This guide unravels Madurai for you

Madurai: In a bid to enhance travel experience for tourists, the district tourism department has launched a comprehensive guide titled Madurai Passport showcasing the city's key attractions to help visitors navigate its rich cultural landscape. The handbook offers detailed information about the city's famous landmarks, local cuisine, festivals and shopping destinations.
The guide lists more than 30 prominent tourist spots across the district, providing information on opening hours, historical significance and the best times to visit. Popular destinations like Meenakshi Amman Temple and Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace are featured prominently along with tips on how to visit these sites at the right time, an issue often raised by tourists. Details on major cultural events and festivals such as Chithirai festival, Theppakulam float festival, jallikattu and Avani Moolam festival are highlighted. The guide is filled with vibrant photographs of the city's attractions.
It also contains a list of the city’s famous eateries and recommendations on what to eat, from street food to traditional south Indian meals, along with a taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage. Tourists will also find suggestions on what to buy in Madurai, including the popular Sungudi sarees, Golu dolls, Madurai malli (jasmine) and brassware, and where to find them.
District tourism officer Bala Murugan said the guide was designed to inform tourists better, especially about timings of various tourist spots. “Many visitors are often unaware of when key attractions like Meenakshi Amman Temple or Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace open. The guide solves that problem by providing all the necessary details in one place,” he said. The guide also contains information about accommodation, including a list of hotels and their contact details.