Madurai, the oldest city in Tamil Nadu, was planned and laid out on the pattern of a lotus flower, with the famous Meenakshi Temple in the centre. The Pandyan King Kulasekhara built this temple. The Pandyan Kings, patrons of tamil learnings art and architecture, ruled from here until the 14th century A.D. Few cities in India can claim a civilization as old as Madurai. The emperors of Greece and rome are believed to have trade relations with Madurai. Today, this town is most famous of the temple towns of the south, and is a thriving center for education, culture, religion, trade and commerce.

Meenakshi Amman Temple dominates the city which evolved around it. The temple has two sanctums - one dedicated to lord Siva as Sundareswarar and the other to his consort Meenakshi. Of the five Gopurams (gateways) which surround the tempke, the southern gopurams is the tallest. Painted on these gopurams are sculptured stories from Indian mythology. The highlight of the Meenakshi temple is the hall of thousand pillars.

has lord Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures one above the other.

The other places of interest are Tirumalai Nayak Palace, Vandiyur, Mariamman Tank, Gandhi Museum, Pazhamudirsolia.. Thirupparankunram, and the Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex.