At first glance, many consider Madurai a piece of heaven blessed to everyone with its characteristic beauty and enigmatic artifacts. Being one of the major cities of Tamil Nadu in India, Madurai is home to several important historical sites that resonate with the beauty of Indian culture.
Situated on the Vaigai river, many deem this place a national treasure as it is the epicenter of many industrial and educational sectors of Tamil Nadu. And if you simply ever have the brilliant idea of visiting such a magnificent, charismatic ancient city, you must visit these following places to make your trip truly worth for. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Madurai:
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
We’re starting it off with the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai. Adorned with beautiful ornaments, it’s no wonder that this site is a popular tourist attraction. The awe-striking temple is a cultural heritage the people of Madurai cherish and look after proudly.
Enjoy a private tour of the cultural excellence exhibited by the Pandyan and Madurai kings in the form of the Dravidian temples. A surreal sight to behold, no doubt! Its profoundness is enough to make it at the top of the list!
Pazhamudir Solai
Being the epitome of beauty itself, the famous temple of Pazhamudir Solai is a must-see site in Madurai. Ladened with historical excellency, this abode was made for Lord Subramaniya, a religious figure worshipped by many in Southern India.
Once inside, you’ll get to witness the intricate carvings of the lord himself adorned by the many offerings pilgrims from around India bring with hopes of their wish coming true.
Located amidst the hills of Azhara koil, you cannot miss out on visiting this place!
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Erected in all its glory by the Madurai king Thirumalai Nayak in 1636 AD, people depict this site as more historical than religious. The palace resonates intricacy of the perfect coalesce of the Rajput and Dravidian styles. And since its independence, the Thirumalai has become a national monument respected and adored by all those around it.
Widely exhibiting the Saracenic style, it goes to show just how this palace came to being with proficient architectural magnificence. It’s truly an out-of-this-world experience once you get to visit it yourself!
Alagar Koil
Standing at number 4 is the infamous temple of Alagar Koil – an artwork rivaled by only a few. Located in the North East of Madurai, this temple is the final resting area of Lord Vishnu. Millions of devoted followers visit this place to offer their prayers.
The temple is truly a jaw-dropping site to behold as it is adorned with statues of the king himself. And with such exquisiteness, it’s no surprise that its popularity arose significantly both religiously and architecturally.
Koodal Azhagar Temple
Located at the heart of Madurai city, this temple is yet another reminder of the love of the people for Lord Vishnu. Its architectural style resembles that of the Dravidians. And so, it now possesses monumental importance in the hearts of many.
Translating to the beautiful one, the Koodal Azhagar Temple houses a unique feature of depicting three distinct postures of Lord Vishnu within a large area of the temple itself.
This place has a nice touch for those wanting to gander the beauty of Indian History.
Vaigai Dam
This phenomenal structure situates over the Vaigai river near Andipatti. And, over the years, it has become a popular picnic choice worldwide. With its mesmerizing scenic beauty, it’s no wonder this is the case. And that is especially when the sun starts to set and illuminates the dam’s water.
On the side of the dam, you will find the Little Brindavan – an exotic garden ladened with alluring flowers. All of which accentuate the overall beauty of the Vaigai dam!
Meghamalai
Often called the High Wavy Mountains, this heavenly masterpiece is yet another reason you should visit Madurai on your next tourism trip to India. This attraction is the perfect visiting place to beat the summer’s heat and enjoy a relaxing day as you’ll find it 1500 meters above sea level.
The presence of a plethora of plantations is enough to make anyone slip between the pleasant ambiance and aura surrounding the place. If you’re looking for a stress-free day, Meghamalai is the place for you.
Mariamman Teppakulam
Illuminated in the light of honor, this divine temple celebrates the praise of Lord Vigneshwara, found 5km from the infamous Meenakshi Temple. Like the others on this list, you’d be a fool to miss out on the exquisiteness this place holds. In simple words, Mariamman Teppakulam is a gigantic tank filled with water all year.
And according to folklore, its famous statue emerged from it when through digging long ago. Such magnitudes of historical importance and delicate beauty are enough to make it on this list.
Goripalayam Dargah
Widely popular under the name of Hajha Syed Sultan Alaoudeen Syed Sultan Samsudeen Aouliya Dargah, this mosque embellishes an intricate atmosphere of love, empathy, and beauty. Situated in Madurai, this phenomenal structure has features donned in green and white paint that signify its pleasing ambiance in the hearts of many.
It houses the shrines of Hazrat Sulthan Alauddin Badusha and Hazrat Sulthan Shamsuddin Badusha. And so, it’s a place you must visit!
Samanar Hills
To cap it off, the last site that we want you to visit is the Samanar Hills. Once a humble abode of the Tamil Jain monks, the caves of Samanar Hills have been a favorite site for tourists who come to see intricate carvings and drawings of it. And along with that, it even has an alluring lotus temple to add to its value and scenic beauty.
The Samanar Hills is Located in Keelakuyilkudi village near Madurai and are a popular tourist attraction site you need to visit.
Do note that these popular sites are merely a taste of the cultural and historical importance of Madurai. There is more than what meets the eye!
