Places To Visit In Madurai

"Ancient Tamil city with the Meenakshi Amman Temple"

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20 Places To Visit In Madurai

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  • Temple (7)
  • Hills & Valleys (2)
  • Church & Cathedral (1)
  • Dam (1)

1. Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Top Attraction 4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal was built in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak, who also commissioned several other buildings and temples in the region, each notable for its architecture and spiritual significance.

2. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Top Attraction 4.3 /5

1 km from city center

Temple

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River. It is primarily dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her spouse Shiva. What makes this temple different from others is that both the god and goddess are worshipped together.

3. Alagar Koil

Alagar Koil
Top Attraction 3.5 /5

4 km from city center

Temple

Alagar Koil is an exquisite temple situated in the north east of Madurai. The temple is the rest place of Lord Vishnu and is the sacred place for several followers of Lord Vishnu in the region.

4. Koodal Azhagar Temple

Koodal Azhagar Temple
Top Attraction 4.2 /5

1 km from city center

Temple

The Koodal Azhagar Temple is situated in the city of Azhaghar, the dazzling city of southern India. It is the temple of lord Vishnu with a magnanimous monument of lord Vishnu embossed in front of the temple.

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5. Meghamalai

Meghamalai

85 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Meghamalai, also known as the “High Wavy Mountains”, is a petit yet beautiful place located in the Western Ghats in the state of Tamil Nadu. At an elevation of 1500 meters, this place is an ideal escape to beat the heat and enjoy some peaceful time relaxing amidst nature.

6. Samanar Hills

Samanar Hills

8 km from city center

Hills & Valleys

Samanar Hills, also known as Samanar Malai, is a hill rock complex in Keelakuyilkudi village that was originally home to Tamil Jain monks. The hill caves feature elaborate carvings and drawings on their interior walls, and the site also has a lotus temple on its premises.

7. Vaigai Dam

Vaigai Dam
Top Attraction 4.2 /5

60 km from city center

Dam

Vaigai Dam is a dam constructed over the River Vaigai near Andipatti in Theni District, Tamil Nadu. It's a popular stop for travellers en route to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

8. Athisayam

Athisayam

10 km from city center

Amusement & Theme Park

Athisayam, on the Madurai-Dindigul National Highway, is a water and amusement park spread across about 70 acres. It has 40 games and 20 water rides, along with a 7D theatre, an eatery, and a recreation garden for kids.

9. Tirupparankundram Murugan temple

Tirupparankundram Murugan temple
3.2 /5

8 km from city center

Temple

Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites in southern India and one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Carved into a hillside, the temple is known for its rock-cut architecture and intricate sculptures.

10. Kutladampatti Falls

Kutladampatti Falls

26 km from city center

Waterfall

Kutladampatti Falls, in Cholavantha village, cascades from a height of about 27 meters and is a popular weekend getaway known for its scenic beauty. Freshwater streams descending over large rocks and the cool breeze make it a local favourite.

11. Mariamman Teppakulam

Mariamman Teppakulam
3.2 /5

4 km from city center

Temple

Mariamman Teppakulam is a temple built in honor of Lord Vigneshwara, known for the large tank within its compound, reputed to be the biggest temple tank in the Tamil Nadu region.

12. Banana Market

Banana Market

1 km from city center

Banana Market in Madurai is a wholesale market for bananas located in Rukmanipalayam. It sells as many as 16 varieties of the fruit and is one of the busiest trading spots in the city. Bananas are brought in early each morning from farms and separated from their branches before being sold to local vendors.

13. Gandhi Museum

Gandhi Museum
Top Attraction 4.2 /5

2 km from city center

Museum

The Gandhi Memorial Museum serves as a remembrance and tribute to the efforts of our very own father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Established in 1959 in his cherished memory, eleven years after his demise, it is one of the few Gandhi Museums in the country.

14. Pazhamudhir Solai

Pazhamudhir Solai
3.2 /5

10 km from city center

Temple

Pazhamudhir Solai is a beautiful temple created in the memory of Lord Subramaniya who is worshipped by several people in southern India. It has great sculptures of Lord Subramaniya carved in wood and marble and is a wonderful temple with giant steps in the front of it.

15. Kazimar Big Mosque

Kazimar Big Mosque

2 km from city center

Mosque

Kazimar Big Mosque, also known as Kazimar Periya Pallivasal, is the oldest mosque in Madurai, located near the Periyar bus stand. It holds significant religious importance and is visited by pilgrims from across the region. The mosque can accommodate close to 1,500 people and features a notable maqbara.

16. Goripalayam Dargah

Goripalayam Dargah

1 km from city center

Tombs & Mausoleums

Goripalayam Dargah, also known as Hazrat Syed Sultan Alauddin Syed Sultan Shamsuddin Auliya Dargah, is a mosque in Madurai painted in green and white, with towering minarets and a large dome. It houses the shrine of Hazrat Sultan Alauddin Badusha and Hazrat Sultan Shamsuddin Badusha.

17. Chithirai Festival

Chithirai Festival

Fairs & Festivals

The Chithirai Festival, also known as Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, is one of the grandest temple festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Held annually in the city of Madurai, this festival commemorates the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi (an incarnation of Parvati) and Lord Sundareshwarar (Lord Shiva). Known for its vibrant processions, elaborate rituals, and cultural significance, the Chithirai Fes (Read More)tival draws thousands of devotees and tourists who gather to witness this spectacle of faith and tradition.

18. St Mary's Cathedral

St Mary's Cathedral

Church & Cathedral

St Mary's Cathedral is a gothic style catholic church situated in East Veli Street in Madurai. The striking architecture is a mix of European, Continental and Roman designs. The statue of virgin Mary installed inside is dressed in a saree. The church receives a regular influx of visitors all year long.

19. Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

4 km from city center

Religious Pond

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a large temple tank located near the Vandiyur Mariamman Temple. Known as a 'teppakulam' or temple pond, it is connected to the river Vaigai through underground tunnels, and its water is used for temple rituals. The tank also has a mandapam at its centre with a Ganesha shrine and a small garden.

20. ISKCON Madurai

ISKCON Madurai

1 km from city center

Temple

ISKCON Madurai, on Mani Nagaram Main Road, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Goddess Radha. Mantras and devotional songs are held through the day, and devotees are served prasad. The premises also has a small vegetarian eatery for visitors.

FAQs on Madurai

What are the top sightseeing places in Madurai?

The top sightseeing places in Madurai are Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Vaigai Dam, Alagar Koil, Meghamalai, Samanar Hills.

What are the top restaurants in Madurai?

The best places to eat in Madurai are Jayaram Fast Foods, Emperor Restaurant, Surya Restaurant, Dhivya Mahal Restaurant, Taj Restaurant, Anna Meenakshi Restaurant. You can see all the places to eat in Madurai here

How can I commute within Madurai?

Local transport is by means of bus, taxi or auto-rickshaw. If wishing to visit nearby places, you can board a passanger train. However, remember to keep the train timetable in mind.
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Can you suggest an itinerary for Madurai?

Day 1 - Reach Madurai by morning - noon. Have authentic South Indian breakfast/lunch . Visit the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace in the evening. Do try out the immensely popular Jigarthanda, which is a South Indian version of falooda.
Day 2 - Visit the Koodal Alagar temple, St.Mary's Cathedral and other major places of worship. Have a South Indian thali meal for lunch. Visit the Meenakshi Amman temple in the afternoon. All temples are extremely crowded during the weekends. Try the delicious kothu parotta for dinner.
Day 3 - Try to visit Pazhamudhircholai ( one of the 6 abodes of Lord Muruga ) if possible. Check out the Vaigai Dam. Experience the evening market in the city.
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