The “Temple City” was the capital of the Pandya kingdom but it was during the reign of the Nayaks (10th to the 18th century) that the magnificent Meenakshi Temple and other buildings were constructed. 

The Meenakshi temple is a live temple and one can witness a morning Puja, or even a Hindu Wedding Ceremony being performed. Visit the Madurai Temple, believed to have 33 million sculptures. The four corner gopurams are the most striking. The Meenakshi Nayakkar mandapam hall has 110 pillars and a lamp holder with 1,008 lamps.

The Palace of Thirumalai Nayak: Thirumalai Nayak is the most famous king of the Nayak dynasty. It has a great audience hall, a three-sided pavilion and a courtyard. Some of the original apartments still remain with a small museum. Yet another Nayakar legacy is the Mariammam Teppakulam, a tank which was fed from the waters of the river Vaigai, north of the city. Experience the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal for a Sound and Light Show.