Madurai
Home of temples

One of the five Gandhi Sangrahalayas (museums), this is often a tribute to the daddy of the state , Gandhi . there is a special exhibition titled ‘India Fights for Freedom’, which depicts 265 illustrations that eloquently tell the history of the country’s freedom movement and various revolts. a visible biography of Gandhiji, featuring his pictures, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts , quotations and selected copies of letters written by him, gives a deeper insight into the lifetime of the Mahatma. Photographs from the various phases of Gandhiji’s life also are displayed, along side a variety of artefacts employed by him. It displays letters written by Gandhiji to eminent personalities like Hitler , Narayanan Sathsangi of Devakotta and poet Subramania Bharati. This museum is a perfect site to find out more about the lifetime of the person who left an indelible impression on the mind of mankind.

Around 90 km from the town centre, Karaikudi draws visitors with its gorgeous temples and lip smacking Chettinad delicacies. a number of the must visit temples include the Ariyakudi Thiruvengamudayan Temple, Thirumayam Perumal and Kundrakudi Shanmuganthan Temple. the gorgeous town also is a crucial shooting location for South Indian cinema and tourists often get an opportunity to witness a movie shooting in Karaikudi. The Chettinad cuisine got its name from the Chettiar kings and a few of the must try local Chettinad dishes include cheeyam, velliam paniayaram, masala paniyaram, Ilandhosai and thaalicha idiyappam.
Karaikudi is that the largest town of the Sivaganga district and is legendary for its limestone houses called Karai Veedu in local parlance. it’s believed that the town got its name from the karai plant, which is found in abundance here. The credit for the establishment and development of Karaikudi goes to the family of Chettiars, who still make the bulk of the town’s population.

The literal meaning of Kodaikanal is that the gift of the forest and therefore the beautiful hill station stands faithful it. one among the foremost popular tourist spots of South India, Kodaikanal is blessed thrilling trekking routes, pristine waterfalls, serene lakes, ancient caves, exquisite temples and grand churches. Its densely wooded jungles and plush green valleys make it an ideal spot for all. Kodaikanal was developed into a retreat by British missionaries within the mid-19th century and since then, it’s emerged together of the foremost visited tourist destinations of India. Nestled within the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is additionally famous for the kurinji plant, whose lilac-blue blossoms grow once in every twelve years.
The two hottest lakes in Kodaikanal are the Berijam Lake and therefore the Kodai Lake. Set amidst natural wilderness, the calm and tranquil waters of the Berijam Lake are a delight for nature lovers while the Kodai Lake offers boating opportunities for visitors which makes for a very memorable experience. Tourists also can take enjoyable pony rides round the Kodai Lake and have a rejuvenating experience. The picturesque hill station provides great opportunities for adventure lovers who can trek to Pillar Rocks and therefore the Dolphin Rocks or go hiking at the hilly terrains of Kodaikanal. The Kurinji Andavar Murugan Temple, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is that the most famous site of Kodaikanal. The temple also offers great views of the Palani and Vaigai dams.
The picturesque Byrant Park is another attraction. The waterfalls of Kodaikanal offer a refreshing environment to visitors and must be visited during a visit . a number of the favored waterfalls within the hill station include the Silver Cascade Falls, the Bear Shola Falls, the Pambar falls and therefore the Thalaiyar Falls. The La Saleth Church and therefore the Christ the King Church are bound to leave you hooked in to their old world charm. Kodaikanal is found at a distance of 120 km from Madurai.

This beautiful hill station is found in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district and attracts visitors with its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings. Nestled in one among the oldest mountain ranges in India, Palani Hills, which go back to the pre-Cambrian period, Palani features a rich history. The town also finds a mention in several religious texts and was once ruled by the kings of Madurai and Coimbatore. it’s also said that the town was ruled by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who eventually allowed the Palayakaras of Balasamudram to rule Palani. The town holds immense religious significance and its is believed that Lord Murugan had settled here. one among the foremost visited destination in Palani is that the shrine of Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Murugan or the Murugan Temple, which is perched on a hilltop. Festivals like Thaipusam, Vaikasi Visakam and Thirukarthigai are celebrated with great fervour in Palani and draw tourists from all parts of the country.

One of the most important temple complexes in India, Sri Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple is that the most famous spiritual site in Madurai. a superb example of Dravidian architecture, the temple is sprawled over an enormous area, bordered by well-laid gardens and pristine fountains. Two shrines, quite 10 gateways or gopurams, several mandapas (halls) and an enormous pool, structure the structure of the temple, which is adorned with beautiful carvings inside and out of doors . one among the halls of the temple is legendary because the “Hall of a 1,000 pillars” though only 985 of them exist today. it’s said that whichever direction you view these pillars from, they always seem to be during a line . The highlight of the temple is that the outermost corridor that comprises musical pillars. These produce different musical notes when tapped. While one among the sanctorums, Sundareswarar, is devoted to Lord Shiva, the opposite is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, his consort.
One of the simplest parts of the complex is Ashta Sakthi Mandapa, which may be a huge structure with a powerful ceiling during a hemisphere shape. made from exquisite bas-reliefs, the mandapa has been dedicated to the wedding of Lord Somasundara (a sort of Lord Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi. The Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam is another attraction that’s made from 110 stone columns, which are adorned with intricate carvings of an animal with an elephant’s head and a lion’s body. Tourists also can head to the Potramaraukulam or Golden Lotus Tank, which is an ancient waterfront where devotees take a holy bath. The tank is surrounded by corridors called Chitra Mandapas, which boast sculptures featuring the divine sports of the god.
The temple lights up per annum during the months of April and should when its most vital festival- the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam or the divine marriage of Goddess Meenakshi is widely known with great fervour.

This majestic palace stands as a fine blend of Islamic and Dravidian sorts of palace architecture. Originally designed because the king’s residence by an Italian architect, the palace complex was fourfold larger than what remains of it today. Known for beautiful stucco work, especially on its arches and domes, this palace may be a visual treat for visitors. it’s beautifully adorned both on the within and out of doors . Another notable feature is that the celestial pavilion that was constructed using brick and mortar without the support of a girder or rafter. There are about 248 pillars within the palace giving a thought on the magnificence of its size. the most area of the palace has been divided into two sections: Rangavilasa and Swargavilasa. These sections house a spread of sections, including the royal residence, shrine, apartments, theatre, pond, garden, armoury and royal bandstand.
A museum housed within the premises given as insight into the region’s history and art and architecture. Tourists also can attend a sound and lightweight show held within the palace. Named as a memorial right after Indian gained independence, the palace was inbuilt 1636 AD by the ruler of Madurai, Tirumalai Nayak, and is taken into account because the most illustrious monument built under their patronage. It lies in close vicinity to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple.