Madurai

It is believed that the city got its name because at the time of its naming Lord Shiva appeared and nectar from his hair dropped here. Thus the name Madurai, the nectar city. The Meenakshi Temple attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India. Giant gopurams and even higher temple towers can be spotted miles away. This twin temple (one to Meenakshi and the other to Lord Sundareswarar or Shiva) is one of the biggest temple complexes of India with a bazaar selling everything from bangles to saris and curios. There is also a temple museum which is certainly worth a visit.

ACCESS

Madurai is air-linked to Chennai, Mumbai, Tiruchirapalli, Bangalore and Calicut (Kozhikode). The city is rail-linked to all major cities in India. Regular bus services connect Madurai to all parts of South India.

Places of Interest

Meenakshi Sundereswarar Temple, the temple's Art Museum, the Mariamman Tank, Puthu Mandap- am, and Gandhi Museum.

EXCURSIONS

Kodaikanal is 120 km from Madurai and 80 km from Kodai Road railway station. Suruli Waterfalls (128 km), Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (146 km), and Thirupparankundram are also some places worth a visit.

ACCOMMODATION

Taj Garden Retreat, Pasumalai Hill. Phone: 601020, 602300; Fax: 604004.

Madurai Ashok, Alagarkoil Road. Phone: 537531; Fax:537530.

Pandyan, Race Course. Phone: 537090 (10 lines); Fax: 533424.

Tamil Nadu (TTDC), Algarkoil Street. Phone: 537462; Fax: 533203.

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