If you’re looking for an exciting vacation destination, India is a fantastic place to visit. This city is bustling but not too busy. Its cultural attractions include the Chithirai Festival and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. In addition, you should visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Thirumalai Nayak Mahal.
Chithirai Festival
The Chithirai Festival, also known as Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, is held in Madurai in April. The festival consists of two significant events. The first one is hoisting the sacred flag over the Meenakshi temple. The chief priest then proclaims the festival a month-long celebration. This is a momentous occasion, as it is the occasion for the coronation of the god Sunderaswarar, the god of wisdom and knowledge.
Madurai is a beautiful city with plenty to offer. Its temples are the main attractions, and many people come worldwide to see them. However, the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is in the city’s centre and is the fulcrum of daily life. You can tour this ancient temple and other ancient structures during your visit.
Saint Marys Cathedral
The Saint Marys Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic church in India and is renowned for its classic European architecture and Roman-styled bell tower. Founded in 1840, the church was renovated in the early 20th century and elevated to cathedral status in 1969. Now, this cathedral is one of the top attractions in Madurai. Visitors do not have to wear shoes when visiting the church, as it is a barefoot walk.
Madurai is an ancient city with an exciting history and culture. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in India and was ruled by the Pandya kings for the longest time. It is also home to several historical monuments, including the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a national landmark. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and her consort, Sundareshwarar.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal
If you have a vacation coming up in Madurai, include the Thirumalai Nayak Mahal on your list. King Thirumalai Nayak designed this 17th-century palace to be the centre of the city’s capital. Its architecture combines Dravidian and Rajasthani styles, and its interior is grander than any other palace in South India. Its interior is beautifully decorated, while the exterior is sparse and austere.
The Thirumalai Nayak Mahal is an impressive structure built during Thirumalai Nayak’s 32-year reign. It is believed that he used an Italian architect to design the palace. The palace was renovated in the 18th century by Lord Napier, the Governor of Madras. His restoration work included restoring the entrance gate and Dance Hall.
Vaigai Dam
The Vaigai Dam is an important tourist spot in Madurai. It is a beautiful hydroelectric power project that started in 1959. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular local picnic spot. It is a great place to enjoy the cool breeze and relax.
The dam is about 70 km from Madurai. Visitors who visit Madurai can drive out to enjoy the dam’s beauty and enjoy a peaceful time in the recreation centre zone. There are seven conduits in the dam that are unguarded. You can observe the water spouting in a huge tuft, which makes for a beautiful sight. You can also see ranchers dropping flowers on the water.
Idukki in Kerala
If you want to explore the beauty of the state of Kerala, you should go to Idukki. This hill station is perfect for a picnic. It is located around 25 kilometres from Idukki and is known as Nadukani, which means “to see the lands.” The area is covered with dense greenery and huge boulders, and there is also a two-story pavilion to view the low-lying areas. It is a photographer’s paradise and is surrounded by enchanting natural scenery.
Another popular place to visit in Idukki is Thommankuthu Waterfalls, a seven-step waterfall surrounded by lush forests. You can reach Thodupuzha by car or train from Aluva. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi from Madurai to Idukki.
Banana market
If you’re planning a trip to Madurai, check out the Banana Market. This wholesale market is full of sixteen kinds of bananas and attracts many tourists. You can watch the workers unload the banana branches and purchase them directly from them.
Madurai is also known as the heart of Tamil Nadu, with a population of over 1.5 million. It is considered the Athens of the East and one of the country’s oldest cities. The Madurai Airport has its airport, which is just a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
ISKCON temple
The ISKCON temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Madurai in December, and it has a great vibe. This temple is dedicated to Radha and Krishna and has around one thousand devotees. It is a very serene and meditative place, with a lot of chanting and singing. Visitors can feel spirituality and peace at the temple, which serves pure vegetarian food.
The city is also known for its ancient temples and shrines. There are many things to see and do in Madurai, but the temples are the main attractions. You can spend hours here exploring each shrine and mandapas.