Madurai is a major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is the third largest city population in Tamil Nadu, and is the 25th populated city in India Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai has been a major settlement for two millennia and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
The history of Madurai is 3rd century BC. It became an important trading center and had trading relations with as far as Rome and Greece. Madurai flourished under the Pandiya rulers till the 10th century AD. However, in the year 920 AD, the Cholas defeated the Pandiyas and captured Madurai. hey continued to reign over this place for the next three centuries. The Pandiyas once again came back to power in the year 1223 AD.
Thirumalai Nayak was ruled from 1623 to 1659. Madurai finally fell into the hands of the British in 1781, when George Procter became the first collector of this city.
The Sri Meenakshi Temple is considered to be a wonderful piece of art. The ideal time to visit the Sri Meenakshi Temple of Madurai is from October to March and again from April to May. The Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai is actually a conglomeration of many small corridors and temples. This temple is considered a very sacred site by the Hindu devotees. The temple is unique as it has dual shrines meant to pay homage to a god and a goddess closely associated with the Hindu religion. The temple has been dedicated to Lord Sundareshvara, i.e., Shiva and Meenakshi. Lord Sundareshvara is actually the Hindu God for cosmic dance.
The Thirupparankundram Temple is one of the most commonly visited places of interest in Madurai. This temple is of special interest to those who are hardcore devotees of the Hindu religion. It is situated at the top of a hill. It is located at a distance of about 8 km towards the south of the railway junction of Madurai.
The Mariamman Teppakulam is one of the most popular places of interest in Madurai. It is actually a big temple tank, which is situated quite close to another important tourist attraction of the city called the Meenakshi temple. The distance between the Meenakshi Temple and the Mariamman Teppakulam is only 5 km.
The Gandhi Museum is one of the well known places of interest in Madurai. This museum is of special significance to the tourists who take special interest in everything related to history.
The Thirumalai Nayak Palace is one of the most popular places of interest in Madurai. This palace represents art in the Indo-Saracenic style. This tourist attraction is particularly popular among the tourists who take a lot of interest in historical structures.