Madurai Tourism

Madurai is an energetic, ancient city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its skyline is dominated by the 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple. Covered in bright carvings of Hindu gods, the Dravidian-style temple is a major pilgrimage site. Millions attend the processions and ceremonies of April's Chithirai Festival celebrating Meenakshi and Lord Vishnu.
Madurai gets its name from the word “madhura” meaning sweetness which arises from the divine nectar that Lord Shiva is said to have showered upon the city.
Madurai is also known by various other names, such as the City of Four Junctions, Athens of the East, City of Festivals, Lotus City and Sleepless City. Each of these names reflects a side of the city. The city is called the Lotus City because it has been built in the shape of a lotus. While the name Sleepless City comes from the fact that the city has a 24X7 work culture.
The city has several restaurants that run for almost 24 hours and the transport of the city operates almost throughout the night.