Places to visit in Madurai

• Meenakshi Amman Temple: Just like the Parthenon dominates the skyline of the Greek city of Athens, the 14 gopurams (gateway towers) of Meenakshi Amman Temple can be viewed from any part of Madurai, earning the town the befitting title - Athens of the East. Located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, the 45-acre Hindu temple is a must visit. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Meenakshi, and her consort Shiva also called Sundareswarar, the complex attracts thousands of devotees in a day, reaching its peak during the 10-day long festival of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, celebrated in April every year. Luckily, the temple celebrates a significant festival every month of the Tamil calendar, so make sure to align your visit with one to watch it come alive in full glory.
• Koodal Azhagar Temple: Another major religious site is the Koodal Azhagar Temple, situated in the vicinity of the railway junction. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the golden sthupi guides the pilgrims to its door. The Hindu temple is dedicated to God Vishnu, worshipped as Koodal Azhagar, and his consort Lakshmi, known as Maragathavalli. Other famous temples in the region include the Vaishnava Kallazhagar Temple in Alagar Koyil and Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple, known to be one of the six abodes of god Murugan.
• Thirumalai Nayak Palace: The 17th century Thirumalai Nayak Palace is another space that transports you back in time. Its grand courtyards, sunlit corridors and giant pillars offer a glimpse into Madurai’s Nayak dynasty, renowned for their unique architecture that blends native Dravidian with influences from Islamic styles.

High-end shopping/luxury shopping/shopping malls in Madurai

• Madurai Mart
• Vishaal De Mall
• Milan’em Shopping Mall
• Cottage Arts Emporium

Street shopping in Madurai

On your trip to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, make sure to halt at Prithu Mandapam, an old pillared hall near the eastern entrance. It is known to be the best place for your cotton fabric loot in Madurai. For hand-woven silk and batik textiles, head to East Masi Street, South Avani Moola Street and Town Hall Road. And since you’re in Madurai, don’t forget to pick a gorgeous silk saree from any of these shopping hubs. From bell-metal lamps to bronze idols, bookmark the government-run Poompuhar handicraft store, and the Cottage Arts Emporium if you’re looking for traditional handicrafts.

Nightlife/party places in Madurai

• Sangam Bar
• Ecstasy Bar
• Tasty Bar
• Impala Bar
• Cloud Seven
• Harveys Lounge Bar
• Freedom Bar
• Festival Bar

Gandhi Memorial Museum

History enthusiasts must bookmark the Gandhi Memorial Museum, among the five Gandhi Museums in the country, built- in 1959. The museum acts as a repository of Gandhi’s personal life, with articles ranging from a blood-stained cloth worn by him on his assassination to a long series of illustrations depicting the freedom struggle.

The Elephant Hill

Madurai has a lot to offer beyond temples, too. The city’s scenic outskirts are home to beautiful hills, so a drive to the vantage points is never a bad idea. Head out to Yanai Malai, a protected monument and tourist attraction that’s often called ‘The Elephant Hill’, or make your way to Samanar Malai, home to 2000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and sculptures.

Vilacheri

The village of Vilacheri, an hour-long drive away from Madurai, is a unique world in itself. The entire town is dedicated to the craft of making papier-mache dolls, used in traditional Hindu households during the festive season of Navratri. Several guided tours in and around the city offer a day trip to the village, where you can peek into the lives of generations of potters and, in the process, step in their shoes and get your hands soiled, too.

Places to visit near Madurai

Rameswaram

Options are plenty, that too only a few hours away if you wish to escape the city of Madurai. A three-hour drive away lies the holy town of Rameswaram; its Ramanathaswamy Temple is considered to be among the most sacred places for Hindus and part of the Chaar Dhaam pilgrimage. It is believed that Rameswaram is the place where god Rama built a bridge across the sea to reach Lanka, to rescue his wife Sita from her abductor Ravana.

Kodaikanal

The ‘Princess of Hill Stations’, Kodaikanal, also lies just over 100km from Madurai. It’s hard not to miss its lush green valleys and pleasant weather once you’re back from your trip.

Kanyakumari

A four-hour drive south of Madurai leads you to the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula, Kanyakumari. Its beaches attract tourists from across the country, who also make sure to catch the famed ferry ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, built in honour of the Indian guru.

One day travel guide for Madurai or 24 hours in Madurai

If you are in Madurai, just for a day, then it’s better to start early. Start your journey with the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, the most popular tourist spot among all. The intricate architecture and lovely fragrance of the Jasmine flower at the temple are surely going to fill your day with freshness. Just outside the temple, visit Puthu Mandapam, a 500-year-old-market selling everything from wooden toys to fabrics. Then head towards Tamil Nadu’s most beautiful palace, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal. The exquisite designs of the palace will remind you of the grandeur of ancient times. Then you can dig into some favourite dishes starting from yummy idlis to dosas to Kothu Parotta that are readily available in any restaurants in Madurai. After having lunch, move towards Alagar Kovil, the ancient Vishnu temple. Your next stop should be Gandhi Memorial Museum, and browse through the extensive collection of artefacts, pictures and letters of his lifetime.

Pongal Festival

Pongal festival is most commonly known as the Harvest Festival. The three-day festival is rejoiced to thank the Sun, nature, and cattle for giving the farmers a good harvest. Pongal is one of the famous festivals of Madurai and is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm.

Jallikattu

Jallikattu is part of the Pongal celebrations. This is more of a sport involving courage and bravery than a festival held primarily in villages. People in huge numbers throng the open grounds to witness the game of strength.

Chithirai Festival

Chithirai Festival is celebrated for 10 days, starting on the full moon day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, i.e. in April or May. The festival marks the wedding of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarer. A procession of a gold idol of Lord Azaghar, seated on a horse, is carried out by the devotees from Azaghar Koil to Madurai.