Madurai is called Athens of the East because of the way myth meets life here. Originally called Madhurapuram because honey (madhu) is said to have dripped off the locks of Shiva here, Madurai is now the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Legends of warrior princesses, the gods falling in love and divine promises abound. Always an important city politically, it is now among the most important pilgrimages for Hindus. The chief attraction at Madurai is the imposing Meenakshi temple, which was built mainly by the Nayaks.

History
Madurai was important to all the major south-Indian empires. From seesawing between the Cholas and the Pandyas, to being captured by Muslim invaders, and then being regained by the Vijayanagar kings to finally being taken by the Nayaks in 1565, Madurai has had a rich and exciting past. In 1781, Madurai passed into the hands of the East India Company

What to see
The grand gopurams of the MeenakshiSundareshwarTemple tower over the city at the heart of which they stand. The temple complex covers 6 hectares right in the middle of the city and is flush with visitors from all over, each and everyday. The towers that loom overhead are famous for detailed carvings of the gods and goddesses, mythological figures and running depictions of legendary tales. The huge southern gopuram has over 1500 sculptures! The temple is dedicated to Shiva and Meenakshi, an earthly incarnation of his wife Parvati, who was born to the childless ruler after many prayers.

The Temple Museum is at the 'thousand –pillared hall’ where each of the 985 pillars are carved in great detail. 5 km east of the temple is the Mariamman Teppakulum tank where the annual Float Festival is held in January. The Shiva Meenakshi idols are taken out of the temples and float on decorated rafts for several days before returning.
The Pandyas originally built the Meenakshi Temple but little had survived when Tirumalai Nayak restored it to its old glory. Entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the Shiva temple is restricted to Hindus, and in the Meenakshi temple to Hindu women.
Chitirai Festival in April/May sees the idols being taken around on their chariots in celebration of the divine marriage. The zestful thumping of drums or nadeswarams accompanies the procession.

The palace of Tirumalai Nayak in the Indo-Saracen style is supposed to exemplify Nayak architecture. Built in 1523, it was four times its size today. There’s a light and sound show in English on the life the ruler and the Tamil classic Silapatthikaram from 6:45 pm everyday. The GandhiMuseum is a great place for anybody who wants to discover the Mahatma. Several little known facts are displayed, as is his bloodstained dhoti from his assassination.

The ancient temple of Koodal Azhagar has idols of Vishnu sitting, standing and in repose one above the other.

Getaways
Kodaikkanal, the hill station is only 120 km. away. Its natural beauty is mostly intact and it isn’t plagued by hordes of rampaging tourists. Good for a peaceful getaway.

Periyar Tiger Reserve (155km) in Thekkadi (Kerala) is actually more famous for its wild elephants. The Asiatic elephant is smaller and otherwise different from its African counterpart but great to see in the wild anyway. There are several species of deer in Periyar and though tigers are difficult to spot, they do visit the 100yr. old reservoir at Thekkadi. The season is from October to June when one can see a wide variety of birds and animals. Kerala Tourism has a range of places to stay in Thekkadi.
Vaigai Dam (70 km) is a popular picnic spot.

Dining Out
Dining can be an ambience rich affair. There are several rooftop restaurants on Town Hall Road and W. Perumal Maithy Road where you can sit back and relish the soft cool breeze and views of the temples as you dip into steaming sambar. All the usual suspects line up on the menus in Madurai: Chinese, ‘Continental’, south Indian and north Indian tandoori.

Shopping
Sari shops, tailor-stalls and handicraft stores vie with each other for the potential buyers’ attention. You can pick up smooth silks, woodcarvings, statuettes, and hand spun ‘khadi’ cottons from Madurai.

Visiting
The summer months could be avoided though the temperature averages at only about 37° C. The winter months are cooler: max temp-29° C. The Float festival is on in January/February, the Annamalai Festival in August/September and the Chittirai Festival in April/May.

Tourist Offices
The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) office is near the main bus stand. 180-TB Complex, W. Veli Street: telephone- 734757. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

How to get there

Air
Madurai has a domestic teminus that has daily flights from Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchirapalli and Mumbai (Bombay). The city centre is 12km from the airport. Taxis are exorbitant; alternatively take a bus, which plies once every hour.

Rail
Rail connections are available from Chennai (8 hrs) and Rameswaram (6 hrs.) The best journeys are those from Kerala, which take you over the Eastern Ghats.

Road
Madurai is very well connected by road. Rent a car or use your own to drive in. Private and State-run buses ply regularly from all major cities in Tamil Nadu.