Located on the banks of the river Vaigai, Madurai has been a major settlement for two millennia and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Fondly known as the Athens of the South, Madurai is a city with a glorious past. The modern city was established by the Pandya rulers and expanded during the Nayak rule. The city is rich in culture and heritage. You will be escorted from your hotel to Meenakshi Temple in your air-conditioned vehicle to begin your heritage walk. Starting with the East Tower of the temple, you will explore many storeyed “gopurams” – ornate statue-adorned towers, that are a typical feature of the temples in the state.