Madurai- The Heart of Tamil Nadu

Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai is the second biggest city in Tamil Nadu. It is also one of the oldest inhabitant places on the earth. Traces of the place dating back 300 B.C. has been founded on the works of Megasthene, the Greek ambassador. Many historians have referred it as the "Athens of the East". Apart the city is known through several names such as Aalavai, Naanmada, Koodal, Thiruvalaivai and Koodal Nagaram. The present name of the city is believed to be derived from the word Madhura meaning sweetness. The city has been ruled by some of the greatest and mighty southern Indian kingdoms. The Pandyas, Chola dynasty, the Nayaks, and many small rulers. Finally, the city came under the British control in the year 1866.

Art and Culture

The city is completely immersed in Tamil culture and is a vital learning centre. Boasting some of the intricate art works and vibrant culture the city charms the travellers. The place is majorly famous for their textile and weaving industry. The work is completely done with hands using ancient techniques. The place is famous for its wooden and bronze artefacts, sarees, fabric paintings, silk cloths and much more. The silk produced in this country is exported around the globe.

Meenakshi Amman Temple

The prime attraction of the city is intricate and mesmerising Madurai temple. An architectural marvel geographically located in the centre of the town. The entire city is built around the temple. The temple features a sprawling complex covering a 15-acre area with 4500 pillars and 12 towers (gopurams). The temple is dedicated to goddess Parvati and her husband Lord Shiva. Beside that the temple also contains a 10,000 pillared hall, museum, stalls, temple and art museum, and several small shrines. Book Holiday Packages from Gurgaon in the month of April and witness the Chithirai Festival. The festival takes place around the complex of the temple and re-enacts the marriage of goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

Cuisine

The city has its own distinctive flavour and taste when it comes to food. The Madurai Chettinda style is commonly used and it gives a unique aroma and taste to the food. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians would have a great time while exploring the culinary delight of the city. If you are on a Tamil Nadu Holiday and visiting the Madurai, here are some dishes you must try. Idly is the foremost dish a traveller must try. Popular among the people it is prepared by urad dal and rice soaked in the water, mixed and grind together. Served with coconut chutney. Other famous are Masala dosa, Thail and a wide range of snacks. For non-vegetarians are mutton biryani, mutton chukka, mutton kolaurundhai, egg curry, prawn fries and more.

People and Language

People are friendly and warm and speak pure Tamil language. Don’t be astonished if you would find many people speaking fluently speaking the English language. The majority of the people are well educated, working on major IT firms.