Madurai
Madurai's ancient bazaar lanes radiating from the temple are among the most intense and aromatic market experiences in South India — jasmine flower sellers, silk saree shops, brass lamp vendors, and street food stalls serving jigarthanda, kari dosas, and filter coffee in a barely-changed medieval streetscape. This is where the city's 2,500-year mercantile history plays out daily in full sensory colour.
Try the Madurai jigarthanda — a layered sweet drink of nannari syrup, milk, almond jelly, and ice cream — at the original shops on North Chitrai Street. The jasmine flower market is at its most spectacular between 6 and 9 AM.