Madurai celebrates World Tourism Day 2026 with historic heritage walk

Madurai marked World Tourism Day 2026 with celebrations on Saturday, highlighted by a major heritage walk through the historic core of the temple city.

Minister for Energy and Law R. Nirmalkumar inaugurated and participated in the heritage walk, starting from the West Fort Gate near the Periyar Bus Stand.

The event drew the participation of around 200 college students from across the district.

The heritage walk offered participants a deep dive into Madurai’s rich architectural and cultural tapestry. The route covered several iconic landmarks - Kazimar Big Mosque, Sri Madana Gopalaswamy Temple, Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple, Sri Immaiyil Nannai Tharuvar Temple, Tamil Nadu Khadi and Village Industries Board (historic site where Mahatma Gandhi stayed), Rose Peter Cemetery, Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Pudhu Mandapam

Expert archaeologists Vedhachalam and Kannan guided the students and tourists, providing rich historical context and detailed narratives at each stop along the route.