Meenakshi Amman Temple: The ancient Meenakshi temple, around which the town of Madurai has developed. With a number of Gopurams and Mandapams, this is the temple of temples. It is famous all over the world for its 1000 pillar hall, which lies in the entrance of the temple. Today only 985 stand, a fascinating sight nonetheless.
Timings: 4am to 12.30pm & 4pm to 9.30pm
Goripalyam Mosque: The biggest mosque in Madurai, Goripalyam Mosques dome is made of a single block of stone. ?Gor? in Persian means grave, and it is so named because the mosque houses graves of an important Islamic saint and a ruler. Intricate inscriptions are also visible to this day.
St. Mary?s Church: Built around two centuries ago, this church is now a part of the Madurai landscape. Although expansion of the church was halted in 1910 due to lack of funds during World War I, the process was restarted in the 1960s, and is now fully completed, with a Neo-Gothic look.
Enjoy delectable dishes right from the traditional idly, vada and banana leaf lunch to chaats, Chinese food, Italian pizzas, fish and chips, sizzlers and more!
The street vendors offer authentic Tamil cuisine at affordable rates.
The favourite drinks of the region are coconut based Paruthipaal and Jigarthanda.
The famous restaurants here are Jayaram Fast Foods, Surya restaurant, Jaffer?s home biriyani, among others.
Being the textile hub of South India, Madurai is famous for ready made silk and cotton clothes.
The famous shopping hubs include East Avani Moola Street, Pudhu Mandapam, and Chithirai Street.
Buy everything from little knick knacks to jewellery, from gold and silver to flowers and fabrics!
Languages spoken: Tamil, English
Currency: Indian Rupee
Climate: Mostly hot and sultry, the rains provide respite from the heat. The winters are pleasant and most people visit Madurai during this time.
Connectivity: Mobile connectivity is not at all hindered in the main city.
Cultural habits: The most accepted greeting is 'Vanakkam'
Trivia: Madurai is also called City of Jasmine and Temple City.