museum
Gandhi Memorial Museum is not just Madurai’s landmark; it is memorabilia that speaks volumes about the caste system that was once prevalent in India. In his fight against untouchability, Mahatma Gandhi, when he visited Madurai, set foot in Meenakshi Temple with Harijans, who were denied entry because of their caste. The museum was originally a grand palace, which housed Rani Mangammal of the Nayak Dynasty. It was built in 1670 AD and is a must-visit for anyone who loves history, heritage, and ancient architecture.
World Tamil Sangam
World Tamil Sangam brings together Tamilians across the world under one roof. By promoting arts, dance, history, and heritage, the association plays a significant role in educating the world about the beauty and grandeur of Tamil language, literature, and culture. The World Tamil Sangam was inaugurated by the then chief minister Bharat Ratna MGR in 1986. Located in Tallakulam in Madurai, this association is a must-visit for literary buffs who love all things Tamil.
Where to stay in Madurai
Tourists visiting Madurai have a plethora of accommodations to choose from. A hotel that is popular among both business travellers and leisure travellers is Hotel Tamil Nadu. The brand has two properties in Madurai: One in West Veli Street, and the other in Alagar Koil Road.
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is working closely with relevant stakeholders in Madurai to ensure that travellers take home memorable moments during their visit to the legendary city.