MADURAI (110 kms. from Pudukottai)
Next in importance to Chennai, Madurai with its 2500 years old history, popularly known as the Athens of the East is a place of great antiquity, historic importance and Tamil culture. History attributes the foundation of Madurai to the Pandyan king. Kulasekhara, who flourished in the 6th century. The city improved after the 7th century and there was another golden age in the 13th century. The Pandyan splendour was extinguished by the invasion by Malik Kafur in the 14th century. After seventy years of Muslim rule, the Pandyan rulers re-established themselves and built the temples and towers that we see today. After the decline of the Vijayanagar, the Nayak dynasty became the supreme masters of Madurai. The greatest among the Nayaks, Tirumala Nayakan added several monuments to its splendour and pomp.
Madurai is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai. The temple and old city adorn the southern bank while the modern city has spread over the vast extensions. The many religious festivals celebrated with elaborate ritual and pageantry have earned for it the name of City of Festivals.