Madurai

Madurai, in Tamil Nadu is one of the most ancient cities of India. Madurai was the capital city of ancient Southern civilization and its cultural heritage goes back 2,500 years, dating back to the Sangam period long before the Christian era. In this period, it was the centre of Tamil literature and many masterpieces were produced during those days. Madurai was an important commercial centre and conducted trade with Rome and Greece since as early as 550 B.C.E. The oldest continuously inhabited city in the Indian peninsula, it is an ancient and prestigious city situated on the banks of the River Vaigai in Madurai district. The city is widely known as the Temple city, and is often also referred to as City of four junctions (Koodal Maanagar), Cultural Capital of Tamil Nadu (Kalaachaara thalainagar), City of Jasmine (Malligai Maanagar), Sleepless city (Thoonga Nagaram) Athens of the East and The city of festivals. With a population of 1.5 million, it is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu.

Getting Around: Local transport is by means of bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw. Local buses are run by the government and are safe to use. Travelling them is extremely cheap, but boards in buses are displayed only in Tamil. However, everybody speaks English and help is never denied.
Where to Stay: There are over 60 hotels/lodges in the city, but only 30 are rated. Heritance Madurai; GRT Regency - Madurai; The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai; Fortune Pandiyan Hotel are on the expensive side. Hotel Alps Residency; Madurai Residency; Padmam Hotel; The Golden Park and the Abinaya Lodge are mid range. HI Hostel (Hostelling International / Youth Hostel Association of India); Sree Devi; College House; Elements Hostel; TM House and Hotel Aarathi are budget class.
What to See: The most common reason for visiting the city is the Meenakshi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi (considered a form of Parvati) with a sanctum for her consort, Sundareshwarar (or Siva). Meenakshi Temple has architecture par excellence. You will also find concentric rectangular streets surrounding the temple, symbolising the structure of the cosmos. Lots of devout pilgrims drop in to this place for worshipping the immensely revered idol. Koodal Alagar Temple,Thiruparankundram,Alagar Temple and Pazhamudhir Solai are other temples
worth visiting. Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Naickar Mahal and Gandhi Museum can be taken in too. Thirupparankundram is an Islamic Durgah (shrine), located at the top of the hill, where the grave of an Islamic saint Hazrat Sultan Sikandhar Badushah shaheed Radiyallah Ta'al anhu, who
came from Jeddah along with Hazrat Sulthan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed Badushah of Madinah
(now in Erwadi, Ramanathapuram district) during the early 13th century, is found. Irrespective of religion, people from all parts of Tamil Nadu and from Kerala visit this durgah. Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara is another such example.
Where to Eat: If spicy hot is not your cup of tea, your starting point should be with "Kotthu Parotta" without the gravy, chilies, or chili powder or pepper mixed in it. Hotel Kanna; Hotel Janakiram 1, best Non-Vegetarian restaurant; amazing service. Modern Restaurant; Jaffer's Home Biryani; Hotel Sabarish; Hotel Meenakshi Bhavan; Hotel Harish; Hotel Aarthi [V] and Hotel Janakiram 2 are a decent line-up.