Tour Around Madurai

PLACES SURROUNDING MADURAI

      There are various major tourist centers surrounding Madurai. They are Alagarkoil, Thirupparangundram, Kodaikkanal, Palani, Sriviiliputhur and Thekkady.

THIRUPPARANGUNDRAM

       A temple town, which is 8 Km away from Madurai, is a pilgrimage. Along with Alagarkoil pazhamudirsolai this too is an abode of Lord Subramanya. It is believed that Lord Subramanya got married to the daughter of Lord Indra on Deivanai Hill. Devotees group in to visit this pilgrim’s spot.

KODAIKKANAL

        This hill station is the princess of hill stations situated at a high altitude of 2100Mts, 120 Km from Madurai. The plantations, the dense woods, the silvery cascades lie on the southern crest of the Palani hills. Plums a kind of sweet fruit is grown in plenty. Eucalyptus oil is extracted here. The hill is station surrounded by colourful and sweet smelling flowers. A rare breed of flower namely Kurinji which blossoms once in 12 years is found here. Trekkers flock here abundantly. The spots to watch here in this hill station are the Lake, the Solar Astro - Physical Observatory, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Chettiyar Park, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Bear Shola Falls, Green Valley View Point, Pillar Rocks and Shenbaganur Museum.

SRIVILLIPUTHUR

         This is a sacred town, which are 74 Km away from Madurai and 45 Kms from Virudunagar. This is the birthplace of the saint - poetess Andal. This is one among the 108 holy Vaishnavite Kshetras. There is a Vadapadrasayi Temple. There is also a shrine of Shri Andal. Both these were built by the Nayak rulers. The fantastic tomb of the Temple is now used as the symbol for the Tamil Nadu Government. There is also a beautifully carved temple Chariot.

THEKKADY

       This is a beautiful tourist spot, which lies in the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala States. This is about 155 Km from Madurai. This is named as Periyar National park. This was established by the Old Travancore State in 1934. The park is about 777 sp. Km of measurement. There is also an artificial lake. Tourists can find animal like Tiger, Elephant, Bison, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Malabar Flying Squirrel, Nilgiri Languor, etc. One can row the boat into the lake and find the beautiful sight of these animals come to those lake banks for drinking water and taking rest. The green hilltops on the either side of the lake too attract the tourists.