WHAT TO SEE & EXCURSIONS
MADURAI
Madurai is home to myriad culture sites & historic treasures. The list includes various legendary landmarks of Dravidian architecture in the shape of breathtaking temples and museums truly fascinating to be described in words.
Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
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Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin-temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The temple has two sanctora, and dedicated to Shiva as Sundareswarar and the other to his consort Meenakshi. This is one of the largest temple complexes in the country, of the five Gopurams (gateways) which surround the temple the southern Gopuram is the tallest (48,8 mts.), On these Gopurams painted in vivid colours are scuipted stories of the temple is the "Hall of Thousand Pillars". The temple is usually open from 0500 hrs to 1230 hrs & 1600 hrs to 2130hrs.to 2130hrs.
Triumalai Nayak Palace
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This monumental palace was built in 1636 AD by Triumalai Nayak, King of the Nayak dynasty which ruled Madurai. The imposing edifice is famous for the 'stucco work' on its domes and impressive arches. The 'sorgavilasam' (celestial pavilion) constructed entirely of brick and mortar without the support of a single rafter or girder, is a marvel of Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The courtyard and the dancing hall are the centre of attractions, There is a museum in the palace building. Timings: 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1700 hrs, Tel: 2338992, There is a sound and light show organised by Department of Tourism, govt. of Tamil Nadu, in the palace. Timings: 1845 hrs to 1915 hrs, 1945 hrs to 2015 hrs, Tel: 2332945,
Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakkulam
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This is a huge temple tank with a mandapam in the centre, enshrining Lord Ganesha. It is fed by water from the Vaigal river through an ingenious system of underground channels.
Kodal Azhagar Temple (5 kms) - (Tel: 2338542)
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It is the ancient Vaishnavite temple where Vishnu is depicted in three poses - sitting, standing and reclining,
Gandhi Museum (5 kms) - (Tel: 2531060)
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Gandhi Museum is a great historic, Tamukkam Palace of Rani Mangammal during 1670. In 1955 the palace was dedicated to Gandhiji by the Govt. of Tamilnadu. timings:1000hrs to 1300hrs & 1400hrs.Open on all days.
Government Museum (5 kms) - (Tel:2650928)
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This museum is located in the same complex as Gandhi museum. Timings: 0900 hrs to 1700 hrs. Closed on Fridays and the second Saturday of every month.
Tiruparamkundram - (Tel.: 2482248)
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The temple is one of the 6 abodes of Lord Muruga, Its innermost shine is cut out of solid rock.
Kochadai Village Deity Temple - (5kms)
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The deity of the village temple is Ayyanar.
Thiruvathavur - (25 kms)
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The birth place of saint Manickavasagar. The presiding deity is Shiva and Parvati.
Alagar Koil Temple - (21 kms)
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This temple dedicated to Vishnu is at the foot of the Alagar Hills. Vishnu came down to this place from Vaikunta - his abode in Heaven - to give away Meenakshi in marriage to Sundareswarar,
Pazhamuthir Cholai
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One of the six abodes of Lord Muruga is on the Alagar koil hill.
Tirumogur Temple - (20 kms)
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The main deity of this temple is Kalamega Perumal and Semabagavalli.
Vaigai Dam - (69 kms)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Main-made gardens filled with all kinds of exotic flowers and plants on one side of the dam, complete with the rugged natural beauty to the hills that borders the river on the side. This is a good picnic spot.
Megamalai - (130 kms)
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It lies 1500 Mtrs above sea level. One has to climb up from Chinnamanur side. These are many tea & cardamom plantations in the hills.
Kodaikanal - (120kms)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One of the most popular serene hill ns. It lies on the southern tip of upper palani hills in the western ghats at an alttiude of 2133m. A beautiful 18-hole golf course is also located here. Contact; The Tourist Officer, Kodaikanal, Tel: 04542-241675.
Suruli falls - (123 kms)
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Suruli Waterfalls is on the way to Thekkady. The location of the falls In a salubrious setting makes it a good picnic spot.
Courtallam - (160 kms)
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Courtallam, the 'Spa of the South' is situated at an elevation of about 16.7m. on the Western Ghats. Ther are 9 waterfalls and are said to have medicinal properties. There is a temple called Kutralnthar Temple, the main water falls, dedicated to Lord Siva. Contact : Hotel Tamilnadu, Coyrtallam, Tel: 04633-222423, 222663.
Palani - (120 kms)
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The temple of Lord Muruga is perched a top, 180 mts on the hills. A number of rare herbs of immense medicinal value grow here.
Contact:
Hotel Tamilnadu, Palani, Tel: 04545-241156
Kumbakkarai Waterfalls - (105 kms)
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An ideal picnic spot, serves as base camp, for trekkers to Kadai hill,
Contact:
Tourist Office, Kodaikanal, Tel: 04542-0241675
TIRUCHIRAPALU
Offering one of the world's oldest rocks among its abundance of tourist attractions with a marvellous temple at the summit, One among the many monuments of historic significance you can find in Tiruchi. A destination resplendent in ancient India 's glory, a legacy proudly show cased in an array of museums.
Rock Fort Temple
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The Rock fort temple is on a 83 m high rock. This rock is one of the oldest in the world - approx, 3,800 million years. The sheer abruptness of its rise is an attention grabber itself, but the actual centre of attraction is not the fort itself but the temple at the summit. 344 steps hewn out of rock lead to the top where there are inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century BC. Atop the rock is the Uchlpillayar Koil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vinayaka from where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Tiruchi. A flight of steps iead to the Mathrubuteswara or Thayumnaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva where the lingam is a projection of the rock itself. Beiow the Shiva temple there are two Pallava cave temples that have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7 th centuries. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the Vinayaka Temple and Sri Thayumanaswami Temple. The monument is open daily from 0600 hrs, to 2000 hrs. Entry is Rs, 0.50, plus Rs. 10 if you have camera.
Government Museum
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Located at 19, Bhartahidasan Road, Bronze and ston& sculptures are on display here. Admission free, Open on all days except Fridays from 0900 hrs to1230 hrs and 1400 hrs 1700 hrs.
St. John's Church
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Built in 1812, it is located near the Theppakulam. It has louvered side doors which can be opened to turn the Church in to a pavilion.
Sri Jambukeswara Temple - (5 kms)
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Jambu is the name of the holy tree, under which Easwar (Siva) is represented in the torn of a Linga, submerged in water frorn a spring in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple has five concentric walls and the first prakaram is called the Tirunetriprakaram. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. It is open daily between 0600 hrs and 1300 hrs and between 1600 hrs to 2130 hrs.
Srirangam - (7 kms)
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The Sri Rangnatha Swami Temple complex lies on the island between the Kaveri River and its tributary Kollidom. It is surrounded by seven concentric walls with 21 gopurams.
Narthamala - (17 kms)
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Narthamalai has some of the oldest structural stone temples, built by the Mutharaiyars, This temple has six large skillfully carved statues of Vishnu in the Central hall, A 9th century Pallava cave temple dedicated to Siva lies to the south, and in front of this is the Vijayalaya Choliswaran temple.
Tirumayam - (79 krns)
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There are a couple of rock cut cave temples and an old fort here. The cave temples are dedicated to Siva and Vishnu Atop the hill is the old fort called Oomaiyan Koottai.
Kudumiyanmalai - (25 kms)
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The Shiva temple here has some intrestings inscriptions as well as beautiful sculptures.
Sittannavasal - (58kms)
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Here are the remains of a 2 nd centuary BC Jain cave temple. Fresco paintings reminiscent of Ajanta adorn the walls.
Manora - (72 kms)
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The eight-storeyed victory tower here was built by the Maratha King Serfoji in the year 1814, The name 'Mannora' is derived from word minaret meaning small minar.
Gangai kondacholapuram - (100 kms)
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The Brahadeeswarar temple at Gangaikondacholapuram was constructed by the Chola king Rajendra-1.
Thanjavur - (54 kms)
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The magnificent Brahadeeswarar dedicated to Lord Shiva bears witness to the glory of Chola architecture, sculpture and paintings. A courtyard has interesting Chola artefacts.
Pudukkottai (58 kms)
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This area is obsorbing interest to historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and lovers of art. The numerous dolmens, stone circles and other forms of megalithic burials in the district indicate the antiquity of this region dating back to pre-historical times.
Viralimalai (30 kms)
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The Temple of Lord Subramanya is situated on a Hillock. There is also a peacock sanctuary.
RAMESWARAM
This small island in the Gulf of Mannar holy pilgrimage with great mythologic significance to Lord Rama, But that's all, beautiful picnic spot, virgin beaches, exotic bird life, coral reef, scuba diving more, all these awaits you at Rameswaram.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ramanathaswamy Temple is known for its magnificent structure, long corridors aesthetically carved pillars lining it.The corridor is the longest one in Asia, 197m East-West & 133m South-North. The entrance of the temple adorned with 38.4 metre-high Gopuram (Tower) There 22 sacred wells in the temple, each with water that tastes different from the others. Vishnu as Sheshnarayan lies on his back on the sacred snake-a pose unique to this temples in Rameshwaram, small ones dedicated to Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman.
Gandamadana Parvatham
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This hillock is the highest point in the Island.
Agnitheertham
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The water at this place is considered sacred and known as 'Agni Theertham', A dip in the Agnitheertham is supposed remove the sins of the pilgrims.
Jadayu Theertham
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South of Rameswaram, there is temple and a, pond surrounded by seven sand dunes. at this place.
Villoondi Theertham
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7 kms. From the main temple on the way to pamban.
Satchi Hanuman Temple
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Considered to be the place where Hanuman delivered the good news finding. Sita to Rama with a Satchi (evidence), Chootamani (jewei) of Sita.
Five- faced Hanuman Temple
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Here the deity of Hanuman is dressed with sendooram, Idols of Ram, Sita at Hanuman brought from Dhanushkodi during -1964 cyclone are kept, Floating stone, used to built Sethu Bandanam is kept in this temple.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple (12 kms)
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This temple was the only structure survive the 1964 cyclone which washed the rest of the village away. Legend states that Vibishna, borother of Ravan surrendered and apologised to Rama for Ravana's criminal abduction of his consort Sita, at this spot.
Dhanushkodi (18 kms)
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It is the southern mosttip of the island.
Kurusdai Island
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It is a Marine Biosphere, a paradise for marine biologists and nature lovers. Off Kurusadai Island one could see plenty of coral-reef and Dolphins and sea-cows.
Pamban Bridge (Indira Gandhi Bridge)
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The 2.2 km long road bridge connecting Rameshwaram and the mainland is the longest bridge n India, constructed over a boy.
Ramanathapuram
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The head-quarters of the district. It was from here that the Sethupathis (Chieftains) ruled this territory. Ramalinga Vilasam Palace with beautiful paintings and the tomb of Thayumanswamigal are the places worth visiting.
Mandapam (19 kms)
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It is a costal village.
Upoor (85 kms)
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There is a Vinayagar Temple here and it is said that Sri Rama worshipped the Vinayagar here on,his way to Sri Lanka.
Devipattinam (70 kms)
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A coastal' village also known as Navabashanam. The temple nearby is dedicated to Devi, who killed the demon Mahishasura at this spot.
Uttlralcosamangai (72 kms)
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There, is an ancient Siva Temple, where the presiding diety is carved in emerald. The Lord is Mangaleshvara and the Goddess Mangalesvari.
Erwadi (79 kms)
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A muslim pilgrim centre, Erwadi houses the tomb of Ibrahim Sahid Aulia (800) years Muslims visit Erwadi during the month of December to participate in the annual festival celibrated as a tribute to the saint.
Kanchirankulam (80 kms)
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A water Birds Sanctuary is located here.
FESTIVALS
MADURAI
Avanimoolam Festival (Aug-Sept)
The coronation festival of Lord Sundareswarar.
Float Festival
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Celebrated in the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakkulam on the full moon day of the tamil month of mid-jan. to mid-Feb. every year. A raft decorated with flowers and lights carries the deities around the tank.
Chithirai Festival
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It's held every year on he full moon day during the, month April-May, On this occasion the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to lord Sundareswarar is celebrated.
TIRUCHIRAPALLI
An annual Car Festival Is held at irirongam in Jan. during which a decorated wooden chariot is pulled through the streets between various walls. In mid-Dec., the Vaikunda Ekadasi, or Paradise Festival is celebrated in the Vishnu Temple. Mohini Alagaram and Flower Festival are also held during Dec and Jan.
RAMESWARAM
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Festivals are celebrated in the Ramanathaswamy temple in connection With Thai Amavasai (Jan), Maasi Sivarathri (Feb-Mar), Adi Thirukalyanam (Jul-Aug), Mahalaya Amavasi (September), Ramalingam Prathastai (May-June) and Navarathri Festival (Sept-Oct).
SHOPPING
MADURAI
Glass bangles and other trinkets, palm baskets, jaggery from palm trees are some of the specialities, The areas to shop are Chitirai, Avdnimoota - Veedi, Masi street, Pudurnandapam and Thevangu Chetty Choultry, all in and around, the Meenakshi temple and Town Hall road.
TIRUCHIRAPALLI
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Handicrafts, Brassware, Artificial Diamonds, Cigars, Handloom sarees, Lungis, Pith models, Photo goods are available at Big Bazzar street near Rockfort area.
RAMESWARAM
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Handicrafts, Khadicrafts, Shells, Beads and Palm Leaf articles are available in the shop near the temple.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
MADURAI
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Government of Tomilnadu Tourist Office, West Veli Street, Tel: 0452-2334757.
Government of Tamilnadu Tourist Information Centre, Railway Junction, Tel: 0452-2342888.
Government of Tamilnadu Tourist Information Centre, Airport
TIRUCHIRAPALLI
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Govt. of Tamiinadu Tourist Office, Cantonment, Tel: 0431 -2460136.
Email: tourism@trichy,tn.nic.in
Tourist Information Counter, Govt Of Tamilnadu, Tiruchi Railway Junction
RAMESWARAM
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Tourist information Centre, Government of Tomilnadu, Railway Station, Tel: 22 13 73
Government of Tamilnadu Tourist Office, Bus Stand Complex, Tel: 221 371
MONEYCHANGER
MADURAI
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State Bank of India, Tel: 2344789, 2341233 private approved money changers:
MSNL Money Shoppe Network Ltd. Tel: 2350729.
UA Exchange, Tel: 2350711, 2350713.
LKP Forex Division, Tel: 2340685, 2348991.
TIRUCHIRAPALL
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State Bank of India and other nationalized banks transact foreign exchange. This facility is also available at approved hotels.
RAMESWARAM
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State Bank Of India, Tel: 221282.
Indian Bank, Tel: 221234
INTERNET CENTRES
MADURAI
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Office Point, Town Hall Road, Tel: 2340794 Priya Computers, North Veil Street
TIRUCHIRAPALLI
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Star Vision, No. 1 Dindugai Road, Tel; 2419522
Surfing Net, Konchana Towers, Williams Road, Tel; 2401130
RAMESWARAM
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Internet Micro software, Mela Street, Tel: 221020
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
MADURAI
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Jet Airways, Tel: 2526969-72, Airport: 2690771, Indian Airlines, Tel: 2341234-36, Airport: 2690333
Government Rajaji Hospital, Tel: 2532535
Railway Station, Tel: 2343131
Commissioner of Police, Tel: 2344002
Post-Master General, Tel: 2530883
TIRUCHIRAPALLI
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Foreigners Registration Office, Tel: 242021 7
Collectors Office, Tel: 2460301
Head Police Station, Tel: 2460692
Head Post Office, Tel: 2460575
Passport Office, Tel: 2707605, 2707203
Government Hospital, Tel: 2 7 71465
Railway Enquiry, Tel: 246136
Indian Airlines, Tel: 2341063,2341601
RAMESWARAM
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District Collector, Ramanathapuram, Tel: 04567-230056
Policestation (Town), Tel: 221227
PaliceStation ( Temple ) Tel: 221246
Ramanathaswarny Temple, Tel: 221223
Railway Station, Tel: 221226
State Transport, Tel: 221251
State Transport Bus Express, Tel: 221263
Govt Hospital, Tel: 221233
FOR CONDUCTED TOURS CONTACT
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Regied Head Office Safes Counter, Wallajah Rood (Near Kalaivaaner Arangam), Chennai 600002
Tel: 044- 25383333,25389857, 25367850 to 54
Fax; 044-25361385, 25381567
Internet: www, tamilnadutourism.org
Email: ttdc@md3.vsnl.net.in
INDIATOURISM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------154 AnnaiSaiai, Chennai-600002 Tel: 28460285, 28461459, Email: lndtour@vsnl.com
Website: www.incredibleindia.org
SOURCE
Ministry of Tourism
Govt Of India, Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi.
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