10 Important Archaeological Monuments In And Around Madurai That Every Tourist Must Visit

10 Important Archaeological Monuments In And Around Madurai That Every Tourist Must Visit

The temple town of Madurai has much to offer when it comes to tourist attractions! From its earthy cuisine and GI-tagged Madurai Jasmine to temple architecture and streets lined with columns of art and artefacts, the city that never sleeps bears all! 

But did you know that there are numerous archaeological monuments in and around Madurai ? These sites date back hundreds of years and are mainly situated outside the city’s hustle and bustle, making them easy to miss by tourists.  

But we are here to tell you exactly which of these to visit, so you don’t miss out on the foundations on which this much-loved temple town has been built! 

Here’s the list of the ten important archaeological monuments in and around Madurai that you cannot miss!

1.Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace

The stunning Tirumalai Nayakkar Palace was considered to be one of the wonders of the South! Built in 1638 AD by King Tirumala Nayaka, the palace is a fusion of Italian and Rajput style architecture and is located to the southeast of the Meenakshi Amman temple. The original palace where the king resided was four times as large when compared to the one we see today! 

What to look for:

Foliated brickwork arches, pillared corridors and a large central courtyard!

2. Yanaimalai 

Yanaimalai is a protected monument located 10 kilometres from the Madurai Mattuthavani Bus Stand. The hill derives its name from the Tamil word yaanai, meaning elephant, and malai, meaning hill and was home to Jain monks during the Pandyan dynasty. The hill is rich in granite and is considered a sacred place by the Tamil Jain community. The top of the monument is home to caves containing bas relief sculptures of Mahavira, Gomateshwara, and Tirthankaras and is well known amongst the archaeological monuments in and around Madurai. 

The foothill is home to two Hindu temples, Ladan Koil, a cave temple dedicated to Murugan and a Yoga Narasimha temple dedicated to Vishnu. 

What to look for:

Jain bas relief sculptures, stone beds used by monks, Tamil-Brahmi and Vatteluttu inscriptions and 8th-century rock-cut temples.

3. Tirupparankundram

Tiruppanrankundram is a town located 7 kilometres from Madurai city and is home to numerous ancient and historical monuments. However, the name is more synonymous with the enormous monolithic rock hill that stands at the height of 1048ft with a circumference of 3.2 kilometres!

Also called Skandamalai, the hill contains many of the earliest cave temples of Shaivism, along with ancient Jain beds and Tamil Brahmi inscriptions. 

What to look for:

A hiking path, beautiful temples, Jain rock sculptures, a mausoleum of Sikandar Shah

4. Keelavalavu

Located 43 kilometres away from Madurai, Keelavalavu is primarily known for the hillock-the Panchapandavar Malai or the hill of the Five Pandavas. The hillock is home to caves that were converted into abodes for the ancient Jain monks. The Jain sculptures along the rock faces belong to the 9th and 10th centuries. 

What to look for:

Panchapandavar beds, Tamil-Brahmi and Vatteluttu inscriptions that are engraved from right to left and upside down. 

5. Arittapatti

Of the archaeological monuments in and around Madurai, Arittapatti is rich in heritage and is home to many heritage spots, especially near Kalinjamalai! The village has numerous Jain vestiges, an eighth-century rock-cut Shiva temple with a rare sculpture of Shaivite revivalist, Lakulisha.

What to look for:

Rich heritage spots, sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras, Rock-cut Shiva temple with rare statue of Lakulisha, rare bird species. 

6. Alagarmalai

Alagar Malai or Azhagar Malai is one of many heritage sites in and around Madurai with Jain caves and beds. In addition, the forests surrounding the hills are a rich source of herbs to this day. The carved images of Paraswanathar, the 23rd Jain Tirthankara, can be found here, with a carved hooded snake above his head. 

What to look for:

Jain caves and beds, Carved image of Paraswanathar

7. Kongar Puliyankulam

Located fifteen kilometres from Madurai, Kongar Puliyankulam has a large cave that houses more than 50 Jain beds! The Brahmi inscriptions on the cave walls show the names of the individuals that scooped out the beds. A 9th-century image of Mahavira can be seen carved on a nearby rock with a Vatteluttu inscription.

What to look for:

Jain beds, Tamil-Brahmi and Vatteluttu script, Mahavira rock carving. 

8. Samanar Hills Settipodavu Site

Located 10 kilometres away from Madurai near Keelakuyilkudi village, Samanar Hills is a stretch of rocky hillocks home to Jain and Hindu monuments. The Settipodavu site on the southwestern tip of the hillocks is easy accessible and the most visited for the numerous reliefs. 

What to look for:

10th-century reliefs of Mahavira, Tirthankaras, Ambika Devi, Padmavati Devi, lotus pond

9. Keeladi Excavation Site

The Keeladi Excavation Site is a Sangam-age settlement located 12 kilometres southeast of Madurai that the Archaeological Survey of India is excavating. Numerous samples have been collected from this site, dating back to the 6th century BCE, 5th Century BCE and 3rd century BCE! The excavations of 48 square pits have revealed brick walls, roof tiles, pottery, iron, marble, agate beads, gold ornaments, elephant tusks, along with other tools. The bottom of the settlement also unveiled buildings with a sewage canal facility made of ceramic tubes!

10. Mangulam

Located 25 kilometres from Madurai, Mangulam hill or Ovamalai, was a flourishing region where Jain monks lived in caves. The inscriptions date back to the Sangam period, where some mention the names of the workers that made stone beds for the monks. 

Archaeologists have also found shreds, sling stones, and an ancient burial site in the region during excavation. 

Conclusion

The city that never sleeps whispers of a time long gone, where civilisations took birth and thrived in unexpected ways, where monuments were built not very far from the likeness of those that exist today. Madurai speaks of its history for those who care to lend an ear to tales unknown, of people, places and things that paved the way for all we see today!

So make these archaeological monuments in and around Madurai a part of your visit, and steep into the quiet yet rich culture they offer, even if it is from a few metres away!

Looking to visit places within the limits of Madurai? Check out our blog on The Ultimate Guide To The Best Tourist Attractions In Madurai: Where To Go And What To Do!

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