Best Season to Visit madurai, madurai Travel Information, how to reach madurai

One of the oldest cities in South Asia, Madurai, on the banks of the River Vaigai, has been an important centre of worship and commerce for as long as there has been civilization in South India - indeed, it has long been described as "the Athens of the East". It is famous for its Meenakshi Temple. Although today surrounded by a sea of modern concrete cubes, the massive gopuras of this vast complex, wrilthing with milticoloured mythological figures and crowned by golden finials, remain the greatest man-made spectacle of the south.

Area	46.99 sq. km
Language	Tamil and English
Altitude	101 mts.
Temperature	Summer : Max 37.5 ºC, Min 36.3 ºC. Winter : Max 21.6 ºC, Min 20.9 ºC.
Rainfall	721.7 mm

According to legend, Madurai derives its name from the madhuram (nectar) that fell from Shiva's locks on this place. The ancient city had links with Greece and Rome and traded primarily in spices. It was also the site of the Tamil Literary Society popularly known as the Sangam. Madurai was taken over by the Chola emperors in the 10th century AD. The Pandyas regained control in the 12th century AD. The reign under the Tirumalai Nayak was the most prosperous period of Madurai. In 1840, the company razed the fort that had previously surrounded the city and filled it with moat. They constructed four broad streets-the Veli streets-on the top of this fill defining the limits of the old city.

Air : Madurai has its own airport and there are flights, which connect the city with Chennai, Tiruchirappalli. The airline services have at least one flight daily from Madurai to Chennai. From there one can take flight to anywhere in India.

Road : There are good motorable roads, which connect this, second largest city of Tamil Nadu with other parts of the state as well as other places in India. Madurai has five bus stands, which cater to the needs of the people.

Rail : Madurai has one of the major railway junctions of South India. It is connected with the all the major tourist as well as religious places in Tamil Nadu.

The months from October to March is the ideal period to visit Madurai. The daytime temperature is around 20°C during this period making the days pleasant for all excursions.