Nagamalai

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Nagamalai (Tamil: நாகமலை; "naga"=snake, "malai"=hill) is a suburb of Madurai situated about 10km west of Madurai City (Tamil Nadu, India), along the Madurai-Theni Highway.

Madurai is surrounded by eight hillocks that once served to guard the city from invading forces. Of these hills, three small but prominent hills (Yanaimalai, Pasumalai and Nagamalai -- Elephant, Cow, and Snake Hill respectively) have several interesting legends associated with them.

Samanar Hill which is present opposite to Nagamalai is of historical importance. Samanars (a sects of Jains) were said to have stayed in the hill fearing persecution from the then rules of Madurai. Many stone statues and other artifacts are present in Nagamalai.

Nagamalai is also known for its snake biodiversity, and a government proposal is in the works for creating an eco-tourism snake park in the area: (see proposal for Snake Park)