Madurai City Information

Madurai:

Madurai is the most ancient and third largest city in Tamilnadu. Madurai is being referred as Athens of the east, sleepless city, Jasmine city etc., Madurai is one of the live cities in India that is more than 3000 years old. It is referred with different names because of its nature, Charisma and the livelihood of the City. The city is located on the banks of River Vaigai. Agriculture is the major occupation around Madurai city and the major cultivation here are Rice, Cotton, Jasmine and black pepper. Madurai city is one of the main industrial hubs in south Tamilnadu for various products like Rubber, Chemical, Jasmine incense, transport and Granite Industries. This city has got major historical sightseeing monuments like Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayakar Palace, Alagar temple, Thiruparangundram, Theppakulam water tank and Gandhi Museum.

As far as major festivals are concerned, Madurai Chithirai festival takes place at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. It is celebrated every year for 12 days during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April). It is one of the biggest festivals in Madurai, representing a re-enactment of the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva). It begins with the flag hoisting on the first day. On the 8th day of the festival, the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi takes place. On the 9th day the Goddess Meenakshi is taken out in procession. On the 10th day the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) is performed, followed by car festival the next day, Theertha festival is celebrated on the 12th day with the Lord and Goddess going around Masi streets. The celebration is spread out all over the city and the streets remain crowded with devotees. Many people from neighbouring cities and states come to witness this festival.

Madurai Chithirai Festival – The Annual Chithirai festival is the celebration of celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, for 12 days during the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (in the month of April/ May). A procession of a gold idol of Lord Azaghar, seated on a horse, is carried out by the devotees from Alagar Koil to Madurai. This is done to take the Lord to Madurai for attending the wedding rituals. It begins with the flag hoisting on the first day. On the 8th day, the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi takes place. On the 9th day the Goddess Meenakshi is taken out in procession. On the 10th day the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar is being performed, followed by car festival the next day. Theertha festival is celebrated on the 12th day, with the Lord and Goddess going around Masi streets.

This festival got over just last month (from April 8th to 18th for 2019).

Meenakshi Amman Temple:

Madurai is built around the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which acted as the geographic and ritual centre of the ancient city of Madurai. Madurai has had a long and impressive history. The people of Madurai celebrate numerous festivals, including the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi, the Chithirai Festival and the car festival. So it is called as a city of festivals.

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is a very old temple and the mention of this can be seen in 7th Century Tamil poems. Dravidian architecture style was used to build this temple, dedicated to Parvathi known as Meenakshi and her consort Shiva here named as Sundareshwarar. The King Tirumalai Nayakar played an important role to complete the construction of the temple. This temple had four massive gateways enclosing these two shrines. Totally 10 towers ranging from 45-50M in height and south tower is the tallest one 51.9M height. East entrance is the main entrance for the temple with fine pillared 200 feet long and about 100 feet wide. There are numerous remarkable sculptures on the gopuram as well as inside the premises of the temple. One need to look out for the "yaali", a mythical creature similar to a dragon on the pillars in the 'pragaram' of the temple. One can also keep looking at the ceiling to catch a glimpse of the beautiful ancient paintings that adorn them.

The main event for inbound tourist on this temple is Night Ceremony, which is conducted inside the temple for 30-45 minutes every day before closing the temple. Normally closing ceremony starts at 09:00 – 09:30pm and ends between 10:00 & 10:30pm except all Fridays and during festival occasions, it gets delayed to start the ceremony, as they don’t follow any fixed timings. The main gate of the temple closes at 08:45 Pm. So, the guests who are interested to witness closing ceremony, will have to be inside the temple before 08:45 Pm. It is better to have dinner before reaching the temple to avoid the late dinner.

Timings: 05:30am – 12:00pm & 04:00 – 09:00pm

Entrance Fee: Inbound clients Rs. 50 + 5(Thousand pillars).

Domestic clients – Rs. 100 for special darshan.

Note: Camera & Mobile phone are not allowed inside temple.

Note: Things that are not allowed inside the temple are Photo & video cameras, mobile phones, batteries, cigarettes, match boxes, chewing gum, torch light, knife, laptops, tab phone, hand bags, back bags, any types of sprays, paan, tobacco products, dolls, umbrellas. Clients shall leave them in the car before hand or they can use the safety locker located at shoe custody. Mobile phones locker facilities are also available.

Tirumalai Nayakar Palace: Tirumalai Nayakar Palace is another major sightseeing place next to Meenakshi Amman Temple and this is the main palace where the King Tirumalainayakar lived (last king who ruled Madurai). The Palace design and architecture is a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles. The interior is richly decorated, and exterior is treated in an austere style with giant pillars are of 82 feet high and width is 19 feet. This massive pillar columns reflect the Gothic (German) style. Now, only one-fourth of its original structure is there. This palace is undertaken by Tamilnadu Archaeology Department.

Timings: 09:00Am – 05:00Pm

Lunch Break: 01:00Pm – 01:30Pm (It will be closed)

Sound and Light show timings:

06:45Pm to 07:30Pm in English

07:45Pm to 08:30Pm in Tamil

Entrance Fee:

Inbound clients – Rs. 50 & Domestic clients- Rs. 10

Camera / Mobile – Rs. 30

Video Camera – Rs. 100

Sound & Light show (In English) – Rs. 50

Thiruparangundram cave temple:

Tirupparangunram is the rock cut cave temple located 08kms away from Madurai dedicated to Lord Murugan. This is one of the first Arupadaiveedu among the six main abodes of Lord Murugan. At the back side of the temple we can see another small cave temple. They carved the rock and made this temple and here you can find out the sculptures with an incomplete statues and Tamil fonts on the wall.

Timings: 05:30Am – 12:00Pm & 04:00Pm – 08:30Pm

Entrance for Inbound clients- Rs. 100

Domestic Clients – Rs. 100 (Special Ticket)

Camera /Mobile – Rs. 100

Video Charges – Rs. 500

Gandhi Museum:

Gandhi museum was established in 1959 and dedicated to Gandhi Ji for his contribution to our nation. This museum has been set up in the palace of Rani Mangammal, was donated by Tamilnadu government. Gandhi Museum is famous among the five Gandhi museums in India. The Museum library contains 27,000 letters of Gandhi Ji and 62 reels of micro-films and also, they have displayed the blood-stained dhoti of Gandhi Ji which he was wearing at time of his assassination.

Timings: 10:00Am – 05:30Pm

Lunch Break: 01:00Pm – 2:00Pm

Gandhi Museum is open on all days (Except Local and National holidays)

Entrance FREE

Camera / Mobile – Rs. 50

Alagar Kovil:

Alagar Kovil is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and this temple is located 25 kms away from Madurai city. The architecture of Alagar Temple is of south Indian Style with a large towers and pillared hall. The main festival of this temple is Alagar Thiruvizha during the month of April - May. Very near to this, Palamudhirsolai is located - last one among the six abodes of Lord Murugan on the same hill at the distance of 5 Kms. On the way one can also witness Rakkayi temple at the top of the hill. Devotees take Spiritual bath before worshipping Rakkayi Amman in the holy well.

Palamudhirsolai timings: 06:00am to 06:00pm vehicles are not allowed after 06:00pm to the hill

Alagar temple timings: 05:30am to 12:00pm and 04:00pm to 08:30pm (Closing time: 12:00pm to 04:00pm)

Entrance:

Inbound clients are not allowed inside the sanctum.

Camera / Mobile – Rs. 50

Video Camera – Rs. 200

Domestic Clients – Rs. 10 (Special Ticket)

Pazhamudhiricholai is free from entrance/camera charges for all clients

Teppakulam water tank:

Teppakulam water tank is one of the biggest water tanks in South India that belongs to Mariamman temple and this tank is connected to River Vaigai through an ingenious system of underground channels. This tank was built by Tirumalai Nayakar & is approximately 305M long and 290M wide nearly equal to Meenakshi Amman Temple. Every year float festival is celebrated in this tank in the month of January - February.

Many festivals are celebrated in Madurai throughout the year. Following are few important festival details:

1. Chithirai Festival – As we mentioned above, this is one of most important and colorful festival celebrated in April – May (Chithirai month of Tamil Calendar). It is a biggest festival which unites Saivas (Shiva) & Vaishnavas (Vishnu) with starting of Flag hosting in the temple on 01st day and idols of Lord Sundareshwarar and Goddess Meenakshi will be taken out in procession in four masi streets with different vehicles on all days. Coronation of Goddess Meenakshi Amman takes place on 08th Day & Celestial wedding of Lord Sundareshwarar and Goddess Meenakshi takes place on the 10th day which is followed by their Chariot festival next day. After that Kallazhagar enters into Vaigai river on the last day and the festival concludes.

Madurai is famous for the Chithirai Festival which takes place during mid of April-May, during the Hindu month of Chithirai, when millions of people visit the city for the carnival. The main events are:

Day 1: Flag hoisting, official start of festival

Day 8: Coronation of Meenakshi Amman

Day 9: Procession of the goddess

Day 10: Celestial wedding (Thirukalyanam) of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar

Day 11: Chariot procession (Ther Thiruvizhah)

2. Float Festival at Teppakulam – This festival was celebrated first time by King Thirumalai Nayakkar & every year it is celebrated on his birthday. On this day, idols of Lord Sundareshwarar and Goddess Meenakshi are taken into procession to Mariamman Teppakulam & placed in colorful floral decorated boat to take round in the water tank for 03 times. This festival is unique in its celebration and attracts large number of tourists.

3. Puttu Thiruvizha or Aavani Moolam Festival – This is another important 18 days festival in Meenakshi Amman temple celebrated every year in the month of August. It explains the various important miracles ‘Puttuku Mann Sumantha Leela’ in 64 Thiruvizhayadal (Lord Shiva’s sacred games).

4. Aadi Mulaikottu – This festival is celebrated in the month of July (Aadi month of Tamil Calendar). This festival would be confined only to the Goddess Meenakshi and will be taken out in procession along Aadi streets.

5. Panguni Uthiram – This festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan (Subramanya) which is celebrated in Thiruparankundram Murugan temple (one of six abodes of Lord Muruga) every year in the month of March - April. During this festival, Coronation of Lord Murugan took place on 1st April 2019 and Celestial Wedding of Lord Subramanya and his consort Deivanai was on 2nd April 2019 followed by Chariot Festival on 3rd April 2019. The Meenakshi Amman temple deities Lord Sundareshwarar & Goddess Meenakshi were taken out on procession on 2nd April 2019 to Thiruparankundram temple to attend the celestial wedding of Lord Muruga. On this day, Meenakshi Amman temple was closed for full day.

6. Vaikasi Visakam - is the festival celebrated in Thiruparankundram Murugan temple in the month of May – June. This festival comes in the Tamil Hindu calendar, in the month of Vaikasi, in the star Visakam. Hence this festival is called as Vaikasi Visakam. The notable feature of this festival is that this day is being celebrated as birthday of Lord Subramanya/ Murugan. Devotees take out procession carrying milk pots to perform Abhishekam to Lord Murugan on this day. Some devotees also take kavadi on this day.

Cave Temples:

Some of the cave temples around Madurai are:-

Keelakuyilkudi
Yanaimalai
Thiruparangundram
Keelavalavu
Aarittapatti
Thiruvathur
Varichiyur
Vikramanagalam
Mettupatti
Mudhalaikulam

Jain Circuits in Madurai

The earliest Jain centres of south India are located in and around Madurai. There are 16 natural caverns in this region where Jain monks dwelled. So, one of the ancient cities of the world, Madurai, has also been the place where Jainism got flourished during the 3rd and 4th Centuries. The remnants of the Jain culture and their life styles can be seen even today in and around the places of Madurai. In & around Madurai there are 26 caves and there are 200 stone beds that exists till today. In every cave temple one can see the Brahmi scripts on the wall, stone beds for their stay, steps and tanks to collect the rainwater for their use & it clearly shows the architectural skills of these ancient people. Jain monks have lived here during the Pandiya period.

The abodes of Jain monks are the rock hills and the caves where they used to meditate and preach the principles to the followers.

Some of the main Jain caves found in and around Madurai are Mangulam, Anaimalai, Arittapatti, Alagarmalai, Keelavalavu, Thiruvathavur, Varichiyur, Karungalakkudi, Thirupparankundram, Muthupatti, Kongarpuliangulam, Mettupatti, and Vikramangalam. These are the caves situated at a radius of 30 kms enriched with the authentic evidences for Jainism practises and settlements.

Here we can find the sculptures for Mahavir Tirthankara and Brahmi is the text format and Vallezhuthu – the early text forms in 02nd BC to 04th AD.

Jain caves features

200 stone beds, 26 caves, 60 inscriptions and more than 100 sculptures have been identified around Madurai.

1. Keelakuilkudi – Nagamalai Pudhukottai

The monastery atop the hill is where you find the statues for Mahavir, the last monk of the Jainism and Bahubali also called as Gommateswara. There are evidences that one training school was operated here for the monks. It is situated 12kms away from Madurai & this place is unique with temples and sculptures.

Keelakuyilkudi Samanar Hill – Keelakuyilkudi is located 12 kms away from Madurai near to Nagamalai Pudhukottai where the Samanar hill or Thiruvuruvagam hill is located. This hill was the proof of Jain monks who lived here and preached local people. At the foot of the hill, there is a temple for village deity - Karuppusamy, along with the lotus pond. Near the temple, if we climb more than 150 steps, then there are no steps for about 400metres as the area is completely slope, some spots are little slippery as well and then reach the top. Here there are eight different Jain sculptures and Brahmi letters which are more than 2000 years old, found out by Archaeological department. Behind the mountain, there is an another Jain cave with sculptures and flat rocks, for which one has to climb another 50 steps. There are flat rocks called stone beds, used by monks to take rest. There is no entrance fees and this monument is under ASI.

2. Tenparankundram: Tenparankundram is in the south side of Thiruparankundram, located 11 kms from Main city in south west. The Jain cave dates back to first century B.C. This shows the earliest practice of Jainism from Tamil Brahmi inscription and also the abode of Digamber Jain monks since 1st century BC. Tenparankundram is a protected monument.

3. Anaimalai: The place deserves its name Anaimalai as huge rocks are naturally arranged in the form of a reclining elephant. The hillock is 8 kms from the city center. This is one among the sacred Jain hills about 22 feet length, 18 feet width and three feet in height. The Brahmi inscription states that the stone beds were gifted by kunrattur Nathan to the monks Eri Aritan, Attuvay, Arattakayipan. This cave and beds had existed earlier, and it became popular during 9thcentury that the first stone Sculptures of Tirthankaras, yakshas and yakshis are beautifully carved.

4. Keelavalavu: One of the biggest Jain monks in the country situated at 45kms from the city, Keelavalavu is a village in Melur Taluk. There is a granite mountain called Panchapandavar Malai, on the Melur – Thirupathur road. Here we can see the Jain beds, sculptures of Mahavir and Bahubali (also known as Gomatheeswarar) since 9th – 10th Century AD. The pillar stands atop the mountain with the inscriptions revealing the history that the rock caves and stone beds were made by people relocated from Thondi. The Hill is under protection by Archaeological Survey of India.

5. Arittapatti: Arittapatti is a village in Melur Taluk of Madurai district. It is located at a distance of 25 kms east from Madurai city. The hill is also called Thirupinayanmalai, having the Jain monks’ sculpture since 1stCentury BC.

Jain temples in Madurai: There are two Jain temples in Madurai.

1.Near to the Jada Muni Kovil street

2. Next to the YMCA guest house

Jains and Tamizh literature: Madurai city can be proud that the Jain monks who lived here have contributed more to the Tamil Literature. The major literary works of Jain in Tamil are Skandagama Naladiyar, Silappathikaram, Manimekalai and Cheevaka Chindhamani, Tholkaappiyam.

Other interesting activities in Madurai:

Pottery & Doll Making:Vilacheri village – Vilacheri is a village in Tirupparangundram Block in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. It is 9kms away from the city centre & is famous for pottery making. They are using clay to make different types of mud toys and statues. More than 200 – 250 families are engaged in this business. They will work Monday to Saturday except Sunday, depending on their personal work. Vilacheri is a village where mud is God. A part of Vilacheri completely houses artisans and craftsmen who make dolls for various festivals, ranging from Lord Ganesha for Ganesh Chaturthi to figurines for nativity sets during Christmas. The Navratri Kolu dolls made here are famous all over South India. Here in this village, there are potters who have been making clay and papier-mâché dolls for the past 30 years.

It is packed with information apart from the interesting stories it beholds. The process of doll-making, the beliefs, religious sentiments and the techniques used in the craft are explained vividly. “A handful of mud is taken from the village tank, dissolved in water and strained. The more you stomp the clay the more it becomes malleable, the artisans say”.

They make eco-friendly dolls and avoid using Plaster of Paris due to its hazardous nature. They make dolls only using mud or papier mache. Plaster of Paris is the cheaper alternative since a number of dolls can be made at one go using a single mould, but the artisans and craftsman are being responsible as they are well aware of the hazards the POP causes.

A walk around this village will be pretty interesting for clients, because they can peep into any of the houses and see artisans’ hand at work, sculpting and painting. A visit to this village will definitely add value to your clients’ program during their Madurai visit.

Timing: 9am to 6pm.

Saree Weaving– This story goes back to 800 years ago, when artisans of Saurashtra migrated to Madurai region of Tamil Nadu in late 16th century. The artistic traditions of Saurashtrian artisans flourished under the patronage of Nayak Kingdom and the migratory artisans created their space and place in the Kingdom. This confluence of two distinct local cultures gave a new meaning and identity to many craft practices.

Handloom was once a thriving industry in Madurai. Until the 70s there were at least a 1,000 looms in the area. It was a common sight to see men sifting the yarns on the roadsides. Many families have been weaving for generations. From the time of King Tirumalai Nayak, weavers of the Sourashtra community have been famous for the art. They were referred to as ‘Pattunoolkarar’ as they were experts in silk weaving.” But unfortunately not even one third of the volume and fame remains today. After agriculture, saree weaving is the major occupation in Madurai since King Tirumalai Nayakar period. He invited Saurashtrian weavers from north India to make silk dress for his royal family and hence they settled here. They use handloom shaft and machine to make different types of saree like cotton, silk and sungudi. They spend three to four days in making one saree. More than 3000 families have engaged with this work and those people have settled near the street of Tirumalai Nayakar palace and in different parts of Madurai. Weavers are found in Kaithari Nagar, Tirupparangunram, Munichalai, Lakshmipuram and Kamarajar Salai in the city. “In the earlier days, the 10 pillars lane was the hub of handloom. Later, the people branched out to various places.

Timing: 9:30am to 6pm

Jallikattu – Bull Taming:Jallikattu is one of the most popular historical brave sports in Tamilnadu and it happens every year as part of Pongal festival. Mostly this sport is conducted in village surroundings, in an open ground. Mostly youngsters participate & try to tame the bull. Participants hold on to the bull hump, go/ run with the bull & if he crosses the particular set limit with bull, then he will win otherwise the bull will win. Earlier days, there was a belief that the person who tames the bull shall only get brides easily for his marriage.

Bull Taming takes place in the below areas

Avaniapuram
Pallamedu
Allaganallalur

TTDC (Tamil Nadu Tourism Development corporation) will arrange special gallery for inbound tourist to witness Jallikattu at Alanganallur.

Hotels

1. Heritage – 4 Star heritage Deluxe property

No. of Rooms - 67

Distance – 18 kms from Airport

Location – 11, Melakkal Road, Near Fenner & Passport Office, Kochadai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625016

Website: www.heritagamadurai.com

2. Taj Gateway – 4 star heritage deluxe property

No. of Rooms – 63

Distance – 16 kms from Airport

Location - 40, Tirupparankunram Rd, Pasumalai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625004

Website:https://gateway.tajhotels.com/en-in/pasumalai-madurai

3. GRT Regency – 3 star

No. of Rooms – 57

Distance – 16 kms from Airport

Location - 38, Madakulam Main Road, Palanganatham Signal Junction, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Website: www.grthotels.com/madurai

4. Germanus Hotel – 3 star

No. of Rooms – 85

Distance – 17 kms from Airport

Location: 28, Bypass Rd, Kalavasal, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625010

Website: www.germanushotels.com

5. Hotel Thangam Grand – 3 star Hotel

No. of Rooms – 66

Distance – 17 kms from Airport

Location - 48, Bypass Road Kalavasal, Madurai, Tamilnadu.

Website: https://thethangamgrand.in

6. JC residency – 3 Star

No. of Rooms – 92

Distance – 16 kms from Airport

Location - 14, Lady Doak College Rd, Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625002

Website: www.jcresidency.com/jc_madurai

7. Fortune Pandiyan – 4 Star

No. of Rooms – 57

Distance – 17 kms from Airport

Location – Outpost, Race Course Road, Madurai, Tamil Nadu – 625002

Website: www.fortunepandiyanhotel.com

Royal Court – 3 Star

No. of Rooms – 69

Distance – 13 kms from Airport

Location - No4, West Veli Street, Opposite to Railway Station, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001

Website www.royalcourtindia.com

9. Poppys – 3 Star

No. of Rooms – 67

Distance – 20 Kms from Airport

Location - 22, Near Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Airport Ring Road, Mattuthavani, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625107

Website: https://poppyshotelmadurai.business.site

10. Astoria Hotel – 2 star

No. of Rooms – 39

Distance – 13 kms from Airport

Location - No: 65, 70 Feet Road, Ellis Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625016

Website: http://astoriahotels.in

11. Weshtern Park – 2 Star

No. of Rooms – 48

Distance – 13 Kms from Airport

Location - 4, T.B.Road, Old Dindigul Road, Mahaboopalayam, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625016

Website: www.hotelweshternpark.com

12. MMR Garden – 2 star

No. of Rooms – 43

Distance -17 kms from Airport

Location - No. 6, Vinayaga Nagar 3rd Street, Opp. District Court, K.K. Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625020

Website: www.mmrgardens.com

13. Hotel Star Residency – 2 Star

No. of Rooms – 63

Distance – 16 kms from Airport

Location – 43 & 44, Kuruvikaran Salai, Collector Office Road Near Anna Bus stand, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625020

Website: www.starresidencyhotels.com

14. The Metropole – 2 Star

No. of Rooms – 28

Distance – 20 Kms from Airport

Location - 17 A, Melur Road, Opposite District Court, Near Rajah Muthiah Mandram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625020.

Website: http://the-metropolehotel.com/

15.The SPK – 2 Star

No. of Rooms – 31

Distance – 18 kms from Airport

Location - Plot No. 6, 9th East Street, Lake View Road, Opp Sundaram Park, K.K Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625020

Websitewww.thespkhotel.com

Hotel Cosmopolitan – a new property that has come up near Madurai Railway station.

Distance from Airport is 10 kms.

No of rooms -60

Standard rooms - 51

Cosmo Deluxe room 07 (this can be used for family)

Suite - 02 (Room size is spacious).

Restaurant - 01.

Website www.cosmopolitanhotels.in

Bookings are open for all categories and ready to accommodate. This is a 02 star property.

Local Restaurants:

1. KFC – Fried Chicken & Fast food - Bye-Pass road, Contact - 0452 4362061, (Nearby hotels – Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus & Heritage – Madurai).

2. Dominos – Pizza & fast food, Branch 1: KK nagar, Contact – 0452 2588899, (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys,

Dominos – Pizza & fast food, Branch 2: Bye-Pass Road, Contact – 0452 4294666 (Nearby hotels - Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus & Heritage)

3. Phil’s Bistro – Italian Continental, American dishes and Chinese options, KK nagar, Contact – 0452 2583444, (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys Hotel)

Branch 1: KK nagar, Contact-0452 4524415, (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys).

Branch 2: Bye-Pass Road, Contact-0452 4524418 (Nearby hotels - Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus & Heritage)

6. Adyar Ananda Bhavan – Veg, Vilakuthoon, Contact-99622 41369 (Nearby hotels - Simap Residency, Madurai Residency, Royal court, Supreme, Berrys Botique, Purple tree, Moskva & Astoria)

7. Konar kadai – Non Veg, Simmakkal, Contact-99440 80011, (Nearby hotels – Moskva, JC Residency, Astoria, Royal court, Madurai Residency, Star Residency & Fortune Pandiyan).

8. Barbeque Nation – Multi cuisine (Buffet), Milan’em Mall, Contact-90248 26060. (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys)

9. Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant - Branch 1: KK. Nagar, Contact-0452 4240499. (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys),

Branch 2: K.pudhur, Contact-0452 4520006 (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys)

Branch 3: Theni main road, Contact-0452 4390006, (Nearby hotels - Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus, Heritage & Thangam grand)

10. Sree Mohan Bhojanalay – Jain foods, Madurai main, Contact-0452 2346093, (Nearby hotels – Madurai Residency, Royal Court, Purple tree, Berrys boutique, Moskva, Astoria, GRT Regency, Thangam Grand, Germanus & JC Residency)

11. Bell Jumbo & Food court – Veg & Non Veg, Branch 1: Jumbo, Theni main road, Contact-0452 2385832, (Nearby hotels - Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus, Heritage & Thangam grand) Branch 2: Food court, Simmakkal, Contact-0452 2350832, (Nearby hotels – Moskva, JC Residency, Astoria, Royal court, Madurai Residency, Star Residency & Fortune Pandiyan)

12. Kumar Mess – Non- Veg, Branch 1: Thallakulam, Contact-0452 4360391 (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys)

Branch 2: Town hall road, contact-0452 4370391, (Nearby hotels -Moskva, JC Residency, Astoria, Royal court, Madurai Residency, Germanus & Heritage)

Branch 3: Opp to MGR bus stand, Contact-0452 4255008 (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys).

13. Annapoorna Mithai -Veg, Bye-Pass Road, Contact-8144005597, (Nearby hotels - Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus, Heritage, Astoria & Thangam grand)

14. Gowri Krishna – Veg, Bye-Pass Road, Contact-98421 22333, (Nearby hotels - Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus, Heritage, Astoria & Thangam grand)

15. Sree Sabaress Restaurant – Veg, Teppakulam, Contact-98431 35143, (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys)

16. The Chopstix – Multi cuisine Restaurant - Bye-Pass Road, Contact-0452 2663277 (Nearby hotels - Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus, Heritage, Astoria & Thangam grand, Another branch: KK.nagar, Contact-77088 44281 (Nearby hotels – Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys)

17. Amma Mess -Non Veg, Branch 1: Tallakulam, Contact 98421 45900, (Nearby Hotels - Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys). Branch 2: KK. Nagar, (Nearby Hotels - Star Residency, MMR Garden, Fortune Pandiyan, Marriot, JC Residency, SPK & Poppys)

18. Supreme Roof Top – Multi cuisine Veg restaurant (Operates only in evening time from 4pm to 11pm), Madurai main, Contact-0452 2343151, (Nearby hotels – Royal Court, Madurai Residency, Astoria, Moskva, Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus, Heritage, Thangam Grand, JC Residency, Fortune Pandiyan, MMR Garden & Star Residency)

19. Madurai Residency Roof Top – Multi cuisine Non Veg restaurant (operates only in evening time from 7pm to 11pm), Madurai main, Contact-0452 2343140, (Nearby hotels – Royal court, Supreme, Astoria, Moskva, Taj Gateway, GRT Regency, Germanus, Heritage, Thagam Grand, JC Residency, Fortune Pandiyan, MMR Garden)

Shopping Malls:

Vishaal De Mall:

Vishaal De Mall is the biggest commercial and Entertaining Mall in Madurai. World’s leading Branded wears, Jewelry shops, coffee shops, food court, kids entertainment zone and multiplex - all in one roof.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Address: Chinna Chokkikulam, Madurai.

Milan’em Mall:

First shopping mall in Madurai started with 5 floors. First three floors for branded stores, Restaurants and kids sections whereas Fourth and Fifth floor of Mall is full of entertainment.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Address: KK.Nagar, Madurai - 625 020, Contact-0452 2586258

Excursion visit from Madurai (KM one way):

Rameswaram – 180km
Chettinad – 100km
Trichy – 135km
Tanjore – 190km
Palani – 130km
Kodaikanal – 130km
Thiruchendur – 180km
Kanyakumari – 250km
Thekkady – 150km

5. Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant – Non Veg.