“Where Divinity Meets Royal Legend” Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple The Soul of Madurai: 2000 Years of History The Meenakshi Amman Temple is not just a landmark — it is the beating heart of Madurai. With a legacy that stretches back over two ...
MADURAI
Madurai, tapestry of history and heritage, where dynasties once ruled, poets found their muse, and traditions continue to shape everyday life.
When
Sept To Nov | April To June
Price
From £9,836pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)
How long
14 nights ideal length
Madurai, tapestry of history and heritage
where dynasties once ruled, poets found their muse, and traditions continue to shape everyday life.
Legend tells us, Madura or Madhurapuri – “Madhura” meaning “sweet in Sanskrit, was blessed by Lord Shiva himself, created from the drops of divine nectar that fell from his hair. It is a city where where dynasties once ruled, poets found their inspiration, and traditions continue to shape the rhythm of everyday life. Its streets hum with activity, temples rise in timeless glory, and markets overflow with colors, scents, and sounds that have endured for centuries.
Whether you come seeking spirituality, culture, Madurai invites you to journey through time and experience a the warmth of a city that never loses its rhythm.
Detailed content on Madurai and attractions
Madurai one of the world’s oldest living cities, is often called the “Athens of the East.” For over 2,500 years, it has thrived as a vibrant center of culture, trade, and devotion. It is a living pilgrimage, where centuries of devotion echo through its streets and temple towers. Known as the sacred heart of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has drawn saints, seekers, and travellers for over two millennia.
At its very center stands the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a dazzling celebration of faith and artistry, where Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar bless devotees under towering gopurams. Yet, the pilgrimage doesn’t end there. Surrounding Madurai are temples steeped in legend — the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, one of Lord Muruga’s six sacred abodes; the serene Azhagar Kovil, set amidst hills where Vishnu is worshipped as Sundararaja Perumal; and the historic Pazhamudircholai, where divine nature and devotion meet.
Links
- Legend of Madurai Meenakshi
- Thiruparan Kundram - “The Sacred Hill of Devotion”
- Kallalagar Temple - “The Divine Journey of Lord Kallalagar”
Make this itinerary yours
Each and every Sky Blue trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.
Home of the Panda
Just a short flight from Beijing and you will arrive in the capital of Sichuan Province (or Heavenly State as it’s known); Chengdu. Check in to the sophisticated Temple House and rest up before an evening spent regaled with the delights of traditional folklore at the 200-year old Sichuanese Opera. Tomorrow, it’s time to meet China’s universally adored national mascot as you spend your morning cradling baby pandas at the Chengdu Giant panda research base. Be warned, you’ll not want to say goodbye to these gentle giants. By night, sample another icon of Chengdu; its cuisine. Whether over a meal of fiery Sichuan cuisine or sampling an authentic street-food snack – it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Scenic Heights in Yunnan
From Chengdu, it’s then a short flight up to Lijiang – or the ‘Venice of the East’ as it’s also known. The Old Town of Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and right from your first glimpse, it will be easy to see why. Spend your day taking in the Naxi architecture and stunning scenery by navigating the peaceful streets and beautiful arched bridges of the Old Town. Or, venture further afield with a visit to the nearby Xuehua Yi village, where you can enjoy a traditional Bimo lunch and blessing, before lacing on those hiking boots for a scenic hike in the Wenhai Valley. Relax in a classic Naxi family courtyard over dinner before retiring to the luxury of your hotel at Amanfayun for an authentic age-old spa treatment.
Shanghai in style
Your all-encompassing Chinese adventure comes to an end in the effortlessly sophisticated Shanghai with a stay at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria. Why not toast to your trip and experience a slice of 1920’s Shanghai glamour with a drink at the award-winning Long Bar? Shanghai truly has something for everyone, whether you’d rather enjoy lunch in one of the numerous chic cafés of Xintiandi or indulge in an afternoon of art and culture at the Shanghai Museum. A can’t-miss, spend a day walking down the elegant tree-lined French concession and soak up all that old-world residential charm before ending your trip on a literal high at the ERA Acrobatics show, watching in wonder at this fusion of traditional Chinese art with modern technology. Enjoy one final meal at one of our favourite local Shanghai eateries to reminisce about your incredible adventure before flying home the next day.
Madurai Temples and Heritage
Thiruparan Kundram – “The Sacred Hill of Devotion”
“Where Legends Rise from the Sacred Hill” Thiruparankundram Perched atop a hill near Madurai, the Subramaniya Swamy Temple is one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, known as Arupadaiveedu. Believed to have been established by the ...
Kallalagar Temple – “The Divine Journey of Lord Kallalagar”
“The Journey of Lord Kallalagar” Kallalagar Temple Situated in Alagarkovil, approximately 21 kilometers from Madurai, the Kallalagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, revered here as Kallalagar. It is one of the 108 Vaishnava Divvyade ...
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Experience the three most-visited cities in India – and see them from a fresh angle
They’re popular for a reason, the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Named ‘Golden’ for the immense richness of culture, history and wealth within them, we recommend that clients experience a little bit of each; with Agra, the former capital of the Moghul Empire (crumbling and stately); Delhi, with its unstoppable modern energy; or Jaipur, the desert capital of Rajasthan – famed for having the best bazaars in the country. We’ll ensure your guides are local insiders – from dawn to dusk.
THE HIMALAYAS
Purple, white, black – and the largest mountain range in the world.
For us, there are many ways to experience the Himalayas. To hike to the base-camp of Everest, stopping off at tea houses as you slowly acclimate to the rarified air. We prefer, however, the tranquil spirituality of Ladakh; a region with very few tourists and extremely traditional (albeit welcoming) villagers. Our local guides are villagers themselves and will introduce you to mountain scenery, Ladakhi cooking, and the monasteries of Phyang.
RAJASTHAN
From desert and island to the iconic Blue City.
Frequently, Rajasthan has topped our lists of India’s most fascinating regions. In Jawai you can trek and head out on safari in search of majestic tigers and elusive leopards. Across the deserts of Jaisalmer, you can travel by camel and study the historic Havelis of this historic city. In Jodhpur – the beautiful Blue City – you can stay at some of the country’s most regal Moghul-era hotels, such as the splendid Raas. It’s a lot. Gladly.
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CHARMING CHETTINAD
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Chettinad is a land where culture is etched in stone and memory. Its streets are lined with grand mansions built by merchant families, its kitchens known for a cuisine as bold as the land, and its temples alive with rituals that have endured for centuries. This is not just a region to visit, but a place to experience—a heritage that continues to breathe.