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ATTRACTIONS IN INDIA - MADURAI |
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Madurai, one of the oldest temple cities of South India is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai, 498 kms away from Chennai. It is a centre of learning and pilgrimage. There are several tourist attractions in and around the city. The city is known for its spectacular Meenakshi Temple throughout the globe.
Some 2,000 years ago it hosted the famous “Sangams” (gatherings of writers and poets), which were to provide Tamil literature with some of its most enduring works. The religions and culture are vibrant parts of its daily life. Today, Madurai is one of the fast developing cities of south India and undoubtedly a great pilgrimage for Hindus.
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Please click on Bar Link..
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SriMeenakshiTemple :
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City's main attraction is the 2000 years old famous Meenakshi temple in the heart of the old town - a splendid example of Dravidian architecture. The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak.
There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares. Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 meter. The Potrama Raikulam or the Golden Lotus Tank is the place where the Tamil literacy society, called Sangam used to meet to decide the merits of the work presented to them. The manuscripts that sank were dismissed while those that floated were considered great. The temple museum has 985 richly carved pillars and each one surpasses the other in beauty.
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Tirumalai Nayak Mahal :
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This Indo - Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times as large as today. Sound and light show on the life of the Tirumalai Nayak and the story of the Silapathikaram are conduced daily.
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GandhiMuseum :
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The 300-year-old palace now converted into Museum has a picture gallery, a library of personal memorable of the Mahatma Gandhi and an exhibit of South Indian handicrafts and village industries.
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Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam :
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This enormous temple tank is fed by water from the Vaigai River. The tank has a mandapam at the centre enshrining Lord Vigneshwara.A colorful float festival is held in this tank every year on Thaipoosam day (Jan – Feb).
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Alagarkoil :
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Situated 26 kms away from Madurai is this 12 th century AD temple dedicated to and avatar of Lord Vishnu – Alagar.Set within forest hills and a ruined fort,there are ceiling paintings here dating back to the 18 th century depicting the stories from Ramayana.
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Thirupparankundram Temple :
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It is located 8 Kms South of Madurai Railway Junction. The temple here is one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.
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Tombs of the Madurai Sultans :
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Towards the north of Vaigai River are the tombs of the Madurai rulers. The sultans were buried to the north of the city. The complex includes Alaauddin’s Mosque with its flat-roofed prayer hall and the tomb of a local Sufi saint, Bara Mastan Sada built in the 16th century.
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Kodaikkanal :
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Among the best and most visited hill stations in India is quite near to Madurai. Just 121-km from Madurai, Kodai is located 2,130 m above the sea level in the Western Ghats. The lofty mountains with greenery all around will transport you to a world of your dreams amidst nature's bounty.
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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary :
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As some of the most tourists flocked wildlife sanctuaries in the south, Periyar sanctuary is also called the Tekkadi wildlife sanctuary. Here the lofty ranges of Western Ghats are wrapped in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and Savannah grassland. Spreading across 777 Sqkm, the sanctuary is a Tiger reserve. You can enjoy the majestic elephant ride through its dense greenery. The splendid artificial lake formed by Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar River adds charm to the park.
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Megamala :
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Nesled among the greenery of the tea estates on the slopes of the Western Ghats is Megamalai, an idyllic place to inspire the poet in you. Plan your stay here to unwind among the verdant surroundings and beautiful wild in the proximity. All the nature's splurge, just 130-km from Madurai.
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Courtallam :
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An excellent health resort about 167-km on the Western Ghats, this place is also known as the 'Spa of the South'. Located just 160-km from Madurai, Courtallam has nine superb waterfalls, which attracts a large number of visitors. You can also go for a boathouse maintained by TTDC and enjoy the rocking cradle of the rivers in the region.
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Palani :
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You can continue your spiritual journey with a visit to Palani, a temple dedicated to Lord Subramanyam, about 118 Kms away from Madurai. The temple is perched atop a hill and attracts a host of devotees.
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Kumbakkarai Water Falls :
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Serving as the base camp for the trekkers venturing in the hills of Kodai., the waterfall serves an excellent picnic spot. Nestled amidst the nature's bounty, the waterfall is 105 kms away from Madurai.
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Pongal ( Harvest festival) :
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Pongal or the Harvest Festival is celebrated by way of paying tribute to the Sun, Nature and cattle for helping them with a rich harvest. The 3 day festival is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. Bogi is celebrated the first day. Homes are given a fresh lick of paint and old articles are removed.
The second day is Pongal, the main festival. Sugarcanes, Pongal (a sweet variety of rice) and festoons of mango leaves mark this auspicious day. Mattu Pongal is celebrated the third day. On this day people pay tribute to the cattle for bringing in prosperity.
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Jallikattu(Taming the Bull) :
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The most popular sport in Tamil Nadu is part of the pongal celebrations. This gave of valour is held in the villages with great pomp and splendor though only as a popular sport. People from the neighbouring villages throng the open grounds to watch man and beast pitting their strength against each other.
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Chithirai Festival :
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It is celebrated every year on the Full moon day of the Tamil Month Chithirai. (April/May). Legend says that Lord Vishnu, as Alagar, rode on a golden horse to Madurai to attend the celestial wedding of Goddes Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Siva). This festival is marked by solemnity and serenity.
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Festival of the Cradle :
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During the festival the deities - Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Siva) are taken in procession to a mirror chamber. For nine days they are on a swing, which rocks gently.
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Avanimoolam Festival :
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This festival during September celebrates the coronation of Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Siva). A “Lila” or play is performed where the temple priest recite the stories of Lord Siva in 64 miracles, which protected the city of Madurai from adversity.
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Navarathri ( Nine nights) festival :
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This festival is held in honour of Goddess Meenakshi in all her forms, which embody fury, compassion and wisdom. During this nine day festival, Goddess Meenakshi is offered nine varieties of rice meals and nine varieties of flowers.
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Dance Festival :
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A dance festival is being organized by the Tourism Department for Fifteen days. Exponents of various dances forms from all over the country perform in this festival.
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Day 01 : Madurai :
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On day 01 of Madurai Temple Tour, get greeted by the tour operator on reaching Madurai. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Meenakshi Temple, Mariamman Teppakulam and the Palace of Tirumalai Nayak. In the evening attend the prayer ceremony at the Meenakshi temple. Overnight stay in Madurai.
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Day 02 : Madurai-Periyar
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After taking breakfast, drive to Periyar on day 02 of the Madurai Temple Tour. On reaching Periyar, check in at the hotel. In the afternoon enjoy the exciting boat cruise on the Periyar Lake.
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Day 03 : Periyar-Kumarakom
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On day 03 after taking breakfast drive to Kumarakom. On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
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Day 04 : Kumarakom
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In the morning of day 04 of Madurai Temple Tour, visit the Kumarakom bird Sanctuary.
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Day 05 : Kumarakom-Kottayam-Alleppey
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On day 05, after taking breakfast drive to Kottayam. On reaching Kottayam, board a Kettuvallom -the luxury houseboat. Enjoy the backwaters all through the day. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
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Day 06 : Alleppey-Cochin
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On day 06 of the Madurai Temple Tour, arrive at Alleppey in the morning and disembark the houseboat. In the morning head for Cochin by surface. Arrive at Cochin and check in at the hotel. Leisure in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
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Day 07 : Cochin
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On day 07 the Madurai Temple Tour, after taking breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Cochin. Visit Mattancherry Palace, St. Francis Church and the Jewish Synagogue. In the evening enjoy Kathakali Dance Show in the theatre. Overnight stay in Cochin.
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Day 08 : Cochin-Bombay
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In the late mornings of day 08 of the Madurai Temple Tour catch a Cochin-Bombay flight. On reaching Bombay, head for the international airport for the onward destination. Tour Ends.
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