Madurai, one of the oldest cities of India, and South India's great temple town, derives its name from the divine nectar (madhu), showered by Shiva. Its claim to fame is the exquisitely carved Meenakshi Temple, which houses within the 1000 pillared hall. Temples aside, Madurai is also a centre of Tamil poetry and writing. Today, it is growing as an industrial centre, marked by pollution and traffic. However, it continues to embody the temple culture, celebrating the love and marriage of Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundereswarar (Shiva) and is clearly the first choice among Tamil Nadu’s temple towns.

• Meenakshi Temple: ‘Madurai’ brings to your mind is the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, which is one of South India’s busiest and biggest pilgrimage sites. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati and is built in stunning architecture. It is surrounded by a high wall and 12 gopurams mark the several entrances. The walls are adorned with intricately carved gods, beasts, demons and heroes. A particularly striking feature of this temple is the Ayiramkaal Mandapam or the Hall of Thousand Pillars. The pillars (985 in number instead of 1000) are intricately carved in Dravidian style. The outermost corridor has the musical pillars; each when tapped produces different musical notes. To the south of the pillared hall is the Kalyana Mandapa, where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year.

• Thirumalai Nayak Mahal: Built by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect, this palace earlier consisted of two parts, namely Swarga Vilasam (Celestial Pavilion) and Ranga Vilasam. Intended to be one of the grandest palaces of South India, today all that remains is the main entrance, the dancing hall and the main hall. A unique attraction of this palace is the light and sound show, which depicts events from Thirumalai Nayak's life.

• Mariamman Teppakulam: This is a huge temple tank about 5 Kms east of the Meenakshi temple. The mandapam in the centre has an idol of Vigneshwara (Vinayaka) and is the biggest tank of its kind in Tamil Nadu. The Vinayaka idol is believed to have been found when the earth was being dug to build the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, thus rendering sanctity to the place. It is also the site of the annual Teppam Festival (Float Festival) held in the months of January and February.

• Tirupparankundram: 6 Kms southwest of Madurai, this small town is known for its sacred granite hill. The temple cave is cut out of solid rock and is regarded as one of the six abodes of Lord Subramaniya.

• Gandhi Museum: Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, it exhibits memorabilia from the Gandhian era. Among the collection is the bloodstained dhoti that he was wearing on the fateful day of his assassination. The Picture Gallery presents a visual biography of Gandhiji that contains photos, paintings, sculptures and manuscripts.

• Alagar Koyil: Located 21 kms northwest from Madurai, the presiding deity here is Vishnu, in the form of Meenakshi’s brother Azhgar. Every year when the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar takes place, this idol, in the form of Sundararajar is carried to Madurai for the wedding ritual. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings, the most notable being those of Narasimha, Krishna, Rathi on the parrot and Vishnu on Garuda. Also located on the same hill is Palamudhirsolai, one of the 6 abodes of Lord Subramanya and a natural spring Nuburagangai.

Eating out in Madurai can be a quick snack or an appetizing dinner at one of the city's posh restaurants and hotels. Surya Restaurant is a rooftop restaurant of the 1970s-style and a popular place from where you can admire the setting sun on Meenakshi Temple. It serves an excellent selection of South Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes and service is prompt. Aahaaram, located in Regency Hotel is a fine multi-cuisine restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Madhuram, also in Hotel Regency is a well-stocked bar with the finest blends of spirits. Try their cocktails that are a true delight. Divar Mahal Restaurant is one of the better multi cuisine restaurants serving a wide range of tandoori cuisine. For an intimate fine dining experience, head out to Hotel Sangam, on the other side of the river, which serves a delectable selection of seafood, Indian, and continental cuisine.

Although Madurai is not much of a shopping destination, you can spend your time looking around the colorful chaos of the marketplace. It is well known for its produce of beautiful textiles. Puthu Mandapam located just inside the eastern entrance of Meenakshi Temple is where you can get your hands on some cotton and batiks. There are a number of handicraft shops that are located near the temple that have an array of exhibits on display, from souvenirs to artifacts. The Government Poompuhar Handicrafts shop, Cottage Arts Emporium and the Madurai Gallery is the place for hand-woven silks and cottons, lamps, wood and stone carvings.