Madurai (Tamil Nadu, India)

Situated on the banks of river Vaigai in Tamil Nadu, although Madurai is known as industrial town, it is more of a temple town. When you arrive in Madurai, you are greeted by the splendid Gopurams of the Meenakshi temple. The temple, anyway, is a hub for all the activities taking place in the town be it festivities, processions and grandeur of the temple. The city was prominent even in the ancient times and it was even known as the Athens of the East.

Sightdeeing:

Gandhi Museum:
This museum is located in the Tamukkam Palace of Rani Mangammal of the Nayak Dynasty. Earlier, the place used to be the official residence of the district collectors of Madurai. It was in 1955 that the building and the 12 acre land were given to Gandhi Smarak Nidhi by the then Tamil Nadu Government. The museum has a noteworthy collection of remarkable paintings, sculptures, articles and Khadi crafts.

Tirumalai Nayak Mahal:
Built in the 17th century by the King Thirumalai Nayak, the palace is a huge structure built in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is said that today only one-fourth part of the original structure has survived which includes the Swargavilasa and the Rangavilasa. The palace was partially renovated by the then Governor of Madras, Lord Napier.

Meenakshi Temple:
The temple is located at the heart of the city of Madurai and is the focus of national as well as international tourists' attention. It is central to the religious as well as to the cultural life of the city of Madurai. The temple is a very fine example of the Dravidian architecture complete with its gopurams which is nothing but large gateways and halls where you can see fine carvings of mythical figures on the walls of these multi pillared large halls otherwise known as Mandapams.