The ancient city of Madurai is some 2600 years old and laid out on the banks of river Vaigai with the Meenakshi temple in the centre. With almost 985 beautifully sculptured pillars that support the temple and 2 sanctums, this temple makes us wonder how skilled the craftsmen would have been to build this masterpiece. Imagine the sight of 165 ft tall towers (Gopurams) built with colourful images of Hindu gods, heroes and mythological animals. It is a real architectural marvel. The religious life at the temple mixes with lots of colours, smells and sounds of the magnificent indoor market with tailors, merchants and weddings making for a rich cultural exposure.