Madurai

Madurai is the heartland of Tamil culture, a truly vibrant town which throbs with vim and vitality. One of the oldest cities in India, Madurai was an ancient capital millennia ago, with trading links as far back as the Roman Empire. Today it is a burgeoning industrial centre, even though the vast stretches of lush paddy fields, dusty roads and crowded bazaars make it seem almost like an overgrown village. All activities at Madurai are centred around the enormous Sri Meenakshi Temple, which dominates the heart of the old town, and is one of the most stunning working temples in India.