11 Absolutely beautiful places in Madurai you should visit
Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important temple towns, dates back to pre-Christian times. The city’s rich culture, tradition, and history will transport you back in time through its religious and historical landmarks. Due to its popularity, it is easy to find hotels in Madurai, most of which are adjacent to the city’s most famous monument, the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
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Madurai’s Koodal Azhagar
The Koodal Azhagar Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Sri Koodal Azhagar. This shrine’s five-tiered gopuram and three statues of Lord Vishnu in sitting, standing, and lying down positions are its highlights. One of the 108 Divya Desams, this temple is always packed, especially during the 10-day float festival in February-March.
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Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman
The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, a Parvati manifestation. The shrine’s 14 towering towers, or Gopurams, are adorned with elaborate sculptures. The Hall of Thousand Pillars is another stunning architectural feature of this Dravidian-style temple. Visit the museum within the temple complex to learn about Madurai’s cultural and historical background. Every day, thousands of pilgrims come to seek blessings and admire the temple’s breathtaking splendor.
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The Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
The Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is a great example of exquisite architecture and rich history. Built-in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, this palace features imposing pillars and beautiful stucco work on its domes and arches. A tour of the palace includes the royal home, workers’ quarters, ponds and gardens, religious places, the throne room, and other important areas.
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Azhagar Kovil
Azhagar Kovil, also known as Alagar Koil, is located near Madurai, at the foot of Alagar Hills. The temple is encircled by the ruins of an ancient fort, adding to the natural beauty. The primary god here is Paramaswamy. Sundararaja Perumal, the procession’s deity, is considered to be Goddess Meenakshi’s brother and a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. This shrine is a tranquil, serene refuge of faith among the hills near Madurai.
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Madurai Gandhi Memorial
The Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai is housed in the former Tamukkam Palace of Rani Mangammal of the Nayak dynasty. The palace, built-in 1670, was turned into a museum in 1959, chronicling the life of one of India’s most famous liberation fighters. Museum exhibits contain images of Gandhi before independence, manuscripts, quotations, letter copies, and other noteworthy articles from the time. It also shows a bloodstained dhoti from Mahatma Gandhi’s killing.
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Kazimar Big Mosque
The Kazimar Big Mosque is the oldest mosque in Madurai, both historically and culturally. The mosque’s name comes from its capacity of 2500 people. The mosque attracts pilgrims all year round for its stunning architecture and beautiful wall paintings. Kazi Syed Tajuddin, a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad, founded it in the 13th century.
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Madurai’s Cathedral
This gothic-style cathedral is one of the most magnificent sights in Madurai. The church was completed in 1841 and is known for its exquisite blend of European, Roman, and Continental architectural styles. The church’s attractiveness is enhanced by two large bell towers and a magnificent façade. The saree-clad statue of Mother Mary is very remarkable. Apart from believers, the cathedral attracts architecture enthusiasts and tourists.
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Madurai’s Thirupparankundram Murugan
Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple is one of India’s six temples devoted to Lord Murugan, Shiva’s son. Legend has it that Lord Murugan wedded the daughter of Lord Indra here, thereby making the temple a hallowed destination for marriages. From the shrine, the sun and moon can be viewed at various times of the day. This 8th-century rock temple is a kaleidoscope of hues and a stunning sight.
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Vaigai Dam
Vaigai Dam, on the Vaigai River, is a natural attraction in Madurai. Despite its remote location (70 km), the dam attracts both residents and tourists. You can relax in the Little Brindavan garden while viewing the spectacular manufactured structure and the lush green surroundings. This wonderful garden on the Vaigai Dam side features a musical fountain, a play area, and exotic plants and flowers. Vaigai Dam is a great place for youngsters, picnickers, and tranquillity seekers.
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Yanaimalai
Yanaimalai is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Madurai. Due to its shape, Elephant Hill is home to Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples, as well as Jain sculptures. These are the Jain sculptures on top of the hill with temples at the bottom. There’s no excuse not to visit this stunning location with its lush flora against a rough rock backdrop, historical history, and tranquillity.
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Vandiyur Mariamman
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a prominent temple pond complex in Madurai. The largest temple tank in South India covers over 16 acres. It is 4 kilometers from Meenakshi Amman Temple and is visited by pilgrims from all over India.
An artificial island with Maiya Mandapam and Lord Vigneshwara/Lord Vinayaka temples sits in the middle of the temple pond. All four sides of this huge pond have stone steps. The finest time to visit Madurai’s temple pond is during the “Float Festival” on a full moon night in January or February. Thousands of lamps illuminate the temple pond complex, creating a magical atmosphere. You can also pay homage to the festival’s idols of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi.
Also read, 10 Holy Places You Can Not Miss In Varanasi