About Madurai

{"data":[{"city":"Madurai","coordinates":{"lat":"9.9252007","lng":"78.1197754"},"localArea":[{"id":"d0","name":"Meenakshi Temple ","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1sightseeing/Menakshi-Temple-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"9:00 AM","closingTime":"7:00 PM","description":"This temple complex is considered to be the finest example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture, and was nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Inside is the dazzling Thousand-Pillared Hall, the Golden Lotus Tank, a shrine to the Nandi bull and, of course, the main Shiva idol.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.9195045","lng":"78.1193418"}},{"id":"d1","name":"Thirumalai Nayak Palace","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1sightseeing/Nayak-palace-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"9:00 AM","closingTime":"5:00 PM","description":"A tribute to the Nayaks, the Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a mix of architectural styles – Italian, Indo-Saracenic and Gothic, but only part of it remains today. There are conflicting explanations as to what led to the decline of this palace, but the beauty of what remains outshines what has been destroyed.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.9147148","lng":"78.1241209"}},{"id":"d2","name":"Gandhi Memorial Museum","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1sightseeing/Gandhi-museum-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"10:00 AM","closingTime":"5:30 PM","description":"The Gandhi Memorial Museum is a vivid showcase of India’s struggle for independence, including a bloodstained piece of the dhoti Mahatma Gandhi was wearing when he was assassinated. Other exhibits include rare photographs from his childhood as well as other articles that he used in his lifetime.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.9300979","lng":"78.138616"}},{"id":"d3","name":"Travel back in time","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1activities/Samanar-hill-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"","closingTime":"","description":"An easy trek takes you to the breathtaking cave temples at Samanar Hills, inhabited by Tamil Jain monks two thousand years ago. The inscriptions on the cave walls indicate that hundreds of monks undertook a fast unto death here. The caves also hold several exceptional sculptures and carvings. ","coordinates":{"lat":"9.92205467","lng":"78.04655761"}},{"id":"d4","name":"Make a trip to France","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1activities/Gothic-Church-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"","closingTime":"","description":"The quiet, little-known village of Idaikattur, a short distance from Madurai, has an intriguing connection with France. It is home to a majestic church, built as a replica of the incredible Reims Cathedral in France. This one though smaller, is just as fascinating.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.769521","lng":"78.376633"}},{"id":"d5","name":"Get a taste of Madurai ","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1activities/Local-food-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"","closingTime":"","description":"Madurai’s culinary offerings are renowned, and no visit to the city is complete without sampling its distinctive food. Sink your teeth into a steaming idiyappam – rice noodles eaten with sweetened coconut milk, or a kothu parotta – shredded paratha tossed in a tomato and spice mix.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.9252007","lng":"78.1197754"}},{"id":"d6","name":"Snap up a Sungudi","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1shopping/Sungudee-sari-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"9:30 AM","closingTime":"9:00 PM","description":"The pride of Madurai, the Sungudi sari uses the traditional tie-and-dye method on breathable cotton fabric, which is perfect for the city’s sweltering heat. Ranee Sarees has a collection of Sungudi saris in fabulous colours and designs.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.919801235","lng":"78.1226465"}},{"id":"d7","name":"Brighten up your home","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1shopping/Poompuhar-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"","closingTime":"","description":"Step into Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium, near the railway station, to buy all kinds of local handicrafts. Pick up unique wood or brass pieces or a rich Thanjavur painting to add character to your home.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.918496","lng":"78.111841"}},{"id":"d8","name":"Go on a shopping spree ","imagePath":"/content/dam/thrp/destinations/Madurai/city-highlights/1x1shopping/Shopping-1x1.jpg","openingTime":"","closingTime":"","description":"Madurai is a haven for shopaholics. It has a famous textile industry and a thriving handicrafts trade. Some gorgeous wood, brass and stone curios are available here. East Masi Street, South Avani Mool and Town Hall Road are popular shopping areas.","coordinates":{"lat":"9.9183816","lng":"78.1135071"}}]}]}