Madurai Nayakar Palace

Madurai is a land of culture and customs. This ancient city is full of life and never sleeps, hence why it’s known as the Sleepless city. Even in this modern era, Madurai and its people cling on to traditional customs and grow along with it.Meenakshi Amman Temple is the identity of Madurai and apart from that, this sleepless city is known for Jasmine flower, Jigarthanda and palatial street foods.

Specialty Of Gandhi Museum

The Gandhi Memorial Museum is situated in Madurai, and the historic Tamukkam Palace, which belongs to Rani Mangammal of the Nayaak dynasty, was built about 1670 A.D.The All India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi received the palace as a gift from the Tamil Nadu State Government in 1955 with the intention of using it to house the Gandhi Memorial Museum. It was inaugurated by Jawaharla Nehru on April 15, 1959. A "Visual Biography of Bapuji" that includes images, sketches, sculptures, manuscripts, and some carefully chosen Photostat copies of his numerous letters is on display at the museum.

There are many notable tourists destinations at Madurai, Mahatma Gandhi memorial is one among it.Mahatma Gandhiji and Madurai share a very unique bond between them. It is said that Gandhiji changed his dress code only after coming to Madurai and remained the same until he died. A museum was constructed in Madurai in his remembrance after his death. The place where the museum stands today was a palace of Rani Mangammal of Nayaka dynasty

There is a picture gallery where different pictures of Gandhiji are kept on display. There is also a ‘Hall of Relics’ where different things that originally belonged to Gandhiji are kept on display. There is also a hug open hall theater which can accommodate upto 8000 people. The admission is free and you can visit from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and again 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Madurai, the city of temples, was once the capital of the glorious Pandyas who were one of the three greatest Tamil dynasties. This city was the heart of the Sangam literature and Tamil flourished here under its rulers. The Pandyas ruled Madurai from 300 BCE to 1650 CE. After the reign of King Kulasekara Pandian the city was taken over by the Delhi Sultanate. Later it went under the rule of the Nayaks.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace - Madurai

The most popular Nayak ruler in Madurai is said to be Thirumalai Nayakar who won the hearts of his people through the reforms he made in the city. Many of his works are still in use in the city and he was responsible for completing the construction works in the Meenakshi Amman temple.

One of a very popular tourist place associated with Thirumalai Nayakar is the Thirumalai Nayakar palace built during his reign. When you visit the palace during the mornings, it is open for visits by tourists where one can see the huge pillars and the beautifully color adorned ceilings in the main room of the existing palace. Further when you go inside is the museum where ancient pots, jars, statues, coin collections, tools and inscriptions are showcased.

When you take a visit in the evenings, the palace is decorated with colorful lights and a light – musical show is put on which depicts the legendary tale of Kannagi. This palace is one among the most visited place in South India and has many ancient secret pathways which are restricted to visitors.

As you take a walk along the streets of Madurai you can witness numerous shop vendors and kiosks where you can get intricately designed crafts which make good souvenirs. During your visit to the city you will come to know that the entire city was built around the Meenakshi Amman temple and aligned in the shape of a lotus

During your South India trip never miss the monumental Madurai which is filled with historical richness and traditional culture. The monumentous Meenakshi Amman Temple which is one of the World Heritage site is located near the palace and a century old church, St. Mary’s is a few minute walk from the palace. Take a stroll along the streets of the city and get an insight into the lives of the locals and take back cherished memories.