Dear ELKL Participants, Welcome to Madurai: The Athens of the East and Temple City! Madurai, celebrated as one of the world's oldest cities, serves as a vibrant hub of Tamil culture, with the magnificent Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple—famous for its towering, intricate gopurams—as its spiritual and architectural heart. Visiting in December is ideal, offering mild and pleasant weather for sightseeing, a welcome change from the summer heat. Beyond the main temple, attendees can explore the grand Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace and the recently unearthed archaeological site of Keezhadi. For accommodation, arrangements have been made at the nearby SVK Mahal near Nagamalai Puthukottai( All are AC rooms with good facilities) for those who require separate lodging, we are communicating with the University authorities to secure suitable, dedicated ladies' hotel facilities. Furthermore, Madurai is a paradise for food lovers, being known as Thoonga Nagaram (the city that never sleeps) for its vibrant late-night food culture. You must try local specialties like the famous fluffy 'Malli Poo' Idlis, the signature non-vegetarian Kari Dosa, the flaky Bun Parotta, and the iconic cooling dessert, Jigarthanda. The city also acts as a convenient base for exploring major regional attractions: the island town of Rameshwaram and the coastal Thiruchendur Murugan Temple are easily accessible, while the famous hill stations of Kodaikanal (around 3 hours) and Ooty (around 8 hours), along with Kerala destinations like Thekkady (around 3 hours) and Munnar (around 5 hours from the city), are perfect for extended excursions.

Near Madurai, you can visit the scenic hill station of Kodaikanal, ancient sites like Thiruparankundram and Samanar Hills, and religious destinations such as Alagar Kovil. Other nearby attractions include Kutladampatti Falls and Athisayam Theme Park.

Natural and scenic

• Kodaikanal: A popular hill station offering attractions like Kodai Lake, Coaker's Walk, and Silver Cascade.
• Samanar Hills: Known for its ancient Jain caves and a good spot for trekking.
• Kutladampatti Falls: A waterfall located in a scenic natural setting.
• Yanai Malai: A distinctively shaped mountain with a temple on top.
  
  

Religious and historical

• Alagar Kovil: A historic temple complex located at the foot of a hill.
• Thiruparankundram: A hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, considered one of his six abodes.
• Pazhamudircholai: Another one of the six important Murugan temples.
• Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple: A significant temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  
  

Family and entertainment

• Athisayam Theme Park: A theme park with rides and a water park.
• Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: A large temple tank where the Float Festival is celebrated.