Madurai Holidays

Madurai at a Glance

Madurai is India's third-largest town, most famously known as the Temple City of India for the vast number of temples and mosques across the city. A Madurai holiday offers a cultural experience like no other, promising architectural wonders, cultural masterpieces and the commercial hustle and bustle of a sleepless city.

Explore Madurai

• Madurai holidays are ideal for touring and exploring the greater Madurai district, with plenty of nearby towns and villages for a break away from the city. Visit Rameswaram, a town of more temples and landmarks in a tranquil and quiet environment, or head to Thekkady, where you'll find one of the most incredible Tiger Reserve's in India and a wealth of wildlife to discover. Walking trails to destinations such as the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Munnar are also a popular way to see the surrounding area.

Why a Holiday to Madurai

• Madurai's highlight is its many places of worship, offering a deeply personal experience not just for religious travellers, but for culture-lovers and architecture buffs alike. By far the most famous is the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the same name. Each of the four towering columns is encrusted with thousands of sculptures and paintings, while inside are smaller shrines and pieces of art on display, depicting moments from Indian mythology. Another impressive temple is the Koodal Alagar, featuring spectacular sculptures and stone carvings.
• Madurai is also famous for the magnificent Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a rich 17th century masterpiece featuring a columned stone courtyard and a beautifully ornate interior. While only about a quarter of the original building still stands, the architecture is so impressive that it's worth visiting for that alone. The Palace is home to a museum dedicated to the archaeological study of the site – intriguingly, there appears to be a painting hidden within every pillar of the building, some of which are on display. The palace also holds a light and sound show in the evenings.
• Madurai holidays are an ideal opportunity to learn about southern India's history and its greatest figures, and the Ghandi Memorial Museum is a fascinating way to learn the story of the freedom struggle. You'll also find a visual biography of the former Indian leader, and several artifacts that were used by or belonged to him. The museum is a fantastic source of traditional culture, with workshops and stores selling everything from local herbs to books on spirituality and hand-crafted products.
• The tropical climate means that from August to March is the best time to visit, when the monsoon season is over and the temperatures are moderate. The weather can still be unpredictable though, so make sure you pack for all eventualities.
• For another truly amazing Indian experience in 2012, chose Goa for a must visit destination.