Places to visit in Madurai
Places to Visit in Madurai
Tourist Places to Visit in Madurai
Known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, there are a lot of tourist places to visit in Madurai. The skyline of Madurai is dominated by 14 gopurams of the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple. Madurai is also popularly known as “The Lotus City” as the shape of the city resembles a lotus.
Tourist places in Madurai are filled with temples dedicated to different Gods like Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The churches of the city are architectural marvels with a mix of Roman, Continental and European architecture. There are palaces where visitors can witness the Dravidian grandeur and see how they have stood the course of time.
Madurai is also home to one of the five Gandhi Sangrahalaya (museum) where one can find many artefacts related to Gandhi. A few parks are frequented by families to escape from the hustle-bustle of the city. Finally, to get a panoramic view of Madurai, the tourists should surely hike up the hills.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Madurai:
Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as the Meenakshi-Sundershwara Temple, is a famous tourist attraction in Madurai and is one of the oldest temples in India. This temple holds great importance to the Indian people due to its mythological and historical significance. It is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi), in the form of Sundareswarar (meaning the handsome one).
The temple is known for its astonishing architecture and is thronged by thousands of devotees every single day. The marvellous architecture of the temple surely makes it one of the Wonder of India. The Thirukalyanam Festival, which is quite famous in South India is celebrated over a span of 10 days and attracts over a million devotees.
Temple visiting time: 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Time spent in temple: 1 - 2 hours
Best time to visit: Early morning or evening, for the aarti
Best months to visit: October to March
Things to remember: As it is a place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and conservatively
Meghamalai has beautiful and rugged nature trails that take one deep into the forests at the local wildlife sanctuary that house hundreds of species of exotic birds like spotted doves, blue robins, and the Great Indian hornbill. Some parts of the forests also provide habitat to leopards, Indian gaurs, elephants, and tigers. Don’t miss to see the beautiful Suruli and Meghamalai waterfalls and visit dams like Manalar, Thekkady, Vanniar, etc. that are stunningly lush enclaves of nature. There are ancient temples like the hilltop Murugan and Mangala Devi Temples that are not only visited by thousands to pray but are also great viewpoints for people to soak in panoramic views of the place.
Erected in the year 1635, the palace was a magnificent vision by the king for his royal stay. If you’re a history lover and appreciate the marvels of architecture then this is the place to be. The light and sound show here, every evening, makes the visit even more memorable.
Visiting time of the palace: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Time spent in the palace: About 2 hours to explore all the accessible areas
Entry fee: Rs 5 for children
Best time to visit: Mid-afternoon to explore all the accessible areas of the palace and catch the light and sound show.
Located about 70 km away from Madurai, Vaigai is a magnificent dam that graces the beautiful Vaigai river. A blessing for the natives of Madurai, Theni and Dindigul, Vaigai Dam has provided for and been a source of employment for several families since its inauguration in 1959. The dam neighbours a lovely little garden known as the ‘Little Brindavan’, a favourite amongst picnickers and kids. It also harbours a musical fountain that operates on weekends and public holidays.
Monsoon is the ideal time to enjoy the beauty of Vaigai, when it is at its peak. The water level rises significantly, and there’s lush greenery for as far as the eyes can see. If you’re seeking some solitude and peace, Vaigai is the place to be.
Timings: 06:00 AM to 06:00
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Location: Guest House Rd, Melmangalam, Tamil Nadu 625562
Sitting about 21 km away from
Madurai, Alagar Koyil, alternatively known as Azhagar Kovil, is one of the most
visited temples of Madurai. Besides the religious significance that the temple
holds, it is also an architectural marvel. Depicting the forms and styles of
the early Sangam age, the era that it belongs to, the temple is dedicated to
Lord Vishnu. The temple walls are embellished with fine, captivating carvings,
while several mandapams warehoused within.
The presiding deity here is Lord
Sundararajan, the brother of Goddess Meenakshi. There are a few shrines
dedicated to deities like Andal, Sudarshana and Yoga Narasimha in the temple.
Timings: 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Location: Alagar
Koyil main road, Tamil Nadu
There is an interesting inscription here that details how the dargah came into being during the ancient Pandiyan regime when Madurai was mostly under Islamic rule and influence. The dargah, in shades of pristine white, is easy to spot amidst the surrounding winding alleys due to its tall minarets and its huge dome. It has a beautiful Islamic-Dravidian architecture that includes ornate arches, stone pillars, and cool marble floors. It even houses a shelter where people of all faiths stay for days and months to seek divine blessings amidst the serene ambience of Quran recitals and the holy azaan.
Timings: Every day from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm.
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The carvings on the walls give an account of the way of living and the rules that monks followed. There is also a beautiful lotus temple situated on the premise.
Visiting time of the hills: Sunrise to sunset
Time spent in the temple: Around 2 hours
Best time to visit: Early morning, to beat the sun during the hike to the top
Things to remember: The trek to reach the top of the hill can take up to 2 hours
For the worshippers of Lord Vishnu, the Koodal Azhagar Temple is surely one of the finest places to visit in Madurai. Originally built by the Pandyas, the temple is situated right in the middle of the city of Madurai. Koodal is another name for Madurai whereas, Azhagar means “beautiful one” in Tamil.
The temple is surrounded by a granite wall, enclosing all the shrines. Constructed in the Dravidian architecture style, the temple is beautifully sculpted and carved by adding hues of different colours.
Visiting time of the temple: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Time spent in the temple: 1 - 2 hours
Entry fee: Rs 10 for children
Rs 20 for adults
Best time to visit: Early morning or evening, to attend the aarti
Best months to visit: Mid February to mid March to attend the festivals
Things to remember: As it is a place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and conservatively
Built as a memorial, the museum showcases a plethora of artefacts related to Gandhi, from letters to photos and sculptures and historical documents, that reflect the instrumental role he played during the freedom movement of India. But what attracts most of the visitors is the blood-stained cloth that was worn by him when he was assassinated.
Museum visiting time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Time spent in museum: 1- 2 hours
Entry fee: There is no entry fee however, a Rs.50 fee is levied for the use of cameras
Best month to visit: October to January, as these are the months of birth and month of death of Gandhi; hence, special events are held during these months
If you feel caught up in the world of the countless temples that line the face of Madurai, Athisayam Water Park is the best outlet! One of the most entertaining places to visit in Madurai, the water amusement park is a favourite amongst kids and adults alike.
Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures or just a chill time in the water with friends, Athisayam has got you covered. What started off as a quiet entertainment centre five years ago, has flourished into the largest amusement park in the area! With an array of over 50 fun rides, there is hardly any other place that matches the glamour of Athisayam.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 06:30 PM everyday
Entry Fee: INR 800 per adult, INR 500 per child
Location: Madurai - Dindigul Main Road,Paravai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625402
Iskcon
Resounding Krishna hymns, curling clouds and fragrance of burning incense, and tinkling bells offer the perfect atmosphere for meditation here. The stark-white marble idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are adorned with beautiful ‘vastrams’ and jewellery. Don’t miss to attend the evening aartis, devotional lectures, and kirtans not only to gain more spiritual knowledge but to also lose yourself in an ambience that reverberates with hypnotic chants and divine rhythms. There is a small eatery inside the complex that serves simple but delicious vegetarian food.
Timings: Every day from 4:45 am-12: 30 pm and 5:00 pm-8: 15 pm.
Location: Mani Nagaram Main Road, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Built by King Thirumalai Nayak, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a tank located close to the temple of the same name. This temple tank is a place of worship where people can be seen performing devotional activities, also it is about 2 km away from the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Connected to the Vaigai river, the tank is a magnificent structure with a system of underground channels and 12 long, granite steps on all four sides. In the middle of the tank, there is a main mandapam known as Maiya Mandapam or the Central Mandapam along with a garden and a Vinayakar temple.
Visiting time to the tank: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entry fee: There is no entry fee
Best months to visit: January to February, during the float festival (Teppoothsavam)
Madurai's oldest mosque, the Kazimar Big Mosque was the creation of Kazi Syed Tajuddin back in the 13th century. Carrying stellar impression of the ages that the structure has witnessed, it is a frequent haunt for lovers of history, culture and religion.
The mosque, true to its informal name 'Big Mosque', is large enough to accommodate about 2,500 people at once! The shrine (known as dargah) of the descendants of Prophet Muhammad also lies within the mosque, where several devotees flock to pay homage.
Timings: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Location: Kazimar St, Periyar, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
It is located 20 km away from the city of Madurai and sits quietly atop a hill and is close to the Vishnu temple of Azhagar Kovil.
Visiting time of the temple: 5:30 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Time spent in the temple: 1 - 2 hours
Entry fee: There is no entry fee
Best time to visit: Early morning, for good darshan and to avoid queues for the spring water
Best months to visit: March, to witness Panguni Uthiram being celebrated with full grandeur
Things to remember: As it is a place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and conservatively
Visiting time of the church: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Time spent in the temple: Visitors spend around half an hour while devotees can spend over an hour
Best time to visit: Between 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Best months to visit: Mid February to mid March to attend the festivals
Things to remember: As it is a place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and conservatively
Yanaimalai is one of the most
beautiful places to visit in Madurai, besides being a well-preserved tourist
attraction. Home to several ancient sculptures, a Shaivite Temple and a couple
of caves, the hill is spans over 3 km of lush green land, and is about 300 ft.
high.
The structural beauty and historical significance of the hill has earned
it a the title of a protected monument under The Ancient And Archaeological
Sites And Remains Act. Rooted in various mythological tales and folklore,
Yanaimalai is an unmissable place for history enthusiasts and nature lovers
alike.
Location: Narasingam, Tamil Nadu 625104
Referenced in several ancient texts, including works of the Sangam literature, Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple is one of the most interesting places to visit in Madurai. Stretching across 2.3 acres of land, the temple has managed to beautifully preserve the architectural beauty that Madurai boasts of.
The prominent Dravidian style of architecture stands out beautifully, along with subtle glimpses of the Pandyan era being reflected within the walls. Surrounded by granite walls, there are four prakaramas centred inside the complex. The temple now falls under the care of the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu Government.
Timings: 07:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Location: Thirumohur, Tamil Nadu 625107
What makes this temple special is its rock-cut architecture which, in popular belief, was built by the Pandyas. People believe that it is auspicious to get married in the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple for a happy and successful married life.
Temple visiting time: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Time spent in temple: 1 - 2 hours
Best months to visit: Mid March to April, during the 14-day long festival
Distance: The temple is situated 8 km away from Madurai are the month of birth and month of death, respectively, of Gandhi
The temple hosts the popular festivals of Avani Moolam, Theppam, Navarathri, etc. that bring thousands of people from all over Southern India. The temple complex houses a traditional market that's been functioning since the 1920s, where you can pick up beautiful local textiles, holy books, jewellery, and sandalwood products.
Timings: Every day from 9:00 am- 8:30 pm.
Location: E Chitrai Street, Chinnakadai Area, Madurai.
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Which are the best places to visit in Madurai?
Vaigai Dam: Built over the Vaigai River, this dam is the perfect place to spend time savouring views of calm waters surrounded by a cool misty breeze. Climb around 100 steps to the top of the dam and you are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding lush hills and farms.
Samanar Hills: This almost 2000-year-old hill complex is one of the few surviving places where Jain monks lived and practiced their faith. There is a hilltop cave inscribed with Jain sayings and sculptures. It is a popular trekking location loved for the challenging hike that takes one to the top.
St. Mary’s Cathedral: Built in 1841, this beautiful church is loved for its architecture that has Roman and European influences as is seen in its stained glass windows, colourful façade, and tall 42-metre high bell towers.
What are the most popular things to do in Madurai?
Shopping: No trip to Madurai is complete without picking up the beautiful traditional handicrafts, fine cotton, and the signature Chungidi silk sarees. Some of the best places to shop are the Cottage Arts Emporium, Avani Moola Street, Puthu Mandapam, and Chithirai Street.
Bird watching: A haven for bird watchers, places here like Poondi Tank, Samanatham Tank, and Meghamalai house local and exotic migratory species like the Common sandpiper, Garganey, Ruddy shelduck, Blue-tailed bee-eater, etc.
Participate in the local festivals: Madurai hosts festivals like Pongal, Jallikattu, Oonjal, Alagar, Chithirai, etc. with so much fervour that you can’t help but be a part of all their vibrant colours and exciting celebrations.
What is Meenakshi temple famous for?
How long does it take to visit the Meenakshi temple?
You would need at least 2-3 hours to do justice to this absolute wonder of a place. You need time to see its huge 1000-pillared mandapam, sculptured walls, and attend the aartis. It is worth spending time doing nothing here and just soaking in the serene ambience silently as you watch faith & belief drive people around you.
