Madurai, Athens of the East

If you have read my previous post A Trip to Rameswaram with Family then this one is continuation of that trip. From Rameswaram we travel further up to Madurai which is also called the Athens of the east because of its antiquity and historical importance. Madurai has also got many other nicknames like Thoonga Nagaram (City that never sleeps), Malligai Managar (City of Jasmine), Koodal Managar (City of Junction) Koil Nagar (Temple city) etc.The main kingdoms which ruled Madurai during various times are the Pandyas and the Nayaks.

The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about madurai is the Meenakshi temple which seems to have been built during the reign of King Kulashekaran Pandyan (1268 -1308).

Madurai is a vibrant city and doesn’t seems to sleep. The city is also known for some great tasty foods and hotels. I had booked our stay in The Supreme Hotel. Booking rooms using MakeMyTrip.com gives you some good deals. My quick review of the Supreme Hotel as below:

Rooms are nice and comfy.
Budget hotel and room tariffs are affordable.
Food quality is good and have variety of options.
Room Service good but can improve more.
Near to railway station and airport.
Overall rating for the hotel from me will be 3.0 out of 5.

Meenakshi Temple

It’s a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2,500-year-old city.

Aayiram Kaal mandapam or Hall with 1000 pillars

Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple

Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple which is 5 kilometers from Madurai city. This temple is said to be one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. The temple offers a mystic beauty, is carved in rock and is monstrous in size for such an architecture.