Madurai

The ancient Kingdom of Madurai on the banks of the Vaigai River is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage centres. Originally designed in the shape of a lotus motif, the city has since spread into a colourful patchwork of temples, bazaars and narrow roads packed with shops, stalls, pilgrims and cows. The Sri Menakshi Temple, a vast complex of chambers and courtyards built around nine towering gopurams (gateways), is renowned as the finest example of Dravidian architecture in southern India.