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Contact Info
- SRG/Madurai South
- 9894880147/ 9047376207
- contact@midmadurai.org
Tourism Development
Tourism in Madurai has seen significant development and growth in recent years, driven by its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and growing infrastructure.
Improved Connectivity:
- Airports: Madurai International Airport has expanded, offering better connectivity to major cities in India and abroad, boosting tourism.
- Rail and Road Networks: Improved rail and road infrastructure, including the upcoming Madurai Metro project, has made it easier for tourists to travel to and within the city.
Prominent Tourist Attractions:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple: As one of India’s most famous temples, it continues to draw millions of devotees and tourists annually, contributing to the city’s tourism growth.
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: The palace’s restoration and cultural events have enhanced its appeal.
- Other Attractions: Sites like the Gandhi Museum, Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple, and Alagar Kovil have also become popular tourist destinations.
Infrastructure Development:
- Hotels and Resorts: The growth of luxury hotels, resorts, and budget accommodations around key tourist spots has supported the increasing flow of visitors.
- Road and Facility Improvements: The beautification of major roads, better signage, and facilities around tourist spots have enhanced the overall tourist experience.
Government Initiatives:
- Smart City Mission: Under this initiative, Madurai is upgrading its infrastructure, including better sanitation, traffic management, and beautification of tourist areas, attracting more visitors.
- Tourism Promotion: The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has been actively promoting Madurai’s tourism potential through various campaigns and events.
Cultural and Religious Tourism: Festivals like the Chithirai Festival and the city’s arts and crafts attract tourists.
Madurai’s tourism is flourishing, thanks to better infrastructure, government initiatives, and its cultural richness.
Aspects need advancements:
- Not pertaining to TTDC, Need Free Public toilet complexes at all major tourist places like Meenakshi Amman temple, Tirumalai Nayak palace, Teppakulam, TPK temple etc. to avoid public urination nuisances.
- TTDC can market Madurai as brand for Foods – our signature Parotta, Kari dosa, Jigarthanda etc. Can try a Special Food Zone (SFZ) on the lines of SEZ.
- TTDC can use tags Food capital, Cultural capital, City of hospitality etc. as must for Madurai in their ads, hoardings, SM posts etc.
Madurai Infra & Developments
Mission and Vision
Madurai Infra & Developments
Mission and Vision
Rope-car facility in Tiruparankundram & Azhagar-kovil.
Through-out the year adventurous events hosting like Intl. Balloon festival, Zipline, Paragliding etc at Keezhakarai Jallikattu arena.
Promotion of Kudladampatti waterfalls & Sirumalai
Jallikattu tourism in January month
Madurai Heritage tourism circuit including Keezhadi & Jain circuits.
Water-Sports & adventurous games along the ECR of Mandapam to Sayalkudi beach stretch
Special Rikshaw-rides around 4-Chithirai streets of Meenakshi temple, followed by Open-bus tour in Madurai city covering busy bazaars of Masi streets, Tirumalai nayak palace & Teppakulam
Special larger tour packages by TTDC with Madurai as epicenter for all surrounding South TN tourist places
Promotion of Heritage-walk program & better involvement of Students & young community
Madurai Infra & Developments
Department Spotlight
Madurai Infra & Developments
Department Spotlight
Meenakshi Amman Temple
The Meenakshi Temple, a 14-acre architectural marvel, is the global identity of Madurai. Surrounded by streets named after Tamil months like Aadi Veethi and Chithirai Veethi, it hosts festivals every Tamil month, including the grand Chithirai Festival, Thirukalyanam, and Theppa Thiruvizha. Highlights include the 1000-Pillars Hall and iconic celebrations like the 108 veena concert during Navaratri.
Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple
Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple, is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadai Veedu). This ancient rock-cut temple is renowned for its unique architecture and spiritual significance. Believed to be where Murugan married Devasena, the hill-carved sanctum and intricate sculptures reflect Tamil heritage. Celebrations like Skanda Sashti and Panguni Uthiram attract devotees.
Azhagar-Kovil Temple
Kallazhagar Temple, 25 km from Madurai, is one of the 108 Divya-desams of Lord Vishnu. The famous Chithirai festival includes Lord Kallazhagar’s procession in a golden chariot, followed by Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukalyanam. The 18-steps Karuppanasamy temple, dedicated to 18 siddhars, and Azhagar-malai, home to Pazhamuthirsolai and Rakkayi Amman temples, attract millions of devotees.
Koodal-azhagar Perumal Temple
Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple in Madurai is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Koodal Azhagar and Goddess Mathuravalli Thaayar. Known for its architecture, the temple features the deity in various postures. It is a significant pilgrimage site, with festivals like Vaikunta Ekadashi and Panguni Uthiram attracting numerous devotees. The temple is also home to Viyooga Sundararajan.
Kaalamegaperumal Temple
Thirumogur Kaalamegaperumal temple is 11 Kms from Madurai city. One of the 108 Divya-desams of Lord Vishnu with Kaalamega Perumal & Mohanavalli thaayar. Brahmotsavam celebrated in this temple during the tamil month of Vaikasi, Vaikunda ekadhasi, Gajendra moksham & special prayers during the Tamil month of Panguni, thirukalyanam are famous which attract devotees.
Thirumarainathar Temple
Thirumarainathar Temple in Thiruvathavoor is 25 Kms from Madurai city. Lord Siva as “Thirumarainathar” & Vedanayaki ammal are main gods. Manickavasagar - a 9th century tamil saint who wrote “Thiruvasagam”, a book of Shiva hymns, is said to have built the 100-pillars hall in this temple. Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, Thirukarthigai are famous festivals here.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace
17th Century Palace erected in 1636 by King Thirumalai nayakar who ruled Madurai. Located very close to Meenaksi Amman Temple, this Palace is considered as One of the Wonders in South India. National Monument, protected under Tamilnadu archeological department. Gigantic Pillars, Light & Sound show depicting it's history are very famous among the tourists.
Jain Tourism Circuit
The hillocks of Keezhakuilkudi and Keelavaavu, along with Tiruparankundram's rock-cut caves and inscriptions, are significant historical sites around Madurai. The Yaanaimalai Jainbed, an ancient Jain monastery, adds to the region's rich cultural heritage. These sites, along with many others, offer a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural history of the area.
Rameswaram - Dhanushkodi
It is 150 Kms from Madurai, holy place to Hindus. Serene Island is home to famous Ramanathaswamy temple, 64 Punya theerthams, Pamban railway bridge & ghost town Dhanushkodi which is in connection with Indian epic Ramayana. This east coast stretch has many beach resorts with beach-side restaurants & adventurous water-games to explore.
Tiruchendur
Located 170 km from Madurai, Kulashekarapattinam is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. The area is renowned for its scenic Manappad Beach and the historic Holy Cross Church. Popular festivals include Kandasashti (Soorasamharam) and the Dasara celebrations, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists annually.
Palani
Located 100 km from Madurai, the town is home to one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan. The temple is famous for its grand Thaipoosam festival, during which Lord Murugan is taken in a golden chariot through the streets, drawing large crowds of devotees. The festival is celebrated with great devotion, showcasing vibrant processions and rituals.
Keezhadi
Located 13 km from Madurai, the Government Museum in Keezhadi unveils the 6 BCE Vaigai riverbed urban civilization. The 110-acre archaeological site showcases artifacts like ivory combs, gold ornaments, coins, and seals, proving the advanced trade connections of ancient Keezhadi Tamils with the world. It highlights the region's rich cultural and historical significance.
Kodaikanal
Located 110 km from Madurai, Kodaikanal is a scenic hill station in the Western Ghats. Popular attractions include Coaker's Walk, Bryant Park, Pillar Rocks (Guna Caves), Kodaikanal Lake, Silver Cascade Waterfalls, and the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. Known for its cool climate and natural beauty, Kodaikanal is a favorite destination for nature lovers and tourists.
Munnar
Located 150 km from Madurai, Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Idukki district, Kerala, often referred to as the "Kashmir of South India." Known for its lush tea plantations and estates, Munnar offers breathtaking views, cool weather, and a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and tourists looking to explore the scenic Western Ghats.
Meghamalai
Located 110 km from Madurai, Thekkady is a scenic hill station renowned for its tea and cardamom plantations. Visitors can enjoy spotting wild animals, exploring waterfalls, and taking in the stunning views from Maharajamettu Viewpoint. Vellimalai adds to the charm, offering a serene atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, making Thekkady a popular destination.
Thekkady
Located 150 km from Madurai, Thekkady is a scenic hill station renowned for its boating experiences on Periyar Lake. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Biodiversity Park offer opportunities for wild animal sightings, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species. The area’s rich biodiversity and serene atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Surulitheertham
Surulitheertham, located 110 km from Madurai near Cumbum town, is a charming village known for its abundant green cover, picturesque waterfalls, and vast grape farms. The village offers a tranquil environment, making it a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of cascading waterfalls and explore the region's lush vineyards and agricultural landscapes.
Kumbakarai Falls
Kumbakarai Falls, located 80 km from Madurai near Periyakulam, is a spectacular waterfall set amidst dense greenery. The falls cascade from a height of approximately 60 feet, creating a breathtaking sight. It is a popular spot for nature lovers, trekkers, and those seeking tranquility. Visitors can enjoy the cool, refreshing waters while surrounded by the serene beauty of the natural landscape.
Chettinad
Located 75 km from Madurai, Karaikudi is famous for its grand Chettinad architecture, with palace-like houses featuring over 1000 windows. The region is known for its extravagant weddings and unique Chettinad cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Pillayarpatti Vinayagar Temple, an ancient and revered temple, is another notable attraction in the area.
Courtallam & Tenkasi
Located 130 km from Madurai, Courtallam is a seasonal leisure destination, famous for its number of Waterfalls, trekking & resort stays. Tenkasi is a scenic busy town, famous for its Kasi viswanathar temple. Thenmala in Kollam district, just a 25 Kms from Shencottai town is popular for its Paalaruvi waterfalls, scenic trekking & thenmala ecotourism.