Madurai
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Contents
Madurai is one of the major cities in Tamil Nadu and home to the Meenakshi Temple.
[edit] Understand
[edit] Newspapers
[edit] Get in
Main modes of transportation for non-Indians is by Air and by trains.
[edit] By plane
Madurai is served by several domestic airlines including
[edit] By rail
[edit] By bus
- Many local and state buses
[edit] Get around
[edit] By bus
There are private buses that will take you around Madurai and also to places like Munnar, Kodaikanal, Kuttralam etc. Average charges to places like [Kodaikanal] are Rs.175. However, when booking a seat, please ensure that you make it clear to the travel agent/hotel receptionist that you will not sit in the cleaners seat. Please ensure a proper seat before paying. A lot of people have been duped into "adjusting" by sitting on the cleaners seat even after paying the amount.
[edit] By car
As elsewhere in India, you probably won't be renting a car on your own, but it is possible to hire a car and driver. See the main India article for more.
Average car rental to go to places like Alagar Temple,Thiruparakundram,Naicker Mahal,Palamudurcholai is Rs.600-650. Please be beware of cheats as foreign tourists are easily duped into paying more.
[edit] See
[edit] Meenakshi Temple
By far, the most common reason for visiting the city is the temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (considered a form of Parvati) with a smaller sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar (or Siva). The complex itself is a splendid example of the south Indian Dravida architectural idiom. Four immense gopurams or temple towers crown the gateways at each cardinal direction, easily visible from a distance. Each tower is encrusted with more than a thousand brilliantly painted sculptures depicting an assortment of mythological and auspicious themes. It is traditional to enter through the south gopuram and, unusually, worship the Goddess before her consort. Inside the shelter for shoe-storage, offering baskets of coconuts, bananas and incense are available in addition to images of the Goddess for home altars. Many pilgrims -- particularly the men in black or orange sarongs who are devotees of the god Ayyappan -- circumambulate the main temple itself in the prakara or space between the outer wall and main temple. In addition, snake shrines and an assortment of offices and classrooms of religious foundations are found here.
Within the temple, devotees line up for darshan or viewing of the deities. Please note, however, that non-Hindus are not permitted into the inner sancta of Meenakshi or Sundareshwarar; anyone who looks suspicious can and will be pulled out of line by attendants. However, there is an abundance of sculpture and painting accessible to all. In addition, the steps of the Pottramaraikulam or Golden Lotus Pond is open to all and is a common meeting place for inhabitants of the city, in addition to pilgrims and tourists. In ancient times, the sangam or assembly of poets was said to gather at this pool to judge the merits of new compositions, often by throwing the manuscripts into the pool itself. Those that sank were inferior while those that floated were worthy of praise and propagation.
There are many shops within the east gate, selling everything from plastic toys to bronze images of the Goddess. Be sure to bargain hard. NOTE:One can buy the special tickets at the counter[each Rs.15] to get a special darshan,which is nothing but cutting short the line by at least a half.
WARNING: Beware of guides who offer to take you to vantage points outside the temple to get a better view. You will be lured into shops that have a very hard sell..
[edit] Naickar Mahal
The remains of the palace of the 17th century ruler Thirumalai Naickar who contributed extensively to the Meenakshi Temple.Only a small portion of the original structure[which was four times as largeremains. There were originally two parts-Swargavilasa[heavenly pavilion],meant for the King,is harem and housing the darbar court,and the ranka vilasa,which was for the servants. Currently,entrance to the roof is prohibited due the renovation work being carried out by the Archaeological Department.They claim to finish work in 6 months.
There is also a museum, which houses not only the original portraits of Thirumalai naicker,but also unearthed stine carvings of the 17th century,along with many sculptures of Hindu Gods like Brahma, Nataraja, Saraswati of the period. There is one rare painting on one of the pillars,which the Archaeological Department claim to have unearthed from one of the pillars.There is a painting hidden in every pillar,apparently.
The other portion of the palace, Rankavilasam was demolished by Thirumalai Naicker's Grandson. However, a small structure still remains known as "Ten pillars" or "Pathu Thoon"[in Tamil]. Sadly,these ten pillars of timeless beauty are now surrounded by shops and residential houses.
Please do visit the Archaeological Department adjacent to the palace for more information.
[edit] Gandhi Museum
This museum, located on the north side of the river, houses Gandhi's bloodstained dhoti and little else by way of artifacts. Those interested in the freedom struggle, though, will be interested in the extensive text housed here.
Tamil speakers and long-term visitors may be interested in the classes and workshops offered in subjects as diverse as t'ai chi and local herbs. There is also a khadi bhavan (store selling village and handloom products) and bookstore, with (mostly Tamil) books on spiritual and natural health topics.
Also located on the campus of the museum is a government museum (across from the library). The museum is located in Tamukkam Palace near Goripalayam on the northern side of the river Vaikai.
[edit] Learn
Madurai is the hometown for TVS motors, a major automotive corporation in india.
[edit] Work
[edit] Buy
[edit] ATMs
ICICI bank, HDFC bank, SBI, IB ATMs are found here.
[edit] Money changers
[edit] Eat
NOTE: A request to contributors. Please follow a standard format that would help potential tourists visiting Madurai. Your opinion is certainly appreciated. Prasub 10:56, 13 February 2007 (EST)Prasub
Atmosphere
NNNN = Extremely noisy and crowded
NNN = Noisy and crowded
NN = Moderately noisy and crowded
N = Spacious and reduced noise level
Food type
[S] = Spicy
[H] = Hot (meaning: Garam)
[T] = Tasty!
[NV] = Non-vegetarian
[V] = Vegetarian
[J] = Jain food
[NVV] = Non-vegetarian and Vegetarian
Amma mess $$/NNN/[S]/[T]/[NV]
Amma (Tamil equivalent for Mother) mess is a very popular dining place among the locals as well as those travelling from neighbouring districts. Located on Alagar Kovil Road at Tallakulam, it is at a equal distance from Tamukkam Post Office bus stop as well as Tallakulam Perumal Kovil bus stop. If you get down at the former, head NE else head SW if latter. Their lunch is very popular. Buses to Mattuthavani should take you to this place.
Jaffer's Home Biryani $/NN/[NV]/[T]
Popular place for Biryanis and side dishes. In the evening, they make Parottas as well. Buses to Mattuthavani or Alagarkovil should take you to this place. The nearest bus stop is Evening Madurai Kamaraj Univ stop or Madurai Corporation Eco Park stop. The dining place is located on a small street opposite to the Thyagaraja Petrol Station.
Chappati Park $/NN/[V]/[T]
As the name implies, the dining place is known for its variety with Chappati (roti like item). You name it, they got it! You can notice creative stuffing with Chappatis. Popular place for dinner. Located nearby the K.K.Nagar Arch. The nearest bus stop would be K.K.Nagar Court (Neetheemandram). Head E if you get down at the above stop. Buses to Mattuthavani would take you to this place.
Hotel Sabarish $/NNNN/[V]/[T]/
A very popular dining place for dosas and uthappams. Don't miss it! It is very nearby to the Madurai Railway Junction. Located on Town Hall Road. If you head towards the Town Hall Rd from the Railway station, the hotel is situated nearby the second 4-road intersection.
Hotel meeenakshi Bhavan $$/NN/[V]/[T]
Serves very good south indian food. Also,the north Indian food is pretty good. But all hotels serve north Indian food only during Dinnertime.
Hotel Harish $/NN/[V]
South Masi Road.Pure veg restaurant.Exellent fast food items like pizzas and chat.It houses a bakery too.
New Ariya Bhavan
Located on the West Masi Street,it serves good Bombay/marwadi thali and south indian thali. Also,it has some fine bengali sweets in addition to local south indian sweets and savouries.
However, dinner options are limited. Wherever you are, please don't forget to savour the hot "raw banana bhajia' or Kela Bhajia or valakkai bhajji [Tamil].
[edit] Drink
Try the tender coconut drink. The tender coconut drink is sold by roadside sellers on their tricycles parked under the shade of a tree.
[edit] Budget
- Shakeway This is a very small coffee shop on west Masi street. it serves cold coffees and mochas.
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Splurge
- Taj Garden Retreat The restaurant is located in a small hill and the climate is also better when compared Madurai city, also the restaurent is away from the Madurai vehicle noise and has a very pleasant atmosphere.
[edit] Sleep
[edit] Budget
- Elements Hostel, No.642, K.K. Nagar, (Opp. to Hindu Office) TamilNadu, (India). +91 452 439 1116, Calling From UK :02070783946 or 08000968832 (toll free), Calling From US or Canada: 646 536 3472 or 888 694 9257 (toll free). [1] The Elements Hostel is and affordable, safe and comfortable place to stay in Madurai. Air-conditioned, No Age limits, No curfew.
[edit] Mid-range
[edit] Splurge
[edit] Contact
[edit] Stay safe
[edit] Stay healthy
[edit] Hospitals
[edit] Pharmacies
[edit] Cope
[edit] Beauty parlors & hair salons
[edit] Gyms
[edit] Laundry
[edit] Shoe repair
[edit] Post & telegraphs
[edit] Get out
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