Explore Madurai's Rich Culture: Private Car & Guided Tour

This is one of the largest temple complexes in the country. Of the many pieces of sculpture in the temple, the most striking is that of the divine marriage of goddess Meenakshi with Sundareswarar. The highlight of the temple is the ‘Hall of Thousand Pillars’. The hall has 985 pillars with a number of ornate and bold sculptures. Viewed from any angle, these pillars appear to be in a straight line, an architectural marvel indeed. In the outer most corridor is situated the matchless musical pillars carved out of stones; when tapped, they produce different musical notes.

This monumental palace was built in 1636 AD by the ruler by King Tirumalai Nayak, one of the leading kings of the Nayak dynasty which ruled Madurai. The building, which we see today, is the main palace where the king lived. The original palace complex was four times larger. The palace complex consisted of mainly two parts. The imposing edifice is famous for the 'stucco work' on its domes and impressive arches. The 'Sorgavilasam' (celestial pavilion) constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, is a marvel of Indo-Saracenic architectural style. There is a museum in the palace building, which has sections dealing with the history of Madurai and the art and architecture of Tamil Nadu.

Madurai was chosen for this museum as Gandhiji took important decisions during his visits to Madurai. in 1921 he decided to give up his rich dressing pattern when he was visiting Madurai. Gandhi Museum is located the old palace of Rani Mangammal. The museum brings alive the freedom struggle. The Gandhian movement is well depicted as a picture gallery.

Over 200 families live here and most are into pottery. They make dolls for scores of festivals round the year. The paper mache dolls made here adorn South Indian homes during the 9 day festival of Navratri.

Tour ends with a bazaar walk. Madurai has a famous wholesale market for bananas. We will walk past many different varieties of Bananas. The tour ends with a famous Jigarthanda , the most famous local cold beverage of Madurai!!