Madurai

An ancient Tamil city with more than 2,000 years of history, where the colourful gopurams of Meenakshi Temple soar skyward and the nightly rituals and Chithirai Festival leave a lasting impression.

Madurai lies in central Tamil Nadu in southern India, on the banks of the Vaigai River. With more than 2,000 years of history, it was the capital of the ancient Pandya dynasty and the centre of Tamil Sangam literature, and is known as "the City that Never Sleeps." The city radiates out from Meenakshi Temple in concentric rings of square streets named after the months of the Tamil calendar; the old town, the markets and most hotels are near the temple and within walking distance. Thirumalai Nayak Palace is about 1 km southeast of the temple, while the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Vandiyur Teppakulam tank are east of the Vaigai. Sights outside the city are a 20–40-minute drive away: Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple and the Jain sites of Samanar Hills to the southwest, Alagar Kovil and the hilltop Pazhamudircholai temple to the northeast, and the Keeladi archaeological museum to the southeast. With more time, you can make a day trip to the Andal Temple at Srivilliputhur, 75 km away.

The weather is most pleasant from Nov to Feb. In Apr–May, the Chithirai Festival draws huge crowds for the celestial wedding procession of Meenakshi and Shiva and the ritual of Lord Alagar entering the Vaigai River; the Float Festival takes place in Jan–Feb. From Mar to Jun, daytime temperatures often exceed 38°C. Madurai Airport has flights to Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and other cities, and trains run to Chennai (about 7–8 hours). Plan to stay 2 days. Remove your shoes and wear clothing that covers your knees at temples; phones and cameras are not allowed inside Meenakshi Temple and must be left at the cloakroom outside, and non-Hindus may not enter the inner sanctum. Don't miss the local cold drink jigarthanda or the jasmine flower market.

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