Madurai_tourist places

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Sri Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple:

Timings : The temple is usually open between 0500hrs and 1230hrs and again between 1600 hrs and 21.30 hrs

The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city - one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. The temple grew with the contribution of each dynasty and victorious monarchs, into an enormous complex extending over an area of 65000 Sq m. The temple first came in to being 2000 years ago and was substantially expanded during the regime of Thirumalai Nayak(1623-55 AD).
There are four massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Even a casual visitor is fascinated by the many paintings and sculptures.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace:

Timings : The Palace is open for visitors between 0900hrs and 1300 hrs and again between 1400 hrs and 1700 hrs. Entrance Fee. Rs.1/-

The palace of Tirumalai Nayak is about 1 km from the temple. This Indo-Saracenic building was constructed in 1523 and was originally four times as large as it is today. The palace displays the architectural style of the Nayaks.
The Swarga Vilasam (the audience hall) is one of the most remarkable features of the palace. Its dome rises up to a height of 20 m without any support and is an engineering marvel in itself. You can watch the sound and light shows on the life of Tirumalai Nayak and the story of Silappathikaram (a Tamil classic). These shows are held here every evening in both English and Tamil.


Mariamman Teppakulam:

At a distance of 5 km east of the Meenakshi temple is a tank called the Mariamman Teppakulam. The tank has an idol of Vinayaka or Vigneshwara installed on a platform in the centre. It is also the site of the temple's annual Teppakulam float festival.

Thirupparankunram:

At a distance of 8 km south of Madurai is Tirupparankundram. You can find the Pandyan rock-cut shrines dating back to the 8th century and the later Nayaka Hindu temple here. The temple has a wide range of Hindu gods carved on the walls. The Subramanya cave temple has a shrine dedicated to Durga, with the figures of Ganesh and Subramanya on either side. Located atop a hill, the temple is believed to be one of six abodes of Lord Subramanya.

Azhagar Koil:

Azhagar Koil (also, Alagarkoil temple), 21 km north of Madurai, is dedicated to one aspect of Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple is placed atop a picturesque wooded hill called Alagarmalai and has many beautiful sculptures of Vishnu.

Koodal Alagar Temple:

Koodal Alagar Temple is an ancient Vaishnavite temple is located 2 km to the west of Madurai. The temple has many beautiful sculptures depicting Vishnu in three poses-sitting, standing and reclining-one above the other.

Vaigai Dam:

At a distance of 69 km, on the way to Thekkady, you will come across the Vaigai Dam. It is a beautiful picnic spot and is very popular with the tourists and locals alike. You can laze around in the well laid out gardens. The dam offers a breath-taking sight on weekends when it is illuminated.