Madurai – A City of Timeless History and Culture
Madurai, often referred to as the ‘Athens of the East’, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, steeped in over 2,500 years of history. Nestled on the banks of the Vaigai River, it has long been a cultural and religious hub, most famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, an architectural marvel that draws millions of pilgrims and tourists annually.
Beyond its historical significance, Madurai is also celebrated for its vibrant food culture. From the refreshing Madurai Jigarthanda to the iconic Madurai biryani, the city’s culinary delights offer a true taste of South Indian tradition.
And now, for the first time in history, Madurai gets its very own ultramarathon—the Madurai Ultra! This thrilling event offers runners the chance to race through the heart of this ancient city, experiencing its rich heritage, culture, and landscapes in an unforgettable way. Join us as we make history and bring the spirit of endurance running to this timeless city!
What can you do in Madurai as a tourist?
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Visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple Experience the vibrant energy of this magnificent temple, with cooler December weather making it ideal for a peaceful spiritual visit.
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Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal December offers a pleasant climate for exploring this historic palace’s grand architecture and learning about the rich history of the Nayak dynasty.
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Discover the Gandhi Memorial Museum Take a reflective journey through the life of Mahatma Gandhi at the museum, where you can learn about his influence on Indian independence and social reforms.
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Hike to Alagar Kovil Use your endurance training to hike up to this sacred Vishnu temple on the Alagar hills. The cool weather and scenic beauty make it a refreshing experience.
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Attend the Float Festival at Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam While the Float Festival is held later in the year, December is still a great time to visit this massive temple tank, where you can unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.
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Explore Samanar Hills Take a trek up Samanar Hills. The weather in December is ideal for hiking and exploring the ancient Jain caves while enjoying panoramic views of Madurai.
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Visit Koodal Azhagar Temple After your run, immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of this important Vishnu temple. The winter months make it a perfect time for exploring without the heat.
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Enjoy Madurai’s Culinary Delights Refuel after your run with Madurai’s famous Jigarthanda, biryani, and other local treats. December’s pleasant evenings are perfect for enjoying street food and local delicacies.
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Visit nearby tourism places like Kanyakumari, Kodaikanal, Kutralam, Rameshwaram..
….and much more..
Madurai Ultra - expo, race day locations: How to move around and where to stay?
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Key Locations to Note:
- #ultramalaivasi Expo & Race Venue: Kadambavanam Ethnic Resort
- Start Point & Finish Point: Kadambavanam Ethnic Resort
Race Day Logistics:
- Plan to arrive at the venue on the race day on or before 5.00 pm
- Ample parking is available at the Kadambavanam Ethnic Resort
Where can you stay?
- We strongly advise you to book your accommodation at the Kadambavanam Ethnic Resort. There are 15 rooms available, and each room can accommodate three runners on a shared basis.
- More options for staying in Madurai will be shared soon.
General Rules concerning the partner hotels
- Bison Ultra runners can book accommodation at the Kadambavanam Ethnic Resorts (highly recommended: the expo venue, Start and Finish point).
- Limited accommodation slots are available and will be allotted first-come-first.
- Additional charges may apply to access the venue if you decide to stay elsewhere (or after the accommodation quota is exceeded).T
- The Madurai Ultra organising crew or anyone from KaysFIT Academy will not interfere with the resort registration process and room allocations.
- All runners must comply with the Madurai Ultra registration rules, resort rules, booking terms, and conditions.
- For all accommodation-related queries, please get in touch with Kadambavanam Ethnic Resorts staff at +919500954094
How to reach Madurai? Travel Options
- Travel by Train:
Madurai Junction is well-connected to major cities, with approximately 25 trains running daily from Chennai, covering about 505 km. The fastest option is the Tejas Express, which takes 6 hours and 15 minutes. Trains from Coimbatore take around 6-7 hours, while Bangalore takes about 9 hours. Services are also available from Cochin, typically taking 5-6 hours. Please visit the Indian Railways website to learn about the latest train options.- Madurai Railway Station Location (Google Maps)
- The driving route from Madurai Railway Station to Kadambavanam Ethnic Resort, with a driving distance of approx. 25 km, time 35-45 mins (Google Maps Driving Direction via Natham Flyover)
- Travel by Air:
Madurai International Airport connects the city to major hubs like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Flights from Chennai take around 1 hour, and the airport is just 12 kilometres from the city centre, making it easy to reach your destination quickly.- Madurai Airport Location (Google Maps)
- The driving route from Madurai Airport to Kadambavanam Ethnic Resort, with a driving distance of approx. 40 km, time 54 mins to 1 hour (Google Maps Driving Direction via Natham Flyover)
- Travel by Bus:
Numerous bus operators from various cities provide services to Madurai. From Chennai, the journey takes approximately 6 hours with multiple daily departures. Buses from Bangalore take about 9 hours. The main bus stand in Madurai offers a variety of options ranging from non-A/C express buses to luxury A/C coaches, catering to different budgets and preferences.- Madurai Bus Stand (Google Maps)
- WARNING: you can get down near the Puthur Toll, and the Kadambavanam Resort is within walkable distance if you are coming on the NH785
- The driving route from Madurai Bus Stand (Mattuthavani) to Kadambavanam Ethnic Resort, with a driving distance of approx. 27 km, time 35 mins – 45 mins (Google Maps Driving Direction via Natham Flyover)
- Self-Driven or Taxi
- Driving from Bangalore (Google Maps)
- Driving from Chennai (Google Maps)
- Driving from Coimbatore (Google Maps)
- Driving from Cochin (Google Maps)