Travel in Madurai

Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India and a center of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. Legend has it that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - Madhurapuri, now known as Madurai. Madurai's history dates back to over 2000 years ago, when it was the capital of the Pandyan kings. In the 10th century AD, Madurai was captured by the Chola emperors. It remained in their hands, until the Pandyans regained their independence in the 12th century, only to lose it to the Muslim invaders under Malik Kafur, a general in the service of the Delhi Sultanate. Malik Kafur's dynasty was overthrown by the Hindu Vijaynagar kings of Hampi. After the fall of Vijayanagar in 1565, the Nayaks ruled Madurai until 1781 AD. During the rule of the Nayaks, the bulk of the Meenakshi temple was built. Madurai also became the cultural center of the Tamil people. Madurai passed on to the East India Company in 1781, and in 1840, the Company razed the fort which had previously surrounded the city, and filled in the moat. Four streets, the Veli streets, which were constructed on top of the hill define the limits of the old city.
Courtesy of the India Tourism Board

Travel in Madurai Attractions

GeoPassage tours offers multitudes of travel opportunities, Madurai is just one of the many cities we offer day tours and individual attractions to, be sure to check out our entire catalog.