Madurai

Madurai is a major city in Tamil Nadu and the 31st largest urban agglomeration in India. Popularly known as the Athens of the East, Madurai has a rich historical background. It is believed that Lord Shiva performed sixty-four wonders here known as Thiruvilaiyadals. Madurai is the administrative headquarters of the Madurai district and is also regarded as the cultural hub of Tamil Nadu. The city lies on the banks of River Vaigai. The city is home to several reputed educational institutions, industries and monuments. Over the years, the real estate market has also developed rapidly in the city.

Infrastructure
Madurai International Airport, which offers both domestic and international services, is about 12 km away from the city. Madurai Junction is an important junction in the city, which fulfills the requirements of the inter-city travel. National Highways 7, 45B, 49 and 208, and State Highways 33, 72, 72A, 73 and 73A, pass through the city. Three major terminuses Periyar, Mattuthavani and Arappalayam are used to commute by the residents.
In 2006, Madurai was chosen for the implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to make the world-class infrastructure in the city. The citys infrastructure, which was to be developed under this project includes water supply, solid waste management, traffic management, health and education and many more. ELCOT Information Technology (IT) Park in Ilanthaikulum established in the city with an area of 50,000 square feet is likely to pick up the growth of IT in the city. Companies including HCL and Honeywell will soon be starting their operations in the IT Park. Another special economic zone (SEZ) in Vadapalanji, spread across an area of 245.17 acres, has been constructed in the city. Two flyovers are proposed to be built soon in Kalavasal and Goripalayam areas of the city, which will help to decongest the roads here.

Homes and Living
Madurai has a flourishing real estate market. Areas including TVS Nagar in central Madurai, Vilangudi, and Madakkulam in western Madurai are some of the areas that are witnessing huge demand for property in Madurai. The luxury segment here has also witnessed decent growth in areas including Moondrumavadi, KK Nagar and Andalpuram. The market was earlier dominated by plots and independent houses but several apartment complexes have been built in the city in recent times. Areas including Oththakadai, Azhagar Koil Road and Karupayurani are witnessing rapid real estate and infrastructural development and good returns are expected from these areas along with Airport Road. As the construction of two SEZs are underway, the city will boost employment opportunities, which in turn will generate more demand for residential real estate in Madurai.

Demographics
According to census 2011, Madurai has a total population of about more than three million. The city had the decadal growth of 17.95 per cent between 2001 and 2011. The sex ratio of the city was 990 women per 1000 men while the literacy rate in the city was 81.66 per cent.

Governance
Established in 1866 as municipality of Madurai, the municipal corporation of the city was upgraded to 1971. The corporation looks after the services like town planning, engineering, public health and many more in the city. It is controlled by the municipal commissioner who is also the executive head of the corporation. The legislative powers are held by elected members from 100 wards and their elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The city has five elected members in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and one member in Lok Sabha. The Tamil Nadu police enforces law and order and has constituted it as a separate district divided into four subdivisions, namely Town, Thilagar Thidal, Thallakulam and Anna Nagar. The city is home to a Madras High Court bench.

Industry and Employment
Madurai is known for its industrial prowess, particularly in sectors including chemicals, automobiles, rubber and granite manufacturing. Rubber is the traditional industry in the city and it contributes to the production of automobile components made out of rubber, on a large scale. It is a major Tier-II IT city and several companies include Mahindra Satyam, Oracle, and Honeywell are setting their offices here. Madurai is famous for dairy farming, pottery, poultry farming, brick making, carpentry and mat weaving. Madurai is also famous for its jasmine plantations, which are known as Madurai Malli and agricultural prowess. There are several small scale industries in the city, which produce rubber products, sporting goods, gloves, mats and automobile rubber parts along with utility items. TVS, Sundaram Industries and Lanxess India are major rubber industries located here. Ford, General Motors, Honda and Toyota are the biggest buyers of automobile components from the city while two wheeler major TVS Group has a significant presence here. The developments in the city have led to the growth of industrial estates in the city Automobile Industrial Estate in Kappalur, SIDCO Industrial Estate in K. Padue and Kappalur and Hosiery Estate in Urangaanpatti.

Lifestyle
Madurai is known for an active nightlife and attracts a large number of tourists every year. There are many bars, pubs and night clubs in the city include Cloud Seven located at Bypass Road, Ecstasy located at Goripalayam and Vijay Disco at South Veli Street. There are several attractions including Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Palace and the Eco Park, which showcase fabulous lighting and fountain shows. MGR Race Course Stadium comes with a synthetic track, athletic facilities and swimming pool. Multiple festivals are celebrated in the city every year including Jallikattu and Pongal. The city is also a hub for film shootings. It is known for its bevy of entertainment and recreational destinations. Meenakshi Temple is the biggest attraction of the city, which is thronged by a large number of people every day. There are many restaurants and coffee bars in the city, too, such as Meenakshi Coffee bar at West Chitrai Street, Taj Restaurant and Emperor Restaurant to name a few.

 Localities in Madurai