Melamadai is a `panchayat town` situated on the fringes of Madurai in Madurai district of the southern state of India, Tamil Nadu. This `panchayat town` is surrounded by Vandiyur in the northeast, Chinna Anuppanadi in the north, Madurai in the northwest and Avaniapuram in the southwest. The nearest airport is at Madurai and the nearest railway station is the Madurai Junction Railway Station. Madurai and Tirupuvanam are located in the neighbourhood.

According to the Indian Census report of 2001, Melamadai had a population of 28, 885. Males account for 51% of the population and females comprises of the remaining 49%. In Melamadai, 10% of the population is less than six years of age. The average literacy rate of Melamadai is 78%, which is higher than the national average literacy rate, which is 59.5%. To be specific, the male literacy rate is 82% and the female literacy rate is 74%.

The prime attractions in and around Melamadai include Thirupparankundram Temple, Agastiswarar Temple, Kutladampatti Waterfalls, Ayannar Temple, Rajaji Park, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Gandhi Museum, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and Aappudaiyaar Kovil. The Pandi Muneeswarar Temple is renowned for Jallikattu (bull fighting) held during the Pandisamy Temple Festival.