Cheap Flights To Madurai

Located in India's Tamil Nadu, Madurai is the province's third largest city and lies on the banks of the river Vaigai. People have lived in the city for over 2,000 years and, at one time, Madurai traded with the Romans. Therefore, it's packed full of interest, intrigue and history. The city is most famous for its temples, examples being the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Koodal Azhagar Temple. These are incredibly ornate and colourful, representing architecture in the Dravidian style. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is another prominent attraction and tells of Ghandi's life and times. Aside from the city's religious architecture, Tirumalai Nayak Palace is a secular work of art and contains a fascinating museum.

Madurai is an important hub for travellers heading south and is also a commercial centre with a thriving IT industry. Alongside technology, the city is famous for the Chithrai Festival which runs annually from the middle of April to May. At this time of the Hindu month of Chithrai, people throng into the city to take part in the carnival, which is an unmissable experience. Another spectacular event is the annual January bull run, known as "Jallikattu" which takes place during the Pongal harvest festival that's also in January.

Things To Do

Madurai is such a colourful city with many carvings of Hindu Gods. Visitors can enjoy the temples as well as museums and a wonderful old palace to capture the imagination in a place that's famous for pilgrimage.

• Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple

Located in the heart of the city, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is the former home of warrior goddess Meenakshi. Ornate and radiant, It's generally thought as being one of the best South Indian temples.

• Discover history at the Gandhi Memorial Museum

The museum can be found in the 17th-century Nayak Queen's Palace and boasts an impressive and moving exhibition about the life of Gandhi's and India's 200-year fight for independence.

• Absorb the atmosphere at the Tirumalai Nayak Palace

This shabby-chic secular palace is both beautiful and huge and includes a museum with statues, art and historical exhibits.

Calendar Of Events

Many vibrant festivals are celebrated in Madurai and these form an important part of its religious and cultural heritage. From across the globe, people come to take part in the city's exciting and entertaining annual events.

• The Chithrai Festival: This takes place in April-May and lasts for three days. The main events include flag hoisting, processions and the Coronation of Goddess Meenakshi Amman as well as her celestial wedding with Lord Sundareswarar.

• Jallikattu: The city is famous for this annual bull run in January when bulls and crowds run in the streets in an adrenaline-packed display of energy, power and entertainment.

• Pongal Festival: This festival takes place over several days and celebrates the January harvest, honouring the sun, nature and livestock. The second and third days are when the main celebrations take place with great pomp and show.