About Madurai
GOKULAM TRAVELS takes to the Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India, with a history dating all the way back to the Sangam period of the pre Christian era. The glory of Madurai returned in a diminished form in the earlier part of this millennium; it later on came under the rule of the Vijayanagar kingdom after its ransack by the ravaging armies of Delhi (Malik Kafur). During the 16th and 18th centuries, Madurai was ruled by the Nayak Emperors, the foremost of whom was Tirumalai Nayakar. The Sangam period poet Nakkeerar is associated with some of the Tiruvilayaadal episodes of Sundareswarar - that are enacted as a part of temple festival traditions even today.
The Sangam age or the Golden age of Tamil literature – produced masterpieces way back in the Pre christian era and in early 1st millennium . Madurai was the seat of the Tamil Sangam or Academy of learning. The entire city of Madurai, is built around the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple – the temple par excellence. Concentric rectangular streets surround the temple, symbolizing the structure of the cosmos. GOKULAM TRAVELS makes possible to visit the place.
As early as the 3rd century BC, Megasthanes visited Madurai. Later many people from Rome and Greece visited Madurai and established trade with the Pandya kings. Madurai flourished till 10th century AD when it was captured by Cholas the arch rivals of the Pandyas.
The Cholas ruled Madurai from 920 AD till the beginning of the 13th century. In 1223 AD Pandyas regained their kingdom and once again become prosperous. Pandian Kings patronised Tamil language in a great way. During their period, many master-pieces were created. "Silapathikaram", the great epic in Tamil was written based on the story of Kannagi who burnt Madurai as a result of the injustice caused to her husband Kovalan. In April 1311, Malik Kafur, the general of Alauddin Khilji who was then the ruler of Delhi, reached Madurai and raided and robbed the city for precious stones, jewels, and other rare treasures. This led to the subsequent raids by other Muslim Sultans. In 1323, the Pandya kingdom including Madurai became a province of the Delhi empire, under the Tughlaks.GOKULAM TRAVELS can help to make a visit on Madurai.The 1371, the Vijayanagar dynasty of Hampi captured Madurai and it became part of the Vijayanagar empire. Kings of this dynasty were in habit of leaving the captured land to governors called Nayaks. This was done for the efficient management of their empire. The Nayaks paid fixed amount annually to the Vijayanagar empire. After the death of Krishna Deva Raya (King of Vijayanagar empire) in 1530 AD, the Nayaks became independent and ruled the territories under their control. Among Nayaks, Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) was very popular, even now he is popular among people, since, it was he who contributed to the creation of many magnificent structures in and around Madurai. The Raja Gopuram of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, The Pudu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar's Palace are living monuments to his artistic fervor.Madurai started slipping into the hands of the British's East India Company. In 1781, British appointed their representatives to look after Madurai. George Procter was the first collector of Madurai.
Madurai is famous for its temples.The Aappudaiyaar Koyil Tevara Stalam and the Koodalazhagar Divya Desam are the most important temples one should rarely miss to go. In the vicinity of Madurai is Tirupparamkunram, one of the 6 padai veedu shrines of Murugan (glorified in Madurai Sangam Nakeerar’s Tirumurugaatruppadai). Also in the vicinity of Madurai is Alagar Koyil, one of the prominent Divya Desam shrines of the Sri Vaishnavite faith.GOKULAM TRAVELS takes to this beautiful place.
GOKULAM TRAVELS are safe to use. There are also specific services available at night. Remember that in India everyone lives by asking each other for directions. The friendly people are often more than happy to help a foreigner find his/her way by giving directions. Most people speak the working national Language "English" , at bus stops don’t form a queue. Choose to wait and travel comfortably. Travel at night is also safe. So relax, forget your travel guide and discover a whole new culture of friendliness.
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About Pandalam
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Pandalam GOKULAM TRAVELS is one among the fastest growing towns in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India. It is considered as a holy town. Pandalam is also a well known educational and health care center in central Travancore.Pandalam hosts a lot of educational institutions ranging from reputed schools to Post Graduate, Training, Ayurveda and Engineering Colleges.
Pandalam GOKULAM TRAVELS is a holy town near Sabrimala which is the birth place of Lord Ayappa in human form. Named after the Pandalam Royal Family, the city has the famous Valiyakoikal Temple which is located on the banks of river Achenkovil. A few days before the Makar Sankranti, the ornaments of Lord Ayappa is taken in a procession from Pandalam to Sabrimala.
Location of Pandalam
1) Nearest Airport to Pandalam
Trivandrum Airport is 92km away from Pandalam.
2) Nearest Railway Station
Chengannur Railway Station which is 25 km away.
3) Best Time to Visit
The best time to take a tour to Pandalam is from March to August. The cool winds of Pandalam will refresh your senses. However you can also visit Pandalam during November to January and attend the Sabrimala Temple Festivals.
Tourist Attraction in Pandalam.
A tour to Pandalam is not all; tourists can visit the other tourist attractions of the place. But the major event of this place remains the Sabrimala Temple Festivals in Pandalam.
1) Sabrimala Temple Festivals
Devotees from all over during November and January start a procession and assemble in Sabrimala to celebrate the Sabrimala Temple Festival. Held during Makar Sankranti and November, the Sabrimala Temple Festival is considered to be an important event.
2) Aazhipooja
The Aazhipooja celebrates the ascetic frame of mind of the pilgrims who undergo through a process of renunciation before they embark on a journey to the Sabrimala Temple. It is observed on the day before setting out on a holy journey.
3) Petta Thullal
The Petta Thullal is a colorful event that occurs during the holy journey in Erumeli. Here the devotees paint themselves with stripes of ashes, colors and carbon and don an unique look with arrows, clubs, fruits and bundles on their head. The chanting and the drumbeats add to the color of the ceremony.
4) Pandalam Palace
It was in this palace Lord Ayappa was born. The Thiruvabharanam of the Ayappa Temple is kept in this palace.
5) Valiyakoikal Temple
This is a famous temple in Pandalam modeled in form Sabrimala Temple. The journey or processions to the Sabrimala Temple starts from this place during the festivals.
A tour to Pandalam is incomplete without these tourist attractions and these are a must watch.
Pandalam is one of the tourists place in kerala and also beautiful place which can make journey through GOKULAM TRAVELS