Float Festival - Madurai Tourism

Teppothsavam or Theppathiruvizha, the float festival, is celebrated in Madurai on Magh Purnima (Thai Pournami), the Full Moon day in Thai Month of Tamil Calendar (around Jan-Feb). On this Thai Pournami day, the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareshwarar are taken to a big lake called ‘Teppakolam’. They are taken to the lake by the means of a grand procession and great fanfare. The idols are then made to rest on a small jubilantly decorated boat (or float) called ‘Teppa’ and offered special pujas (prayers) at Teppakolam lake as traditional music fills the background. The procession is truly slpendid with the deites in their pearl crowns coming ‘riding’ atop a gold bull from the Meenakshi temple. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather around the walls of the lake to view the festivities. The normally placid waters of the lake turn colorful when the mandapam is lit up after sunset and decorated with fresh flowers, flickering oil lamps, serial lights and other paraphernalia.

Teppotsavam originated in the 17th century when King Tirumalai Nayakar ruled the local kingdom. Back in those days, King Tirumalai Nayakar wanted to build a new palace for himself. A great excavation was carried out by his workers and to make this excavation successful the King built a sixteen acre lake near place and connected the same with River Vaigai. He also built a temple for Lord Ganesha in the middle of the lake. Since then, he initiated the ritual of Teppotsavam or Boat festival which took place on his birthday (which falls on Thai Pournami) every year.

Madurai Teppotsavam or Thai Pournami is also celebrated as Thaipusam by Tamil communities all over the world.

Today, Mariamman Theppakulam in Vandiyur, 5km south east of Meenakshi Temple is one of the the largest Temple tanks in South India. Currently, the tank measures 1,100 ft by 950ft almost a perfect square, has an island pavilion in the center with a garden and temple which enshrines an idol of Lord Vigneshwara (or Ganesha), the elephant-faced god. The placid waters of the tank turn colorful when the island pavilion is lit up and the temple deities are brought to it in decorated floats. The tank is connected to River Vaigai through underground channels.

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Madurai Authentic Food - madurai tourism

Madurai is often fondly called the food capital of Tamilnadu. The choice of food is varied and places to eat numerous. There plenty of small restaurants, street side food vendors and good restaurants. The restaurants serve a mind boggling variety of dishes right from traditional banana leaf lunch to various items from the international food scene. One can find everything in madurai right from samosas and gulab jamuns that come form north india, idiyapams from kerela, Bengali fish curry, various kinds of chaats, to Italian style Margarheita Pizzas, sizzlers, fish and chips and even the much hackneyed chinese food!

Madurai’s own cuisine however comprises of the well known and world famous dishes- dosai, idli, pongal, vadai, sambar, chutney, poriyal etc. Apart from this Madurai also has its own version dishes that originally come from other parts of India i.e. parota-kurma, aloo/channa poori, upma etc. People here are mostly rice eaters. The food in Madurai is normally cooked in standard edible oil, using good amounts of spices and condiments. In fact, Madurai food is famous world over for its uniqueness and taste. The very famous idli shop- Murugan idli which now has branches even outside india, originatd in Madurai. It is said that the popular chicken 65 also originated in Madurai. Some of the common ingredients used in the food are lettuce leaves, carrots, brinjal,onions, tomatoes, potatoes, okra, tomato and cauliflower. Spices include turmeric, cloves, mint powder/ leaves, garlic, fenugreek, curry leaves, dried red chillies, mustard seeds etc.

People form various parts of the world are tempted to try out madurai cuisine, even though it is quite elaborate. Madurai is also known for its filter (decoction) coffee. Apart form being popular among tourists, it is popular among students too as it apparently keeps them awake to study during exams! Besides, the city is also famous for its drinks such as Paruthipaal and Jil Jil Jigarthanda. Paruthi is made from coconut, raw rice, flour and jaggery. Jigarthanda is a cool drink loved by the people of the city. Jil Jil refers to the cheerfulnesss it brings, Jigar refers to the heart and Thanda referes to the much needed coolness during summer months. Other beverages like masal tea are also readily available.

Madurai has a large vegetarian population but non vegetarian food is available in abundance without any inconvenience. If one is feeling adventurous, one can try the street food- boiled ground nuts, corn on the cob, sweet potato, stylishly sliced raw mango with chili powder, hard boiled toffees, pickles of all kinds, local candy, savouries etc.

Madurai Shopping - Madurai Tourism - Shopping in Madurai

Madurai is the textile hub of South India. It is famous for ready-made silk and cotton garments. The streets and lanes of town are lined with fabric shops and tailors. There is also a concentration of jewelery shops in the East Avani Moola street. On either side, building after building filed with shop house selling gold and silver. Somethings that are typically Madurai: traditional Sungudi Sarees, Silk, Brass lamps (Kuttuvillaku), Madurai Malli (jasmine garlands), fabric and handloom material etc. One can also visit Pudhu Mandapam an old pillared hall along the entrance of the meenakshi temple. It is filled with curious, kistchy, unusual things. On a hot day, get out of the heat and walk around this cool area with lots of time in hand -you are sure to find a souvenier here- be it bangles/ bracelets, baubles, sequins, beads, silk scarves, brass vessels, lamps, books, costume jewelery, prayer items, amulets, charms, bindis, embroidery laces and threads, silk and jute bags, framed pictures/ effigies of various gods and godesses, miniature models of the temple, decorative showpeices, wall hangings, local games and toys etc. There are also many tailors stiching away so if you fancy wearing a kurta or a colorful new skirt- this is the place.

Other places to shop include Chithirai Street, Avani Moola Street, Thevangu Chetty Choultry, Town Hall road etc. Some of the well established malls here are Hajeemoosa, Milan, Kishkintha, Trendz, Milan’em Mall etc. Towels of all shapes, materials, colors and sizes are also exported from madurai- you can visit Saraswati Handloom if you would like to buy some. If you are fond of cooking and would like to taste of Madurai with you, be sure to ask for Sambar powder or Rasam powder at any supermarket.

For daily necessities there are supermarkets like Remuki, Nilgiris etc. Shoppers Shop is a bigger version of a news agent selling magazines, chocolates, movies, toiletries, cosmetics, food items and other imported goods. Most international brands are stocked here.

Pottery, clay and ceramics - Madurai Tourism

The rural section of the Madurai society takes to farming, pottery and making clay utensils.The potter and his art have played a significant role in many traditional societies since ancient times. Pots and ritualistic images/idols serve as an important example of how nature can be rearranged to embody value. The process of pottery exemplifies the transformation of nature into culture. Clay from the earth blends with water from the sky is dried by the wind and fired to hardness using wood or other fuel to produce useful pottery or sculpted idols used for various rituals. One of the castes associated with pottery making are the Velars. They have many roles in the community, including makers of divine and sacred vessels. The Velar potters of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu are a community with an active tradition of rituals that involve sacred processions.

Click here to read an article by Radhika Vaidyanthan about the Velars and the art of terracotta. Radhika is a Ceramicist and Installation artist who lives in Chennai. This article was published in Indian Folklife – a quarterly newsletter (Volume 1, issue 4, Jan 2001)

While in Madurai You can try your hand at pottery.

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Madurai Kolam - Ancient Sand Print - Madurai Tourism

Kolam in an ancient tradition involving sand printing. It is mostly practiced in South India by Hindu Women. Rice Powder is used to make geometrical patterns on the floor. The pattern basically comprises of curved loops drawn around a grid of dots.

Every morning before sunrise (and sometimes every evening) the floor (threshold) is cleaned and swept. Kolams are drawn when the surface is still damp. It is said to bestow prosperity and protect homes. Sometimes before drawing the floor in waxed with cow-dung, which is said to have antiseptic properties, so it literally provides protection for the home! Throughout the day Kolams get walked upon, washed away by sand, blown away by the wind, etc. New ones are made every morning.

As a tribute to harmonious coexistence, the rice powder is also said to invite birds, ants and other little critters that eat the powder. The beautiful patterns are a sign of welcome for everyone including Godess Laxmi, the Godess of prosperity. It is said that the lines must connect at some point and the shape must be complete so that the evil spirits do not enter it thus symbolizing prevention of evils from stepping into the home.

There are simple Kolams and complex ones for festival days and special occasions. The patterns are passed on form mother to daughter. Although traditionally only rice powder was used, these days chalk, limestone, brick powder, paints and even vinyl stickers are acceptable. Devotees even volunteer to draw Kolams in temples when a wish is ‘granted’ or a job is completed successfully. Young girls often show off their kolam skills by covering the width of the whole road with a single big kolam. Kolams may also symbolize different Gods, Goddesses or Devis. Though Kolam is not as extravagant as rangoli –its north Indian counter part, it is all about precision, complexity, symmetry and providing a good exercise to the eye, hand and mind. Madurai too has its own form of street art!

Madurai Chithirai Festival - Madurai Tourism

The annual 12 day Chithirai Festival is one of the most important events in Madurai. During the months of April/ May people come from all over India, and even the world to witness the celebrations and worship.

Chithirai Festival is basically the elaborate celebration of the wedding of Goddess Meenakshi Amman to Lord Sundareshwar. There are processions all around town especially around the streets that surround the temple. There are elephants, camels- all dressed up, blaring trumpets and drums… and huge crowds. Music drifts from the Nadaswarams as street hawkers mill around offering various wares from kitsch to gaudy to tasteful and unusual. After sunset torch-bearers with their flaming torches guide the pallakens (palanquins) bearing the deities.

On the Palanquin itself there is a mounted Vahanam (Vehicle) – an elephant, a lion, a demon, a swan and the deities one seated a top these vahanams. The palanquin bearers are 20-30 able bodied men who halt now and then for rest and give devotees a chance to fully take in the view.

The highlight of the festival is the procession on the morning after the wedding. Two “thers” or temple on wheels (Chariots) pass through the streets surrounding the temple. They carry the bride and the bridegroom. The thers are pulled by a large groups of men. Often people rush out of their houses and drench these men with water filled in brass / mud pots to cool them.

The festival truly is like a great big wedding with not only processions but the annual Chithirai exhibition / fun fair, various sales all over town, special ceremonies at temples etc. An event not to be missed if one is in town. Also, it is a great opportunity for photographers.

Places of stay in Madurai - Madurai Tourism

There are several accommodation options available in Madurai. If you are a luxury traveler, then elite hotels such as the The Gateway & The Heritance would be ideal for you. Backpackers will find budget hotels and homestays ideal. There are also several two and three star hotels. Click on any of the options below to find out more about the hotel.

madurai hotels
The Gateway
Escape the din of city life. Perched atop the Pasumalai hill, amid 62 acres of peaceful, landscaped gardens, The Gateway Hotel is the epitome of colonial architecture. Here you’ll find a charmed spot to relax and take in picturesque views of the Temple City and the Kodai hills.

Heritance
Heritance Madurai, with its warm hospitality and distinct architecture, opens its doors to a majestic city of culture and tradition; Madurai, the cradle of Sangam literature. Come and experience the fragrance of jasmine and traditional temple festivals. Bask in the luxurious comfort of Heritance Madurai, a combination of old world charm and modern luxuries which will satisfy the demands of the most discerning travellers.

Hotel GRT
We present to you: comfortable rooms, a multicuisine restaurant offering a delicious variety of culinary delights and a delightfully well stocked Bar offering wide range of Liquors.

Germanus
We strive to provide you a room that is clean and comfortable, with friendly service at a value conscious price, combining international standards of efficiency with the traditional Indian hospitality.

Royal Court
Warm hospitality, exquisite cuisine refreshing and comfortable stay. Royal court is there to cater to all your needs. Be our guest and return with sweet memories that will live with you till your life time.

Hotel Fortune Pandiyan
The newly renovated Fortune Pandiyan Hotel, a Fortune Welcome Group Hotel, is set amidst 3 acres of landscaped gardens. The hotel offers the highest standards in accommodation, cuisine and personal service. Fortune Pandiyan Hotel has played host to several Heads of Government, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Diplomats and other prominent guests.

Hotel Sangam
Celebrate the pomp and pageantry of Madurai at Sangam! 60 fine rooms with facilities fit for the Gods. The touch of traditional pampering with the convenience of modern amenities.

The Metropole

The Metropole is the latest hotel in the temple town. Its distinctive personality, competitive rates and prime location makes it an ideal destination for business and pleasure travelers alike.

Hotel Supreme
Supreme is located close to the Meenakshi temple, Airport and railway station in the heart of the city. It’s reputed to be the best in south Indian Hospitality, Vegetarian food of International class and most polite services.

Park Plaza
Hotel Park Plaza has 55 centrally air-conditioned, well appointed rooms and suites. All rooms and suites have direct telephone facility, color television, attached bathrooms with western style toiletry and running hot and cold water.

Madurai Residency
The ease of home and the effectiveness of office, all in one place where we make every effort to present you a room that is calm and hygienic, with a pleasant thoughtful service at a value conscious price.

The Bangala
A property that was built up over the last 75 years. Now is its ninetieth year as a Heritage Hotel, it is the favorite of visitors to Chettinad and is gaining fame for its genuine home cooked Chettinad Food.

Kadambavanam
Kadambavanam’ works on a ‘Social Entrepreneurship’ model involving local villagers to run the show. Kadambavanam is dedicated to the cause of promoting and preserving our precious art forms for posterity and in the process providing dignity and livelihood to many an impoverished rural artist.Set in a sea of green with a serene and soothing ambience just 25 kms from Madurai city, Kadambavanam offers an authentic cultural experience into the Tamil way of life.

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Emergency Contact Numbers in Madurai - Madurai Tourism

Important Contact numbers in Madurai:

Country Code: ‘91′ / Area Code: ‘0452′
contact numbers in madurai

Incase of Emergencies:

Fire Stations: 101
Police: 100
Ambulance: 102 / Apollo Emergency Services: 1066

Information for the tourism related blog articles are sourced from:
Devadoss, M.(2007). Multiple facets of my Madurai. Chennai: East-West Books
and Madurai Tourism Info Pages

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Connectivity and Madurai Tourism

Air Transport:

Madurai airport is at a distance of 13 km from the city center and is connected by road from all areas of the city. As an important airport in south India, it has four carriers operating from its base i.e. Kingfisher, Paramount airways, Jet airways, Air India. There are domestic flights from Madurai to all major cities in India. The International Airport is also opening shortly. The Airport code for Madurai is IXM. Airport Contact:COMING SOON

Rail Transport:

Apart from air travel, one can also opt for train transport. Madurai is connected to all major cities and towns across India. The railway station is one of the busiest in the country and has computerized reservation counters. Madurai division has repeatedly received the award for being the best-maintained station in the Southern Railway. The railway station code for Madurai junction is MDU. Railway Station Contact: COMING SOON

Road Transport:

Madurai has several major bus stands: Madurai Integrated Bus Terminus (MIBT) at Maattuthavani (North), Palanganatham (South), Arappalayam (West), Periyar (Central) and Anna Bus stand (East). From MIBT, many buses to locations all over the south India operate round the clock. From Arapalayam bus stand, buses to places of western Tamil Nadu like Theni, Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode, Salem operate and Periyar bus stand is where only city buses and private buses to major cities operate. Bus Station Contact: COMING SOON

Apart fom city buses, three-wheeled, black and yellow auto-rickshaws, referred to as autos, are available for travel with in the city. MIBT has pre-paid auto counter where commuters can pay fixed auto-fare depends on destination and hire.

Madurai is connected by the following major National Highways:

* NH 7 : (North-south Corridor Expressway) Bangalore – Salem – Dindigul – Madurai – Tirunelveli – Kanyakumari
* NH 45B : Trichy – Madurai – Thoothukudi
* NH 49 : Madurai – Rameswaram
* NH 49 Extn: Madurai – Theni – Bodi – Cochin

A detailed list of tour operators and their contacts, train and air schedules etc. can be downloaded here. – CONTENT COMING SOON!

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New Dimension to Madurai Tourism, Madurai Travels and Madurai Cabs and Madurai Hotels - SanaTourism.com

Tourism is one of the important industries in Madurai and that fetches good amount of money and revenue into Madurai.

Most of the businesses are not very structured in Madurai. Say for example, Real Estate or Politics or Tourism/Travels etc., May be Hospitality industry is.

Anyway, some of the efforts in our businesses are to get some structure to the industry and fill in the gaps, so that we can also gain by providing some kind of infrastructure to the industry.

As far as I am concerned, we can provide infrastructure like Software and Online infrastructure and also a Business Process Outsourcing structure to the industry.

In this Tourism industry, we thought it is very much necessary for an online infrastructure to be present, so that any tourist who wants to have pleasure stay in madurai can contact and do the needful.

Hence we came up with a team of people who can coordinate with the tourists and bunch of travels companies to partner with and also bunch of good quality hotels to partner with. Moreover most importantly came with a website for contacting us - SanaTourism.com

Contact us sanatourism@gmail.com for more details.

if you are a Madurai travels, please contact us and we can help you tour in and around Madurai and whole of Tamil Nadu etc., If you go through our website, you will know.