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The palace is situated 2-km South-east of
Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
Thirumalai Nayakar built the palace in 1636. The building is a classic
example of the Indo-Saracenic style, and was originally four times as
large as it is today. The gardens, the
defensive wall all have gone what remains are the main entrance gate, the
dancing hall and the main hall.
An
Astounding Architectural Grandeur
The stuccowork on its domes and arches is remarkable. The gigantic
pillars and structures represent the amazing architectural mastery of
Nayak Kings. The most remarkable part of this palace is the "Swarga
Vilasam", which served as the audience hall. Its dome, which lies
beyond a huge courtyard, is a magnificent example of the engineering skill
of its builders, rising as it does to a height of 20m without support of
any kind.
The courtyard and the dancing hall are being the center of attractions.
There are around 248 pillars of each 58 feet tall and 5 feet diameter.
Furniture and utensils used by the kings have been exhibited inside the
palace.
Lord Napier renovated the palace in 1866-72 and later further restoration
works were carried on. Today the main attraction of the palace is light
and sound show, which is based on the life of "Tirumalai Nayakar "and
Silapathikaram in both Tamil and English languages.
Timings: 9.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm
Light and Sound shows: 6.30pm and 8.00pm
Air: Madurai
is connected by air with Mumbai
and Chennai.
Madurai airport is 10-km away
from the city.
Rail: Madurai has direct
rail connections to Bangalore,
Coimbatore, Kollam,
Chennai,
Rameswaram,
Thanjavur,
Tiruchirappalli,
Tirunelveli, Tirupathi and
Tuticorin.
Road: There are excellent roads connecting
Madurai to all parts of South
India. Madurai city has 5 Major
Bus Stands- Periyar Bus Stand, Anna Bus Stand, Palanganatham Bus Stand,
Arapalayam Bus Stand, Mattuthavani Bus Stand.
Varied accommodation options ranging from star to economy class to small budgeted hotels are available in Madurai.