Madurai malli at the Mattuthavani flower market

What it is

Madurai malli is a local type of jasmine with thick petals and a strong, lasting scent. It has a geographical indication tag, which ties the name to this region. Farmers pick the buds in the early morning while they are still closed, and bring them to the flower market at Mattuthavani, where traders weigh them and the day's price is fixed. From here the buds go to stringers, to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, to perfume makers and by air to other cities. Around the market women tie buds into strings at great speed, using only thread and fingers.

Before you go

• Jasmine is most plentiful in the hot months from about March to August. Prices soar in winter when little is picked.
• Go in the morning as the farmers' sacks arrive.
• Afterwards, look for the flower stalls around the Meenakshi temple to see the buds in use.

The flowers you will see

Arabian jasmineA small white jasmine with a strong, sweet scent, treasured in Asia for garlands and ceremoniesRoseWoody perennial plants with showy, often fragrant flowers in many coloursAztec marigoldThe golden-yellow flower of Mexican altars and Day of the Dead offeringsOleanderA showy, evergreen shrub with clusters of pink, white or red flowers

Also part of it, and being written: Crossandra infundibuliformis.

More in India

🇮🇳 Mumbai · All yearDadar flower market at dawnMumbai's wholesale flower market beside Dadar station, at its busiest before the city has had breakfast. 🇮🇳 Kolkata · All yearMullick Ghat flower market under Howrah BridgeA crowded riverside flower market on the Hooghly, in the shadow of Howrah Bridge. 🇮🇳 Bengaluru · All yearKR Market flower hallBengaluru's old city market, where the flower floor is best seen from the stairs above. 🇮🇳 Chennai · All yearKoyambedu wholesale flower marketThe flower block of Chennai's vast Koyambedu wholesale complex, busiest before sunrise. 🇮🇳 Delhi · All yearGhazipur phool mandiDelhi's wholesale flower market in the east of the city, where the capital's bouquets and garlands begin. 🇮🇳 Nagercoil · All yearThovalai flower marketA village flower market near the southern tip of India that supplies Kerala, above all at Onam.