Madurai is the third largest city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Being the second largest municipal corporation, it is one of the busiest cities of the state. It was inhabited about two million years ago and so could be said as one of the ancient cities of India. Nayak dynasty and Pandya dynasty are the two major kingdoms of ancient times that flourished here and they ruled over the part of South India with Madurai as their capital city. The Dravidian style of architecture is noted in the popular Meenakshi Amman Temple located here. This is the major attraction in this city that attracts pilgrims from all over India throughout the year. Apart from this temple, there are many other Hindu temples here.

Madurai was called by many names such as Thoonga Nagaram, Naanmaadakkoodal and Koodal Nagaram. Tamil scholars were patronized by the kings and royal men and so Tamil literature went to great heights in Madurai during the time of Pandya rulers. The city has a long and interesting history that speaks of its heritage and you have many places of historical importance here that are worth visiting.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple is the important landmark in Madurai and it has four huge Gopurams on all four sides. There is pond within its complex called Pottramaraikkulam. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. Apart from this famous shrine there are also many other popular temples here namely Koodal Azhagar Temple, Thiruparankundram and Alagar Temple.

You should not miss some of the historical places here namely Vandiyur Mariamman Theppakkulam, Kazimar Big Mosque, Goripalayam Dargah, Gandhi Museum and Thirumalai Nayak Palace. This palace was built in 17^th century by Thirumalai Nayak who ruled over that place at that time. It was he who took initiatives and had great role in building the popular Meenakshi Amman Temple. The Swargavilasa part of the palace was used as royal residence and the Rangavilasa part was let out for the servants to stay. At this palace, light and sound show is organized in evening that shows the life of Kovalan and Kannagi as said in the great Tamil epic Silappathikaram.

There are many famous educational institutions here such as Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai Medical College, Madurai Agricultural College, etc. that attract students from all over India and abroad. Also there is tremendous growth in the business, banking and industrial sectors though IT field is yet to bloom. All these growths and developments had led to the expansion of the hotel industry also.

If you are looking for affordable hotels then you can find them near railway station and the temple area. On the other hand if your choice is luxury hotels then you can locate some best ones in Alagar Koil Road. The food items of Madurai speak of the traditions of the place. There are some native delicacies that are unique to this land namely paruthi paal, jigarthanda and panankatkandu paal. If you refer to good Madurai travel guide you will be able to find out the right Madurai hotels and Madurai restaurants and enjoy all the fun that has in store for you here.

Article Posted By : Sumazla  On August 26, 2012lView All Articles

I am Suhaina Mazhar working on India travel guide features. Writing is my passion, writing is my hobby and writing is my career. I want to write till the last moment of my life.

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