Madurai, situated in southern Tamil Nadu, is a district with its headquarters in Madurai city, on the banks of Vaigai river. Madurai is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is more than 2,500 years old and is an important cultural and commercial centre. Madurai, once the seat of Tamil learning and still the place where Tamil language is spoken in its purest form is an ancient city. The ancient structure was planned in the shape of a lotus. Legend has it that Lord Indra installed a lingam in a shrine and imformed king

Kulasekhara, who had the forest cleared and a lotus-shaped city built around it. On the day this Pandian monarch was to name his new city, Lord Shiva appeared to bless the people and nectar flowed from his matted locks. so it was called 'Madhurapuri' and later it became Madurai.

The last of the three Tamil academies (Sangams) flourished here nearly two thousand years ago. The pandyas, great patrons of Tamil learning, art and architecture, were succeeded by the Nayakas who preserved the owrk of earlier kingdoms and enriched their traditions.

Modern Madurai is a burgeoning industrial centre, even though the vast stretches of lush paddy fields, dusty roads and crowded bazzars make it seem almost like an overgrown village.

City Sights:
Sri Meenakshi Temple: Madurai is synonymous with the Sri Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to Sri Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The temple complex, the main attraction at Madurai, is one of the biggest in India. The five gopurams that surround the temple are known for stucco work, and the 48.8 metre high southern gopuram is the tallest. Legend has it that when the last Tamil Sangam (Academy) met here, literary works were thrown into the temple tank. Those that floated were deemed to be outstanding literature. It is believed that the Kadasma tree under which Lord Shiva meditated was the only one that covered this area. Exquisite sculptures are to be found throughout the complex.

The Hall of Thousand Pillars: It is a museum of icons, photographs and illustrations. Apart from being a very sacred spot for the Hindus, the Meenakshi Temple is one of the country's most important tourist landmarks. (Open from 05:00 AM to 12: 00 Noon and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM)

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal: It is a place about one kilometre from the south east of the Meenakshi Temple. The show building is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style by Nayaks. The main attraction here are the musical pillars and the pathway. There is one small museum, and the main audience hall opens into a huge outdoor courtyard.
Open to the public : 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00 Hrs.
Sound and light shows on the life of Tirumalai Nayak and the story of Silappathikaram(a Tamil classic) are held everyday.
Timings : English : 18.45 Hrs
Tamil : 20.15 Hrs

ACCESS:
By Air: It is connected by Air with Chennai & Mumbai

By Rail: It is connected by Rail with all major cities.

By Road: Madurai is well connected with all major cities through National High ways 7 & 45. e Pallavas during the seventh century.

SHOPPING:
Popular items include silk and cotton sarees, jewellery and wood carvings.

FESTIVALS:
Avanimoolom Festival - August/September.
Float Festival - January/February.
Chitirai Festival - - April/May
Govt. Chithirai Exhibition - April/May.

CLIMATE:
Max. Min.
Summer 37.1º c 25.0º c
Winter 29.0º c 20.0º c

CLOTHINGS:
Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woollen