Madurai, a getaway for the soul

Hot, hotter, hottest are the seasons of Madurai... the area experiences simple variations of summer throughout the year.
Once in a while, the climate turns out in favour of the city — an ideal reason to hop across to the hills . “Alagar Koil strikes people as a pilgrimage centre with its ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the historical events related to Alagar.But, the place is more popular for its pleasant climate and its greenery. Better still, it is just a few kilometres away from the city. It is as a mini-Kodaikanal and provides the same experience even though it is at a lower altitude. The abundant presence of birds and trees makes this place a great hangout for nature lovers,” says Prema Ashok , an environmentalist.
Alagar Koil is a hot spot for numerous activities like trekking and bird watching. “Most institutions and corporate houses conduct treks to Alagar Koil. I was a part of a trek during my college days. Those days, the hills were pristine and unpolluted. But, these days, the paths and some of the places are heaped with plastic and garbage which spoils the area. The only thing that has never changed over time is the craziness of the monkeys. The hill is mostly known for the monkeys. Visitors should tolerate the monkeys as it is their home... we are the visitors after all! We used to carry a separate food packet for the monkeys so they would not disturb us. Though it sounds crazy, the monkeys are fun to watch!” adds Prema.
The forest area of Alagar koil holds a good population of gaur as the area is free from predators. Also, the forest contains lots of herbs that can be used for ayurvedic purposes. Santhosh Narayanen, an agriculture student, shares his views on the green wealth of Alagar Koil. He says, “Whenever we enter the Alagar Koil hills, the aroma-filled air tranquillizes our senses. This is because of the presence of numerous herbs in the forest area.
Moreover, the entry is restricted and protected as it is rich in natural resources. People visiting the hill should keep that in mind and try not to pollute it with plastics and leftovers of food wrappers.”
Apart from the trees and the wildlife, the Dravidian architecture of the temples is a major attraction for the tourists.
The exquisite sculptures that adorn the hall and other mandapams of the Azhagar temple, as well as the ruins of a historic fort which create a dramatic backdrop, are a treat for the history buff. The heavily sculpted main tower at the entrance depicts scenes from the Indian epics, as well as life-size sculptures of the kings who ruled this region.