Madurai: The Temple City of India

• Helloவணக்கம்
  [Vanakkam]
• Goodbyeவாழ்க வயது
  [Vazhga Vayadhu]
• Yesஆம்
  [Aam]
• Noஇல்லை
  [Illai]
• Please/You're welcomeதயவு செய்து/நன்றி
  [Thayavu Seydhu/Nandri]
• Thank youநன்றி
  [Nandri]
• Excuse me/Sorryமன்னிக்கவும்
  [Mannikkavum]
• How are you?உங்கள் நல்லதா?
  [Ungal Nalladha?]
• Fine. And you?நல்லது. நீ?
  [Nalladhu. Nee?]
• Do you speak English?உங்கள் ஆங்கிலம் பேசுகிறீர்களா?
  [Ungal Aangilam Pesukireergala?]
• I don't understandபுரியவில்லை
  [Puriyavillai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseமெனு பார்க்க வேண்டும்
  [Menu Paarkka Vendam]
• I don't eat meatநான் பசுவில்லை
  [Naan Pasuvillai]
• Cheers!கண்ணாடி!
  [Kannadi!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseசம்பளம் செலுத்த வேண்டும்
  [Sambalam Selutha Vendam]

• Help!உதவி!
  [Udhavi!]
• Go away!போகுங்கள்!
  [Pogungal!]
• Call the Police!காவல் அலுவலரை அழைக்கவும்!
  [Kaaval Aluvalarai Azhaikkavum!]
• Call a doctor!ஒரு மருத்துவரை அழைக்கவும்!
  [Oru Maruthuvarai Azhaikkavum!]
• I'm lostஎன் வழி காணவில்லை
  [En Vazhi Kaanavillai]
• I'm illஎனக்கு நோய் உள்ளது
  [Enakku Noy Ulladhu]

• I'd like to buy...வாங்க விரும்புகிறேன்...
  [Vanga Virumbugirein...]
• I'm just lookingபார்க்கிறேன்
  [Paarkkirein]
• How much is it?அது எவ்வளவு?
  [Athu Evvalavu?]
• That's too expensiveஅது மிகவும் விலையாகுகிறது
  [Athu Migavum Vilaiyagugiradhu]
• Can you lower the price?விலை குறைய முடியுமா?
  [Vilai Kuraia Mudiyuma?]

• What time is it?எந்த நேரம் இருக்கிறது?
  [Endha Neram Irukkiradhu?]
• It's one o'clockஒரு மணி
  [Oru Mani]
• Half past (10)பந்து (10)
  [Pandhu (10)]
• Morningகாலை
  [Kaalaai]
• Afternoonசாயம்
  [Saayam]
• Eveningமாலை
  [Maalai]
• Yesterdayநேற்று
  [Nettru]
• Todayஇன்று
  [Indru]
• Tomorrowநாளை
  [Naalai]
• 1ஒன்று
  [Onru]
• 2இரண்டு
  [Irandu]
• 3மூன்று
  [Moonru]
• 4நான்கு
  [Naanku]
• 5ஐந்து
  [Aindhu]
• 6ஆறு
  [Aaru]
• 7ஏழு
  [Ezhu]
• 8எட்டு
  [Ettu]
• 9ஒன்பது
  [Onpathu]
• 10பத்து
  [Pathu]

• Where's a/the...?எங்கே ஒரு/அந்த...
  [Engae Oru/Andha...]
• What's the address?முகவரி என்ன?
  [Mugavari Enna?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?எனக்கு கார்ட்டில் காட்ட முடியுமா?
  [Enakku Cardil Kaatta Mudiyuma?]
• When's the next (bus)?அடுத்த (பஸ்) எப்போது?
  [Adutha (Bus) Eppothu?]
• A ticket (to ....)ஒரு டிக்கெட் (... க்கு)
  [Oru Ticket (... Kku)]

Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, has origins dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The city was mentioned in the ancient Tamil texts, and its rich history is intertwined with the rise of Tamil literature and culture.

The Pandya Dynasty was a prominent South Indian dynasty that ruled Madurai and its surrounding areas. Their reign, which lasted from the early centuries of the Common Era to the 14th century, saw the development of Madurai as a major cultural and commercial center. The Pandyas were known for their patronage of Tamil literature, art, and architecture.

The Sangam period, a golden era in Tamil history, saw the flourishing of Tamil poetry and literature. Madurai was the heart of the Tamil Sangam, an academy of poets and scholars. The city played a central role in the compilation of Sangam literature, which remains a crucial part of Tamil culture and heritage.

In the 10th and 11th centuries, the Chola Dynasty, under rulers like Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, invaded and briefly controlled Madurai. This period saw the construction of numerous temples and the integration of Chola architectural styles into the city’s landscape.

After the decline of the Pandyas, Madurai came under the control of the Vijayanagar Empire, and later the Nayak Dynasty in the 16th century. The Nayaks were instrumental in the architectural development of Madurai, commissioning the construction of the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel that remains the city's crown jewel.

During the British colonial period, Madurai continued to grow as a significant urban center. The British influence brought changes in administration, education, and infrastructure. Landmarks like the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal were restored and preserved, contributing to the city's historical and cultural heritage.

Following India's independence in 1947, Madurai has developed into a modern city while preserving its historical and cultural roots. It has continued to be a major center for Tamil culture, education, and commerce. The city today is a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and contemporary progress.

Madurai is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Madurai International Airport (IXM) is about 12 kilometers from the city center and offers domestic and limited international flights. Major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai have direct flights to Madurai. The Madurai Junction railway station is a major rail hub with connections to various cities across India. If you prefer traveling by road, state transport buses and private coaches connect Madurai to nearby cities. National Highway NH44 passes through Madurai, making it accessible by car.

Getting around Madurai is convenient with various transportation options. Auto-rickshaws are widely available and are a quick way to navigate through the city. Cycle-rickshaws are also an option for shorter distances. For a more comfortable journey, you can hire a taxi through local operators or ride-sharing apps. Public buses operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) cover most parts of the city and are an economical choice. Renting a scooter or bike is also an option if you prefer exploring on your own.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting local markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but it's a good idea to carry enough cash for small purchases and emergencies.

Madurai is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, like any other place, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Areas around the Madurai Junction railway station and the Meenakshi Amman Temple can get very crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. Always use registered taxis and avoid accepting unsolicited offers for tours or rides.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 108 for medical emergencies. The Government Rajaji Hospital is a major healthcare facility in the city. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Note the location of your country's consulate in Chennai, the nearest consulate city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Be respectful of local customs and rituals. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Vanakkam' (a traditional Tamil greeting) with folded hands. A simple handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Madurai like a local, visit the bustling Puthu Mandapam market near the Meenakshi Temple for textiles and handicrafts. Take an early morning walk around the Teppakulam, a large temple tank, to witness the city's daily life. Don't miss the evening 'Pooja' (prayer) ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. For a unique dining experience, try the local street food like Jigarthanda and Kari Dosa from popular stalls. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share stories about the city's rich cultural heritage.