Madurai
Madurai is a district of Tamil Nadu located about 501 km away from the state capital, Chennai, on the Vaigai River. The district covers an area of 3,742 km2 and it bordered by Sirumalai and Nagamalai Hill to the North and West. Madurai district headquarters is located at Madurai city or metropolitan area. Madurai city is third largest among cities of Tamil Nadu with an area of 148 sq. km. Madurai Meenakshi temple is the main attraction of the district which located at the heart of Madurai Town. The temple attracts thousands of travelers in a day and the travelers are an important source of income for the city.
According to census report India 2011, approximately 3,041,040 people reside in Madurai District. Among them male compromise 51% of population and rest are female. Madurai District economy mainly standing upon several small and large industries like rubber producing centers, automobiles component producing companies, Textile Industries, software companies and many more. You will also notice some large shops and malls around the city area. Some major of these are East Gate shops, East Masi Street shops and garments & textiles malls at South Masi Street.
Maximum people of the district follow Hinduism as their religion and they celebrate lots of colorful festivals throughout the year. Some popular festivals which are celebrated by the people are Meenakshi Tirukkalyanam, Chittirai Festival, Car Festival, Pongal, Mattu pongal and the Thepporchavam festival during January. Tamil is the most accepted spoken dialect in Madurai. It is also the official language of the district. Some other languages which are used as a second option are Telegu, Sourashtra, English and Hindi.
The climatic characteristics of Madurai remain dry and hot for a long term. Three major type whether seasons are noticed in the district namely, summer, winter and monsoon. Summer season continue from April to mid-July when temperature levels vary from 26°C to 42°C. Winter season (December to February) of Madurai is stayed Pleasants when temperature levels vary 18°C to 28°C. It is the best season for tourism. Monsoon season of the district continue from September to November. Average annual rainfalls of Madurai is about 86 cm.
Tourist Spots in Madurai
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is the main attraction of Madurai City located on the bank of Vaigai River. The Temple is dedicated to goddess Parvati who is the other half of lord Shiva. A large ten-day annual festival is celebrated in the temple during April to May when a million of travelers gathered here for religious purpose.
Kazimar Big Mosque is a historical Islamic architecture of Madurai City. It is located just 0.8 km away from Meenakshi Temple on the heart of Madurai. Kazi Syed Tajuddin, a descendant of the prophet Muhammed, was the founder of this mosque who came from Oman. Madurai Maqbara is also located inside the mosque.
Thiruparankundram Temple was constructed by rock cutting of a small hill located about 8 km south from Madurai City center. The temple is dedicated to lord Subramanya and it is older than the Madurai Meenakshi temple. It is believed that the temple was constructed during 8th century. You will see also a Dargah is on the top of the hill.
Goripalayam Dargah is the largest in Madurai located on the northern banks of the Vaigai River. The most amazing thing of the masque is the dome which is about 71 ft in diameter and 21 ft in height and made of only a single block of solid stone. Another attraction of the masque is a beautiful green tomb that can be seen from the A V Bridge.
Koodal Azhagar Koil is a historical hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Special Abodes of Lord Vishnu in the world.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Church is located on East Veli Street about 2 km south east of Madurai Railway Station. The church architecture is carrying the art of Europe and Continental styles.
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is an example of Italian architecture in Madurai, constructed in 1636 by the King Thirumalai Nayak. The initial Palace was four times bigger than the present structure.
Gandhi Museum initially was a palace of Rani Mangammal of Nayak Dynasty. After Indian independent during 1955 the palace was changed into a memorial hall of Mahatma Gandhi by Tamil Nadu Government.
How to reach Madurai?
Travel by Railways
Madurai is one of the finest cities in India and the district authority maintains a well transportation to other major cities of India. Madurai Railway Network is well connected with the bellow mentioned stations like Madurai Junction, Koodal Nagar, Samayanallur, Sholavandan, Vadipatti, East Madurai, Silaiman, Tirupuvanam, Thiruparankundram, Tirumangalam, Chekanoorani, and Usilampatti.
Travel by Roadways
Madurai has several small and big bus terminals. Some major of these are Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus (MIBT), Arappalayam Bus Stand, Palanganatham Terminal and Periyar Bus stand. You will get lots of regular buses for journey with in the district or other desire destinations across south India. Madurai Roadway Network serves a well transportation with several state highway and national highways including NH-7, NH-45B, NH-208 and NH-49.
Travel by Airways
Madurai Domestic Airport is located just 6 km away from the city heart. Maximum major cities of India are directly connected to this airport by airways. Available flights operators of the airport are Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Paramount Airways and Air India.
Distance Madurai city to
Tiruchirappalli 160 km...
Coimbatore 368 km...
Kanniyakumari 243 km...
Bangalore 215 km...
Thiruvananthapuram 241 km...
Puducherry 340 km...
Chennai 501 km...
Rameswaram 181 km...
Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts at Madurai
| Hotel Star Recedency 43/44 Collector Office Road Near Anna bus stand Madurai-20 Phone: 0452-4343999 / +91-956653899 |
The Metropole Hotel 17 A , Melur Road, Vinayaga Nagar Madurai-625020, Tamil Nadu, India Phone: 0452-4222222 / 0452-4352222 |
>Hotel Royal Court 4, West Velli Street, Madurai-625001 Phone: 0452-4356666 / +91-9360329985 |
| Hotel Germanus Arasaradi, Madurai – 625010 Phone: 0452 - 4356999 |
Hotel M. R. International 61-62 Dhanappa Mudali Street, Madurai-1 Phone: 0452-2348201. |
>Hotel The Madurai Residency 14-15, West Marret Street Madurai - 625 001 Phone: 0452-2343140 / 4380000 |
| Hotel Pearls #95, West Perumal Maistry Street, Madurai - 625001 Phone: 0452-2341566 / +91-9944232066 |
T.M. Lodge 50, West Perumal Maistry Street, Madurai-625001 Phone: 0452-2341651 / 0452-5380023 |
>Hotel Supreme West Perumal Maistry Street, Madurai Phone: 0452-2343151 / 0452-4372555 |
General Information about Madurai District
| Country | India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District Headquarters | Madurai Town |
| District Area | 3742 sq. km. (Madurai city area - 148 ²) |
| Population census 2011 | 3041040 (aprox) |
| STD Code | 0452 |
| ISD Code | 0091452 |
| Best time to visit at Madurai | Best season is Winter (late-November to February). |
| Major Languages Madurai | Tamil, Sourashtra and English. |
| Madurai Tourist Office | 180 west Veli St Madurai, Tamilnadu, India Telephone Number: 0452-2334757 |