Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Madurai for a Memorable Trip

It’s summertime, and everyone is thinking about summer vacations and planning a trip.

What are your plans? If you don’t have one, let me help you.

• Do you want a spiritual journey that will enlighten your soul and sight? 
• Are you also drawn to nature and beauty? 
• Looking for some adventure? 

So, you can experience all of these things in a single city. What? Yes, you heard right, the city is Madurai. 

The place is filled with various temples, waterfalls, rivers, and vibrant cultures, making Madurai a must-visit destination.

You may be wondering how to spend your day in Madurai. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Madurai so you can easily plan your trip.

List of the Top Tourist Attractions in Madurai

1. Meenakshi Amman Temple 

Meenakshi Amman Temple is also known as Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Thirukkovil. It serves as a landmark for the entire city of Madurai. 

If you plan to visit Madurai, you can’t miss this temple situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. The temple is dedicated to the Meenakshi ‘avatar’ of goddess Parvati. 

Meenakshi temple is spread over an area of 45 acres, and the main deity is a black stone ideal decorated with magnificent gold jewelry and the traditional attire of a saree. 

It is worth visiting this temple during festivals because the temple becomes even more beautiful during these times. If you are visiting the city during festive times, you should include Meenakshi Amman Temple on your list of places to see in Madurai.

Timing: 5 am to 1 pm  and 4 pm to 9 pm

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Entry fee: Free entry 

Distance from Madurai:  Approx 750 m

Things to do:

• Attend the night ceremony 
• Admire temple architecture
• Explore the Temple Art Museum 
• Visit the Golden Lotus pond

2. Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple

Solaimalai Murugan Temple, commonly known as Pazhamudhir Temple, is one of the six prominent temples of Lord Murugan in Tamil Nadu.

This temple is nestled in the lush Alagar Hills, offering serene views and a tranquil getaway that attracts devotees and nature lovers.

There is a holy water source nearby called Noopura Gangai, which is believed to have healing properties.

Thousands of devotees flock here seeking wisdom, marriage, children, and academic success blessings. 

It is primarily visited during the Kandha Sashti-Kanta Shasti Vratam, the Aadi Krithigai, and the Vaikasi Visakam festivals. So if you want the best experience you can also plan your visit during these festivals.

Timing: 6 am to 6:30 pm

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Entry fee: Free entry 

Distance from Madurai: 27.6 km via NH 785

Things to do:

• Explore the temple’s history
• Offer prayers to Lord Murugan
• Participate in at least one of the six daily poojas

3. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

The next place on our list of the best places to visit in Madurai is the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, perfect for history buffs. Formerly, it was the residence of King Thirumalai Nayak. This palace blends both Dravidian and Islamic influences.

The palace contains a museum containing sculptures, paintings, and relics from the Nayak period, which appeals to those interested in South Indian history.

If you’re interested in Tamil culture, the palace hosts light and sound shows that illustrate the region’s vibrant culture that you should attend.

Whether you love history or want to learn about different cultures, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal deserves a spot on your list of must-see places in Madurai.

Timing: 9 am to 5 pm

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Entry fee: Rs 5 for children  and Rs 10 for adults

Distance from Madurai: Approx 2.2km

Things to do:

• Explore the Dravidian and Indo-Saracenic architecture.
• Take a tour of the palace museum to see Nayak-era artefacts, sculptures, and paintings.
• Attend the sound and light show.

4. Athisayam

Visiting Madurai with children? Then you shouldn’t miss Athisayam, one of the best water parks in Madurai.

No matter what you are looking for, Athisayam has something for everyone, whether you want thrilling adventures or just a relaxing time in the water with your family and friends. 

Hence, if you plan on exploring Madurai this summer, visit Athisayam since it will keep you cool during the summer heat.

Timing: 10 am–6:30 pm

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Entry fee: Rs 400 for children  and Rs 700 for adults

Distance from Madurai: Approx 11.8 km

Things to do:

• Enjoy Water Rides.
• Visit the Wave Pool.
• Take pictures at scenic spots like the Entrance Shower.
• Immerse yourself in the 7D theater.

5. Koodal Azhagar Temple

Due to the abundance of temples in Madurai, the next place on our list of the best tourist attractions is a temple called Koodal Azhagar.

The kings of the Pandya Dynasty constructed the temple. Vijayanagar Empire and Madurai Nayaks also contributed to the construction of the temple.

You can see the three postures of Lord Vishnu in the temple: sitting, standing, and reclining.

There is something for everyone here, whether they seek peace, history, or a divine connection. The best time to visit is during Brahmotsavam or the Float Festival.

Time to explore: 6:30–11:30 am, 4:30–7 pm

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Entry fee: Free entry 

Distance from madurai: 2.6 km ( via E masi st)

Things to do:

• Take part in daily pujas and pray.
• Observe lord Vishnu’s different postures.
• Climb to the upper levels for a closer look at the Ashtanga Vimanam.

6. Gandhi Memorial Museum 

As its name suggests, the museum celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s life, highlighting his contributions to India’s independence and his assassination.

You will find various photos, quotes, and letters related to Gandhi. This place makes you feel like you are traveling back to when Gandhi used to plan movements and deliver speeches. You cannot miss the piece of blood-stained dhoti that Gandhi was wearing when Nathuram Godse shot him. 

Hence, if you want to learn more about Mahatma Gandhi’s life, this would be a great place to visit in Madurai.

Timing: 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Entry fee: Free entry ( cameras are not)

Distance from Madurai: Approx 3.1km 

 Things to do:

• Explore and read about Gandhi’s life and struggle.
• You can visit the library.
• Exploring and admiring the palace.

7. Yanaimalai Hills

Yanaimalai Hills, famously known as the Elephant Hill, is one of the best tourist attractions in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The hill is shaped like an elephant sitting! 

You’ll be delighted to know that it was a holy place where monks from the Pandya Dynasty lived. You can also see Hindu rock-cut temples like the Ladan cave Temple, which was built in the 8th century for lord Murugan. 

This less-crowded gem is ideal for those seeking tranquillity and a glimpse into Tamil Nadu’s rich history.

Timing: Anytime

Duration: 4 to 6 hours

Entry fee: Free entry 

Distance from Madurai: Approx 11.7km

Things to do:

• Explore caves with sculptures of Mahavir Jain and other tirthankars
• Hike to the top of the hill for panoramic views.
• Take a picture of the elephant-shaped hill.
• Explore Hindu rock-cut temples.

8. Mariamman Teppakulam

Mariamman Teppakulam is a historic temple tank and cultural landmark in Madurai. It is especially suitable for devotees and those interested in Hindu rituals.

Aside from devotees, It is a good choice for families or groups seeking a quiet evening spot for strolling.

Timing: Anytime

Duration: 1 to 2 hours

Entry fee: Free entry 

Distance from Madurai: Approx 4.3 km

Things to do:

• Take a trip to the Vigneshwara Temple.
• Attend the Teppoothsavam Float Festival.
• Enjoy evening street food.
• Relax in the nearby garden.

9. Samanar Hills

Samanar Hills, locally called Thiruvuruvagam or Melamai, is located near the Keelakuilkudi Village in the district of Madurai in Tamilnadu. 

The hills reflect the long-lost Jain tradition that used to thrive in the place. For a better understanding of Jain beliefs, visit this place in Madurai.

The most popular sites are Settipodav and Pachikapallam. At these attractions, you can see sculptures and images of Lord Mahavir, the last Tirthankar of the Jain tradition, as well as Jain sculptures like Bahubali, Mahavir, and Parsvanatha.

Timing: Anytime

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Entry fee: free entry

Distance from Madurai: Approx 10.4 km

Things to do 

• Visit Settipodav and Pachikapallam sites 
• Explore the iconographical depictions 
• Interact with the local people about the place

10. Puthu Mandapam Market

The last spot on our list of best places to visit in Madurai is Puthu Mandapam, one of the best shopping destinations in Tamilnadu. No trip would be complete without shopping, so we have added this to our list.

The place has enumerable shops for brass and wooden articles, textiles, and locally made gifts. Therefore, you should buy something from the market to bring home as a souvenir.

Time to explore: 9:00 am- 8:30 pm

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Entry fee: Free entry

Distance from Madurai: Approx 1 km

Things to do:

Conclusion

If you want to visit Madurai, the places should be on your priority list. Whether you’re spiritual, nature-loving, or adventurous, this city won’t disappoint you.

So, when you are planning your trip to Madurai? Don’t wait; plan your trip today and make unforgettable memories.

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