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Situated in southern Tamil Nadu is the second largest city in the state and an important cultural and commercial center. Located on the river Vaigai, it is a city with ancient past. It is over 2500 years old and was a seat of learning in the Sangam period. Legend has it that when the Pandyan King was about to name his new city, Lord Shiva appeared and drops of nectar falling from his locks gave the city its name - Madurapuri.
Madurai passed on to the Cholas in the 10th century until the Pandyas regained it in the 12th century. Then it was ruled over by the Delhi Sultanate, Vijaynagar Kings and finally by the Nayakas in sucession till it came under the British possession in the end of 18th century. Madurai has always been a great center of Tamil culture, art and literacture.
General information
Altitude: 107 meter
Best Season: Throughout the year
Temperature: Summer- Max. 37.5, Min. 36.3; Winter- Max. 21.6, Min. 20.9
STD Code: 0452
How to get there
Air
Madurai is well connected by air with Madras, Calicut and Bombay.
Rail
Madurai is Connected by rail via Madras with all the main places in India.
Road Madurai is connected by good motorable roads to Madras (472 Km), Trichy (142 Km), Rameshwarm (139 Km), Kanyakumari (232 Km), Tirunelveli (151 Km), Kodaikanal (120 Km), Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (136 Km), Palani (122 Km), Thanjavur (223 Km), Bangalore (446 Km)
In and around
 Meenakshi Temple
The temple measuring 255 meters by 217 meters and punctuated by four gateways is itself a city within a city. Dedicated to Meenakshi Sundarama. The temple has an interesting museum located in its 1000-pillared hall. A set of musical pillars carved out of a single block of grenite that emit melodic notes when taped, splendid mandapas and a large temple tank are all part of the huge complex.
Tirumalai Nayak Palace
It was built in the Indo-Saracenic style by the Nayak rulers of Madurai in 1636 is worth visiting.
Chidambaram
Chidambaram is another important temple town on the route south towards Tanjore from Chennai. The temple is dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer, Shiva as Nataraja, and the site is said to be the venue of Shiva's legendary dance for his consort, Parvati
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