The soulful city of Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India. Known as the Athens of the east, Madurai is the city which was planned with a temple as its center and has a treasure of culture. It is believed that Lord Siva appeared on the naming ceremony of the city and blessed it. The divine nectar (madhu) from the tangled locks of Siva fell on the blessed city; hence the city came to be known as "Madhurapuri". It witnesses many tourists arriving to relish the calm beauty. The major tourist attraction here is Meenakshi Amman Temple; dedicated to goddess Parvati and lord Shiva. Other places to visit are: Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine, Gandhi Museum, and Aayiram Kaal Mandapam.
