Stay logged in to proceed with bookings, orders and offers.
On changing the terminal, you will loose items in your cart. Are you sure you want to change your terminal?
Don't miss this fruity extravaganza!
You probably know India is among the world's top crop producers, but did you know the country grows more than 31 million tonnes of bananas every year? India is the world's largest banana producer by a wide margin.The country's sweet connection with the yellow fruit is most apparent in Tamil Nadu, the leading state in the banana race. It's no surprise that Madurai, the temple city of Tamil Nadu, has an entire wholesale market dedicated to selling bananas.
Read More
Read Less
Being a foodie and banana fan, I'd heard about Madurai's banana market and had to see it for myself. The market is situated in Rukmanipalayam and, like most food markets, is buzzing with activity in the morning. I woke up early and took an auto to the main market area in Madurai.
The banana market is surrounded by stalls selling vegetables, flowers, and pulses. As soon as I arrived, I was captivated by the sights and smells of fresh produce. Walking through these stalls to my destination, I didn't need to ask for directions – the banana market is hard to miss.
Entering the banana market, the first thing I noticed was the movement of pull-carts heaped with bananas. Small traders, retailers, and distributors haggled over different varieties of bananas, buying them by the cartload. The traders here sell about 16 kinds of bananas daily. I never knew that bananas come in so many different forms! My mouth fell open as I saw bunches of bananas in every conceivable colour, shape, and size – and not just because I was dying for a taste.
The banana market is a roughly rectangular structure with a thatched roof. It is a lean alley between two streets, full of hawkers constantly loading and unloading hefty bundles of bananas. The market comprises small shops with wooden roofs, separated from each other only by wooden poles. It's clear the vendors trust each other – indeed, Madurai is known for its friendly people.
As soon as I entered this fruity paradise, I knew that my senses were in for a succulent treat. My eyes drank in the rich reds, greens, and yellows of the bananas hanging from every roof. Their signature sweetness hit my nostrils at the same time. The busy vendors noticed my amazement and smiled warmly.
Looking at the shades of bananas, I figured there were three main varieties here. But to my amazement, the vendors showed me over a dozen kinds of bananas, all varying in size, taste, and quality. If you look closely, you will find that the walls of the shops are painted blue and green. The walls are faded and stained with juices from the years they've spent separating huge bunches of bananas. Each small shop has a mini godown of its own filled with raw fruit.
Just outside the market, you'll find stores selling banana leaves – the vendors trim and clean the leaves to prepare them for sale. Banana leaves are often used for serving and packing food, at home and in restaurants. Nothing goes to waste here!
Are you a street or travel photographer? If so, you won't have a single dull moment here. The bright hues of bananas and the vendors' colourful clothes are a sight for sore shutterbug eyes!
Visit the banana market in the early hours to capture its vibrant morning rush. The market opens at 6.00 a.m., which is when the distributors usually stock up their carts. I was captivated by the movement, colour, and sound of commercial activity.
The enormous stock of bananas gradually reduces through the day. If you visit later, you may not get to see the market in all its glory. You wouldn't want to miss out on seeing and sampling all the varieties here. That's another reason morning is the best time to visit the market.
You can also visit the other markets nearby that sell vegetables, flowers, spices, and pulses – they're equally vivid, lively, and camera-worthy. You can stroll around the markets to take in the view. You will be treated to bright colours and kind smiles all around.
Another sweet treat you'll find in abundance here is jackfruit. Many street vendors sell this lip-smacking fruit. Gigantic and prickly, the jackfruit secretes a very sticky (and delicious) juice. You'll find the sellers here liberally oil their hands while handling the produce. A walk around the neighbourhood will give you a sense of the local culture. You will find many traditional wooden houses, some painted in bold and rich hues that match the earthy vibe of Madurai.
The majestic Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, is a nearby place to visit. The temple has 14 gopurams or ornate entrance towers, decorated with more than 33,000 sculptures. It's worth seeing the 985 pillars carved with sculptures that depict the beauty of the goddess and her wedding with Lord Shiva. The temple is an important pilgrimage centre in India.
While in the area, you should also consider visiting the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace. Constructed in the 17th century, the palace is an excellent example of the Indo-Sarcenic architectural style. This historical marvel was built by the king of the Nayaka dynasty. Its unique architecture, marked by tall pillars and aligned arches, reflects a blend of Dravidian and Islamic influences.
Don't expect people to call out to you for free banana tasting! This is a wholesale market, and the vendors' main interest is selling bananas in larger quantities. That said, if you politely ask to taste a couple of bananas, most of the fruit sellers will happily oblige. While I was clicking pictures, one of the kind vendors offered me some bananas to taste because I gave him a warm smile.
You won't find many tourists here. This is a good thing because the market is in a narrow alley and large numbers of tourists may disturb the vendors. Expect to have an unforgettable time at the market! I appreciated the unique mix of colours, fragrances, and commercial hustle here. My camera and I both had a great time! While I'm at it, let me show you some of my favourite shots from my visit to the banana market. Do these leave you wanting more?
Look at the riot of colours! You can almost smell them! Now you know why you need to add the banana market to your itinerary if you're ever in Madurai. This is a great place for anyone who enjoys unconventional local experiences – and, of course, bananas.
The Adani One expressly disclaims all liability, direct and indirect, in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this Blog. The Blog is an opinion of the contributor based on the collation of data from various sources and is provided only for information purpose. Adani One does not canvass, advertise, solicit, invite or induct for any product, merchandise, information, brand or any other materials mentioned in the Blog, nor does it obtain any monetary benefit from the same. Reader is advised to read and apply his/her intellect and discretion in this regard. Any Intellectual Property mentioned in this blog belongs to the rightful owner. We do not intent to claim any interest over the same.
