Located near the city of Madurai, the Samanar Hills are a beautiful blend of nature and history, and have been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is an interesting natural site that is a must-visit when taking a Madurai tour, and offers a glimpse into the historical richness of South India. These hills abound with ancient caves with carvings dating back to the first century AD, and contain many prominent carvings and ancient inscriptions that give insight into history and religion, and it is said that the inscriptions on the hills are more than 200 years old.