Madurai is a major city located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and also is the 25th most populated city in India. Located on the banks of River Vaigai. Madurai is an important industrial and educational hub in South Tamil Nadu. The city is famous for its rich heritage and promoting the Tamil language through “Sangams”. Madurai is famous for the Chithrai Festival which takes place during mid-April–May, during the Hindu month of Chithrai.
Best time to visit Madurai
October to March is the best time to visit Madurai. With a hot and dry climate for most of the year, Madurai is best visited during the winter season. Madurai is the most fascinating and welcoming during the months between October and March I.e. the winter season in India.
How to reach Madurai
By air: Madurai airport is just 10 km away from the main city and it is well connected to all major cities of India. The nearest international airport in Chennai.
By train: Direct trains are available from many cities of India. From Chennai, it takes seven hours to reach Madurai and trains run daily.
By road: The city of Madurai is well connected by all southern parts of India. The bus terminus is at a distance of 6kms from the city.
Now, coming to the attraction, there are must-see places in Madurai…..
1. Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi Temple, also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Lord Shiva. The Meenakshi temple is not only a religious center but is also an economic center and the best time to visit is early in the morning and also in the evening for the night ceremony. There are many reasons that add to the beauty of the temple, one of which are the different types of festivals that are held throughout the 12 months of the Tamil calendar year.
Opening time: open every day, 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: history buffs, photo fanatics, experience seekers
Distance from the station: 1.7 km
2. Thirumalai Natak Palace
Thirumalai Natak Palace is a place worth admiring and exploring. The palace was built in 1635, by the King Thirumalai Nayak who had the vision of creating a masterpiece for a royal stay. The major attractions of the palace are the entrance gate, dancing hall, and the main hall. The interiors of this palace mesmerize everyone with its intricate paintings and sculpting. Paintings on the roof of the palace are beautiful and worth noticing. Even a casual visitor loves the paintings and sculptures in this shrine. Another beautiful painting is that of Harihara. The light and sound show at Thirumalai Nayak Palace is one of the most attractive features of this palace.
Opening time: open every day, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 10 per adult, Rs 5 per child
Ideal for: history buffs, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 3.2 km
3. Alagar Koil
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and comprises three sanctuaries of diminishing size holding the idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple is enclosed in a rectangular enclosure with huge granite walls. The temple is known for its intricate stone carvings and sculptures. It is located at the top of the hills from where a natural stream of water runs. The fresh water of this stream is carried daily by the temple priest for Lord Krishna. A beautiful place that blends both religion and history perfectly, this is a must-visit on your trip to Madurai.
Opening time: open everyday, 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: God Lovers, History Buffs, Nirvana Seekers, Experience Seekers, Photo Fanatics
Distance from the station: 22.4 km
4. Koodal Azhagar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Koodal Azhagar Temple, located in the center of Madurai city of Tamil Nadu is a unique and famous temple of historical significance constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture and supposedly built by the Pandyas. The majestic temple is beautifully sculpted and carved by adding different shades of color imposes itself in the eyes of the beholder. There are many small shrines of other God and Goddesses such as Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Goddess Lakshmi, etc. Inscriptions in the temple describe the huge amount of gifts and donations this shrine used to receive for various constructions during various rules.
Opening time: open every day, 5:30 am to 12:30 pm, and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: Experience seekers, Religious Trips, history buffs
Distance from the station: 1.3 km
5. Adhisyam
It is a water theme park established in 2000 in Madurai. It is now the largest water park in Madurai, located at a distance of 15 km from the city center. This water park is a place to relax Nd spend some quality time with family. The park is popular for its water rides. The park has two sections; i.e water park and normal park. Cleaning activity goes on each and every minute. Discounts are provided for School tours and College tours.
Opening time: open every day, 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fee: Adults Rs 800, Child Rs 500
Ideal for: fun lovers
Distance from the station: 11.4 km
6. Pazhamudhir solai
The Pazhamudir Solai is an important temple dedicated to Lord Muruga in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. Situated about 20 kilometers from the main city, this temple resides on the top of a hill. The hill is famed for its dense forest and the plethora of trees filled with a variety of fruits. The temple has also got waterfalls and springs within the premises with tribal people living in and around the area. The temple is a small yet very holy temple and is one of the six Arupadaiveedu, i.e. the place where Lord Muruga witnessed some of the very important events of his life Thus, getting blessings from the Lord at this spot is considered very holy by the devotees.
Opening time: open every day, 5:30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: God lovers, photo fanatics, experience seekers
Distance from the station: 25.3 km
7. St Mary’s cathedral church
St. Mary’s Cathedral is also known with the name of Church of Our Lady of Dolours, is one of the most popular churches not only in Madurai but also in Tamil Nadu. Its architectural beauty attracts many visitors along with its religious significance. With a history of more than 150 years, this parish presents a beautiful blend of Roman, European and other architectural styles. It is Well worth a look as it is close by to the palace and Painted in white and looks a very good inside with a calm atmosphere. It also has some excellent artworks.
Opening time: open every day, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: god lovers, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 3.1 km
8. Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple
Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple is located at a distance of 8 km from the center of Madurai city. This temple carved out of the mountain is considered as one of the abodes of Lord Murugan. The temple has shrines of Lord Subramanya, Lord Shiva, Lord Vinayaka, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu, and other deities. There are a number of cubical pillars with lotus medallions at the entrance of the temple. The temple has a number of cave shrines that are small and approached through narrow dark passages.
Opening time: open every day, 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: photo fanatics, god lovers, experience seekers, nirvana seekers
Distance from the station: 7.7 km
9. Vandiyur Mariamman Temple
Vandiyur Mariamman Temple is located in the east of the temple city Madurai. It is dedicated to Mariamman, the Hindu Goddess of rain. it is situated near to river Vaigai at a distance of about 3 km from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. It was built in 1645 AD during the rule of Thirumalai Nayak. The temple pond is surrounded by granite steps on all the four sides while in the middle a Vigneshwara Temple is located, which is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka/ Lord Ganesha. Idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are also brought here during the festive season. Devotees from all across the country come for a Madurai tour during this time to witness this mesmerizing scene here.
Opening time: open everyday, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: experience seekers, history buffs, photo fanatics
Distance from the station: 5.4 km
10. Gandhi Memorial Museum
Gandhi Memorial Museum, established in 1959, is a memorial Gandhi museum located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India. The museum has an original letter written personally by Gandhiji to Narayanan Sathsangi of Devakottai. The northern wing of this building, houses the Library, which contains books giving the cultural background of India, books on and by Gandhiji and allied literature. A bloodstained cloth used by him on the day of his assassination is also placed in the museum. The museum is also home to around 100 relics and replicas of artefacts about Gandhiji.
Opening time: open everyday except Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:45 PM
Entry fee: N/A
Ideal for: history buffs, architecture enthusiasts
Distance from the station: 4.9 km
