View Finder | Madurai
In this temple town, idols, colours, elephants and crowds
In God’s abode
Madurai, in Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Much of the city’s life and economy revolves around the fish-eyed goddess, Meenakshi, who stands holding a parrot and a bouquet. The Meenakshi Sundareswar twin-temple, the epicentre of the city’s life, is always crowded, and full of light and piety.
GETTING THERE
GO
Madurai Junction is well connected to major Indian cities by train. Airlines like Air India, Jet Airways and SpiceJet connect Madurai with Chennai and a few other cities.
STAY
Choose from the redesigned and luxurious Heritage Madurai (5,430-18,990 a night for double occupancy); and Sangam Hotel in the heart of the city ( 4,300-5,200 a night).
DO
Walk around the centre of the city. The streets are laid out in concentric squares. Visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace built in the Indo-Saracenic style. On most streets, steaming ‘idli’, ‘kari dosa’ and ‘varu kadalai’ are served till dawn. Don’t miss the Madurai special beverage ‘jigarthanda’, which translates as “cool-heart"—a concoction of milk, almonds, sarsaparilla syrup and vanilla ice cream.
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