Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

An old and truly beautiful city in the western part of Tamil Nadu, one of the southernmost states of India, Madurai (மதுரை) is a large community considered one of the cultural centers of the region. It is a historic city with rich traditions, a distinctive cuisine, impressive architecture, wonderful views, natural attractions, and numerous religious, social, and cultural institutions.

Covering an area of about 60 square miles, Madurai is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Tamil Nadu. The city is located 120 miles southeast of Coimbatore, 287 miles southwest of Chennai, and about 1,600 miles south of the national capital, New Delhi. Madurai stands on the banks of the Vaigai River and is known as a city of many lakes, with a large number of medium and small lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in and around the city.

The area experiences extremely hot summers and generally hot, dry winters, with temperatures rarely falling below 50°F. Madurai is widely known for its temples, museums, historic architecture, and numerous annual festivals. Historical landmarks and attractions include the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, the Meenakshi Temple, the Gandhi Memorial Museum, the American College in Madurai, and modern structures such as the Madurai Corporation Building.