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Madurai Tourism

• Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
• Alagar Koyil (Alagar Kovil)
• Gandhi Memorial Museum
• Koodal Azhagar Temple
• Pazhamudhir Solai
• Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
• Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
• Mary's Cathedral
• Samanar Hills
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Meenakshi Amman Temple

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Mariamman Teppakulam

Alagar Kovil

Tirupparankundram

Keezhadi Civilisation

Rameshwaram

Places To Visit In Madurai

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1. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

1 km from city center 1 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

The Historic Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is primarily dedicated to Parvati, known as Meenakshi, and her spouse, Shiva. That makes this temple different than the others is the fact that both God and Goddess are worshipped together. 

2. Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

1 km from city center 2 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal was constructed way back in the 17th century. Several buildings and temples had been constructed by him in the region and they have all been splendid both in terms of construction location and spirituality.

3. Vaigai Dam

60 km from city center 3 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Vaigai Dam, a magnificent human-made structure, is constructed over River Vaigai near Andipatti, Theni District in the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Andipatti lies about 70 kilometres from Madurai and travellers on their way to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary often visit this massive and wondrous dam.

4. Alagar Koil

4 km from city center 4 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

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.

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85 km from city center 5 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Often known as the “High Wavy Mountains”, Meghamalai 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 a perfect getaway to beat the heat and enjoy some peaceful time relaxing amidst nature.

6. Samanar Hills

8 km from city center 6 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Located in Keelakuyilkudi village near Madurai, Samanar Hills or Samanar Malai is a beautiful hill rock complex which was originally home to Tamil Jain monks. The hill caves are a popular place of tourism and have elaborate carvings and drawings of the monks, on the interior walls. The spot also has a beautiful lotus temple located in the premises.

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7. Gandhi Museum

2 km from city center 7 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

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.

8. Koodal Azhagar Temple

1 km from city center 8 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

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.

9. Athisayam

10 km from city center 9 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Located on the Madurai - Dindigul National Highway near Madurai, Athisayam is a massive water cum amusement park. Sprawling over a vast 70 acres of land, the park boasts of a total of 40 games and 20 water rides. The park also has a 7D theatre, an eatery and a recreation garden for kids.

10. Mariamman Teppakulam

4 km from city center 10 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Constructed in the honor of Lord Vigneshwara, this divine temple is situated about 5 km from the meenakshi temple. It has a huge tank in the compound of the temple and holds the record of being the biggest tank in the region of Tamil Nadu.

11. Pazhamudhir Solai

10 km from city center 11 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

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.

12. Tirupparankundram Murugan temple

8 km from city center 12 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Tirupparankundram Murugan temple is one of the pilgrimage places in the southern India. The temple is an excellent master piece of art and is devoted to mother earth for the benedicts it has bequeathed on the holy earth.

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13. Chithirai Festival

13 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

The Chithirai festival of Tamil Nadu happens to be one of the longest stretched festivals to be celebrated anywhere in the world. The festival is celebrated in the city of Madurai of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is celebrated for over two weeks. An estimated number of a million people gather for the celebrations from all over India and abroad.

14. St Maryês Cathedral

14 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

St Maryês 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.

15. Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

4 km from city center 15 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Vandiyur Maiamman Teppakulam is a tiny pond located near the premises of Vandiyur Maiamman Temple in mandir. •Teppakulamê literally meaning temple pond is connected to the river Vaigai through underground tunnels and its water is used for temple rituals. The pond also has a Mandapam in the centre with a Ganesha Temple and a tiny garden.

16. ISKCON Madurai

1 km from city center 16 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Situated in the Mani Nagaram Main Road in Madurai, ISKCON Madurai is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Goddess Radha. The temple reverberates with mantras and songs at all times and devotees are fed with prasad. The premises also has a pure veg tiny eatery for the devotees and other visitors.

17. Banana Market

1 km from city center 17 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Banana Market in Madurai is a wholesale market for bananas situated in Rukmanipalayam. The place sells as many as 16 varieties of the fruit and is a hot trading place in the city. The bananas are brought early in the morning from the factory outlets and are unbranched from the branches to sell them to the local vendors.

18. Kazimar Big Mosque

2 km from city center 18 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Kazimar Big Mosque or Kazimar Periya Pallivasal is the oldest mosque in Madurai located near the Periyar bus stand. The mosque also holds significant religious importance and is visited by pilgrims from far and wide. With a space to accommodate close to 1500 people, the mosque also has an enchanting architecture with a magnificent maqbara.

19. Goripalayam Dargah

1 km from city center 19 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Goripalayam Dargah is also known as Hajha Syed Sultan Alaoudeen Syed Sultan Samsudeen Aouliya Dargah and is situated in Madurai. Done in green and white paint, the mosque has towering minars and a magnificent dome; and it houses the shrine of Hazrat Sulthan Alauddin Badusha and Hazrat Sulthan Shamsuddin Badusha.

20. Kutladampatti Falls

26 km from city center 20 out of 20 Places To Visit in Madurai

Cascading from a height of 27 m, the Kutladampatti waterfalls are nestled in Cholavantha village, 30 kms from Madurai. This artificial waterfall is extremely popular for its scenic beauty and makes for the perfect weekend getaway. The freshwater streams descending down the huge rocks, the cool breeze and the lovely ambience of the area make it a local favourite.

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Madurai Tourism And Travel Guide

Amid all the hustle and bustle of an active town with a flourishing economic, political and social milieu, lies the culturally ancient city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India . Madurai has a history dating back to the Stone Ages and later to the golden period of Sangam literature, when the ancient classical language of Tamil flourished under the aegis of great poets and scholars who gathered at Madurai.

Tourists visit Madurai to experience the olde city, to see the magnificent Meenakshi temple and the other historic and natural sites that the city is full of. What makes Madurai so exceptional and special are the things that are native to the city and no tourist on a trip to Madurai will want to let pass; the Madurai Meenakshi temple, the GI tagged Madurai Sungudi saris and the Madurai Malli, the flowers that are the pride of Madurai ever since the Sangam period and of course, Madurai’s Jigardhandha.

As Madurai lies in close proximity to many other noteworthy tourist cities like Palani, Kodaikanal , Srirangam and Karaikudi, it makes for a worthy pilgrimage. Madurai tourism has in stock great places to visit and promises a number of thrilling things to do. There are some great shopping surprises in store too. If you are planning a tour to Madurai, our travel guide should give you some tips for a memorable trip.

How to Reach

The easiest and fastest way to reach Madurai would be by flight.

Madurai flies domestic flights to most major cities in India and International flights to Singapore , Colombo and Dubai . You could easily travel to one of these cities by flight and take a connecting flight to Madurai. You could use a state bus or hire a cab from the airport to your destination.

There are quite a number of long trains from the southern cities to the rest of the country that halt at Madurai. The premium super fast Tejas Express from Chennai ’s Egmore Station to Madurai is the latest introduction to train services to Madurai. You can get auto rickshaws or cabs from the railway station to your destination.

State and National Highways connect Madurai by bus transport to neighbouring towns, districts as well as states. Madurai boasts of a number of well maintained bus stations and plenty of buses, so travelling to Madurai by bus could be hassle free.

Getting Around:

There are local buses, auto rickshaws and cabs you can use for getting around within the city and the suburbs. Try the cycle rickshaws and the two wheelers that come on hire. 

• How To Reach Madurai

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Madurai has a hot climate throughout the year. The best time to visit is the months of winter from November to February.

Summer (March-May):

Summer months are very hot and off season in Madurai. There might be occasional mango showers in April-May, which will bring down the maximum temperature. People go off to the waterfalls during these summer showers for a drench. But generally Madurai remains a hot place in summer. Take a breather in the hilly regions of Sirumalai and Kodaikanal .

Monsoon (August-October):

Monsoon brings moderate rainfall to the region. It’s a good season for nature tourists, for you can visit the waterfalls, but the rains might be a hindrance to long sightseeing trips.

Winter (November-February):

Winter’s neither too cold nor too warm. It’s the right, pleasant season to visit places and go for long drives. Winter is the time the winged visitors arrive at Madurai’s water holes. If you’re a birder, you’ll have great time in Madurai watching the birds.

• Madurai Weather And Best Time To Visit Madurai

Things to Do

Archaeological Sites:

If you are interested in archaeology, visit Devankurichi, about 40 km from Madurai. Amazing artefacts from megalithic and iron age periods were excavated from the site, which later was the region where Shaivism and Jainism flourished. You could still see the ruined Jain temples and the Shiva temples built by the later Pandya Kings.

Thiruaapudaiyaar Temple:

A beautiful ancient Shiva temple enroute to Vaigai River, the temple is the 2nd of the Thevara Stalas of the Pandya Kingdoms. According to the temple’s legends, a Pandya king worshipped a wedge or aapu as a Shiva Linga, and it mysteriously turned into a real linga.

Sound and Light Shows:

Don’t miss the Sound and Light Shows at Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal that run in English from 6.45pm-7.35pm and in Tamil from 8.00pm-8.50pm daily. Check out the Madurai Gandhi Museum’s Sound and Light Shows too. You could participate in yoga, pranayama and meditation classes held in the Museum.

Tiruparankundram:

This is one of Madurai’s unique rock cut temples. The Tiruparankundram temple for Subrahmanya was built by the Pandya Kings of the 6th century and celebrates the celestial marriage of Subrahmanya with Devayanai.

Sivaganga Palace:

Visit Gowri Vilasam, the 19th century Sivaganga Palace built over the more ancient Palace of the 1730s, which had been the secret meeting place of the warrior kings Veerapandiya Kattabomman and the Marudhapandi brothers. Visit the Raja Rajeshwari Temple inside the Palace and the royal tank. Sivaganga is about 45 km from Madurai.

Gorippalayam Dargah:

The Gorippalayam Dargah built in the 13th century, is the largest mosque in Madurai. Said to have been built by Thirumalai Nayakar, the mosque that sits on the banks of Vaigai River is a marvel of ancient architecture.

Samanar Hills:

About 15 km from Madurai, the rock cut Jain temples, with their sculptures and wall carvings of the 9th century are sure to amaze you. There are 2000 year old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras and stone beds that the monks of the bygone eras used to rest.

Pottery making:

Visit Vilacheri in the suburbs of Madurai. The region has skilled pottery makers and you can watch them handle their clay with a dexterity that comes with craftsmanship and years of practise. Go ahead and dip your hands into the soft earth and make yourself a clay souvenir to take home. You could buy clay and Paper Mache dolls here. 

• Things To Do In Madurai
• Tourist Places To Visit In Madurai

Madurai’s huge market area is primarily spread out around the Meenakshi Temple. The Puthu Mandapam near the eastern gate of the temple has hundreds of shops selling bronze, metal, aluminium ware and traditional fashion accessories and toys along with a number of tailoring shops, where you can get your clothes stitched in an hour or two. Around the temple you’ll find a number of textile shops selling the traditional Madurai cotton Sungudi saris and dhotis. Visit Chithirai and Masi streets for clothes and Avani Mula Street for handicrafts. For branded items visit Vishal De Mal, Milan ’em Shopping Mall or Madurai Mall. Visit the Banana Market, which is one of Madurai’s popular tourist attractions. 

Madurai is a trading city, popularly called Thoonga Nagaram or the city that never sleeps. The business of loading and unloading vegetables at the markets go on till wee hours and flower merchants spread their wares before the cock crows, so roadside eateries work in tandem to keep up with a steady supply of food. A late night visitor to Madurai is familiar with the clang-clang of steel ladle on a hot tawa as the Kothu Parotta gets done to a gentle crisp. And do try the Ceylon Parotta, said to have been introduced in Madurai by the people of Sri Lanka . You will find a number of Messes that sell varieties of veggie or mutton biryani, kola urundai or chicken dosa. Call on Murugan Idli for Idlis and Onion Utthapam, Modern Restaurant for a variety rice and Ven Pongal, Prema Vilas for Tirunelveli Halwa, Arya Bhavan for Kachoris and Annapurna Mithai for Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti.

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2 Day Madurai Itinerary – 17 Best Places To Visit In Madurai

If you are planning a trip to Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India then here is a 2 day Madurai itinerary that includes all places to visit in Madurai.

If you are planning a 2 day Madurai itinerary , you are at the right place. We present here the best places to visit in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India for your Madurai trip as part of your Madurai local sightseeing . The Madurai itinerary includes the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple and other lesser-known off-beat places to visit in Madurai . Read on to know more about how to plan your Madurai itinerary , as well as helpful information like the best time to visit Madurai , and much more.

Table of Contents

2 Day Madurai Itinerary – List of Places To Visit In Madurai

Here is a list of the top sights in Madurai that can be customized in your Madurai itinerary based on your own preferences and the time at your disposal. The places are shown along with the distance in kilometres from the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai .

17 Best Places To Visit In Madurai

• Meenakshi Amman Temple (0)
• Azhagar Kovil – 23 kms
• Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal – 23 kms
• Koodal Azhagar Temple – 1 km
• Gandhi Memorial Museum – 4 kms
• Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple – 8 kms
• Kazimar Big Mosque – 1.5 kms
• Yanaimalai – 11 kms
• Vaigai Dam, Madurai – 72 kms
• Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, Madurai – 4.2 kms
• Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple – 25 kms
• Mary’s Cathedral, Madurai – 1.4 kms
• ISKCON Madurai – 1.6 kms
• Goripalayam Dargah, Madurai – 15 kms
• Samanar Hills, Madurai – 11 kms
• Thirumohoor Shri Kalameghaperumal Temple, Madurai – 15.5 kms
• Kutladampatti Falls – 36 kms

2 Day Madurai Itinerary – Day 1 |  One Day Madurai Local Sightseeing Trip 

If you have only one day at your disposal, you can choose from these places for your 1 Day Madurai Tour . It is convenient that most places are not far from the Meenakshi Amman temple.

You can also check our article about 24 hours in Madurai.

Meenakshi Amman Temple –  2 Day Madurai Itinerary

The famous Meenakshi Temple is for most people, the single most important reason for visiting Madurai. The temple is synonymous with Madurai, and the town has developed around the temple. The main deities of the temple are Meenakshi (Parvati) and Sundareshwara (Shiva) .

The original temple structure was built in the 12th century. A distinctive feature of the temple is its 14 Gopurams (Towers), of which the tallest stretch to a height of 170 feet. The temple has more than 33,000 sculptures and the roof is beautifully painted. One of the features not to be missed is the 1,000 pillars hall.

Koodal Azhagar Temple – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

Koodal Azhagar Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Vishnu . The temple is constructed with elements of Dravidian architecture and dates back to the 8th century. The temple complex spans an area of about 2 acres.

A unique aspect of the temple is that the deity can be seen in three postures inside the sanctum sanctorum. There is an image of the deity in a standing position , one in a sitting position , and the other in a reclining position .

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

A palace that is a unique synthesis of elements of Italian, Dravidian, and Rajputana architectural styles is the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal . It was constructed during the 17th century by King Thirumala Nayak who was ruling Madurai at that time. The palace is very impressive with its huge pillars and has served as a backdrop for many film sequences, including Bombay, Guru, and others.

Gandhi Museum – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

Not many people know that Mahatma Gandhi visited Madurai five times during India’s freedom struggle. He was profoundly impressed by the divine aura of the Meenakshi temple, on his second visit to the city. The Gandhi Museum is a tribute to the father of the nation and has unique relics including a blood-stained portion of the garment he wore when he was assassinated.

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

This is a sacred temple dedicated to Murugan , also known as Subrahmanya , or Kartikeya , the son of Shiva and Parvati. The temple dates back to the 6th century and is believed to have been built by the Pandya kings. The temple is one of the six sacred abodes of Murugan in Tamil Nadu that finds mention in ancient Tamil Sangam literature .

Apart from Murugan, there are shrines to Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha, and Vishnu. A distinctive feature of the temple is that in one of the shrines, Shiva and Vishnu can be seen facing each other, which is a rare occurrence in Hindu temple architecture.

2 Day Madurai Itinerary – Day 2

Here are the places that you can include based on your own preferences on day 2 of your 2 day Madurai itinerary .

Azhagar Kovil | Alagar Koyil – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

This is an ancient temple that is dedicated to Vishnu who is worshipped here as Kallazhagar . The temple has idols of Sridevi, Bhudevi, as well as of Lord Vishnu in the Narasimha avatar. The Chithirai car festival is one of the noteworthy annual events in the temple.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

This is actually a temple tank located near the Vandiyur Mariamman temple dedicated to the Goddess of rain, Mariamman . The tank is believed to be the largest of its kind in South India. In the middle of the tank is located a temple to Ganesha. The tank was constructed by the king, Thirumala Nayaka, in the 17th century.

Kazimar Big Mosque – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

The Kazimar Big Mosque or Kazimar Periya Pallivasal is a historic Madurai mosque dating back to the 13th century. It is said to be the first mosque in Madurai. The mosque was established by Kazi Syed Tajuddin who is believed to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad. The land for the mosque was provided by the king Kulasekara Pandiyan.

Yanaimalai – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

Yanaimalai is a hill that has the shape of a sitting elephant, and hence the name, which in Tamil means Elephant Hill. Located about 10 kilometres from Madurai, Yanaimalai has caves with Jain Bas Relief sculptures in caves. It was a sacred Jain centre in ancient times. There is also a temple dedicated to Murugan and one dedicated to the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu, at Yanaimalai.

St. Mary’s Cathedral – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

St. Mary’s Cathedral is a 19th-century church with beautiful architecture. The facade of the church is beautiful and the church is a delectable synthesis of Roman and European architecture . Though the original church dates back to 1841, the current structure was built in the year, 1969. This church is a must-visit for those visiting Madurai.

Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

This is a Murugan temple that nestles amidst lush greenery. The temple lies in the midst of dense forests and according to myth Valli is believed to have lived here. This ancient temple of Murugan finds mention in various works of Tamil Literature.

Samanar Hills – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

The Samanar Hills are the location of ancient caves that date back to the 1st century. There are Jain caves with inscriptions, paintings, and sculptures, that open a window into the ancient history of the region. 2000 years old inscriptions in Tamil have been found in the caves. The place is a must-visit, especially for those interested in ancient history and anthropology.

Kutladampatti Falls – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

Kutladampatti falls is a popular weekend picnic spot near Madurai . The Kutladampatti falls are located within a reserve forest, and the waterfall cascades down from a height of about 89 feet. The place is being developed by Tamil Nadu Tourism Department and is also a nice place for short treks.

ISKCON Temple – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

The International Society For Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has its centre located within a couple of kilometres from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The temple is known as Radha Mathurapathi Temple and makes for a quiet and serene place to spend some time in.

Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divyadesama of Vishnu . The deity here is believed to have assumed the form of Mohini to help the devas in their fight with the asuras. Vishnu is worshipped here as Kalamega Perumal and his consort Lakshmi is worshipped as Mohanavalli Thayar . The original temple is said to have been built by the Pandya rulers during the 13th century.

Goripalayam Dargah | Goripalayam Mosque – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

Goripalayam Dargah is an ancient mosque that has the tombs of two Muslim Sultans who originated from Yemen. They are Khaja Syed Sultan Alauddin Badusha Razi and Khaja Syed Sulthan Shamsuddin . The tomb of Khaja Syed Sultan Habibuddin Razi,  a Muslim saint from Yemen is also located here.

Vaigai Dam – 2 Day Madurai Itinerary

If you have time, you can also visit the Vaigai Dam , which is built on the river Vaigai. The place is a nice spot amidst nature. A lovely park has been built in the vicinity, and the place makes for a nice outing from Madurai .

Click and read our post –  Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple – A Complete Guide To Madurai

How To Reach Madurai

Madurai is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is about 462 kilometres from Chennai and about 114 kilometres from the hill station of Kodaikanal .

Reaching Madurai By Air

Madurai is serviced by the Madurai Airport located about 11 kilometres from the Meenakshi temple.

One can fly into Madurai as it is well connected by air and the major airlines fly into and out of it The major flights include Madurai to Bangalore flight and return, Madurai to Chennai flight and Chennai to Madurai flight Other cities connected by air include Hyderabad , Delhi , Mumbai , Thiruchirapalli

Madurai is well connected by the rail network to different parts of India. There are many Madurai to Chennai trains available making a journey by train a comfortable way to cover the Chennai to Madurai distance An overnight Madurai to Bangalore train is a great way to travel between the cities.

Reaching Madurai By Road

Madurai is well connected by the road network with all major cities and towns of India. One can visit Madurai on a road trip across South India.

If you are planning a visit to Madurai, you can book an inexpensive flight through  TripAdvisor or  CheapAir  or  Cleartrip  or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline  right here. If you are thinking of travelling by road to Madurai then you can get there by self-drive car or cab or bus.

Where To Stay In Madurai

There are many accommodation options in Madurai to suit your preference and budget. One of the hotels that we recommend is the Regency Madurai By GRT Hotels, which is a 3-star luxury hotel.

You can book your accommodation at the  Regency Madurai or any of the  best hotels in Madurai from the  hotels’  list including the  Taj Hotel Madurai or any of the other 5 star hotels in Madurai.

You can book any  hotels near Madurai temple or anywhere else right here through  TripAdvisor  or  Cleartrip or  Makemytrip  or  Priceline  and save a lot by getting the best savings on booking your stay.

2 Day Madurai Itinerary – FAQ

How many days are enough for Madurai? If you are looking for a relaxed trip to Madurai and covering all the places to visit in Madurai, we would recommend 2 or 3 days. It is only the Meenakshi Amman temple that you want to visit, one day would be enough for Madurai.

Is 1 day enough for Madurai? If you just want to visit the Meenakshi temple, then one day is sufficient for Madurai.

How much time does it take to visit the Meenakshi temple? You would need to plan for a minimum of 2-3 hours for the Meenakshi temple.

What is special in Madurai? Madurai is famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Madurai is known as the Athens of the East.

What is famous in Madurai for shopping? If you are shopping in Madurai, the best things to shop for are sarees, bangles, and handicrafts.

Madurai is a place that one must visit, at least once in a time. And if you visit it once, you are sure to go back again and again. We hope our Madurai itinerary is helpful for you in planning your own Madurai trip. Do let us know if you need any further details or clarifications.

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19 thoughts on “2 day madurai itinerary – 17 best places to visit in madurai”.

Best time to visit Madurai? I heard a lot about Madurai and know it because of the Meenakshi temple. I am willing to explore Madurai.

Madurai is so beautiful. I heard about Meenakshi temple but here it is a lot more to visit. Winter must be the best time to visit? Madurai has all religions holy places, everyone heart met at the place. Temples sculptures and architecture are so breathtaking.

Since childhood, I am mystified by the idea of visiting and exploring Madurai after seeing a DD National TV show. Thanks for enlisting the places to visit in Madurai.

Temple, church , dargah all three you have covered & that’s so nice. Also that waterfall is beautiful. The itinerary will be very helpful for travellers to explore it in 2 day time.

I didn’t know that there is so much to explore in Madurai. I only knew about Meenakshi temple but looks like this place has a lot more.

Meenakshi Mandir has been on my bucket list for many years now. Somehow I’m yet to receive a calling. However I did not have any idea there are so many other things to do here. Hope to visit Tamil Nadu soon.

To be honest, I only knew that Meenakshi temple is the main place to explore in Madurai. From your post, I have come to know about other places to visit here. What will be the best time, October or February?

I visited Madurai recently. And I visited only the main Meenakshi Temple. I didn’t realise Madurai had so many things to do. Will save this for next time.

Also, love the way you have covered a range of things to do. From temples to waterfalls, Madurai seems to have everything. Thanks for all the recommendations.

Madurai is so rich in heritage! Earlier I knew only about Meenakshi temple. But now reading this guide, I have decided to allot two whole days to Madurai on our next trip.

Madurai has a lot of tourist places which also include religious places. One day isn’t enough to explore around. Thank you for the detailed itinerary.

Thank you for sharing this with me I have to visit Madurai and this detailed post and place to Visit with distance would be really helpful

Madurai to me always meant Meenakshi Amman temple. Thanks to you, I now know that it has several other temples, mosques, church and even caves with Jain inscriptions. Good read!

Meenakshi temple is one of the most beautiful temples down south and no doubt it looks wonderful in person. The place with the beachy vibes is a wonderful place to visit with family. and your post is in such great detail about the place, very helpful

OMG! You’ve covered almost everything in Madurai. I’ve pinned your post for ready reference when I visit the beautiful city:

I am one of the travellers who would visit Madurai only for the sake of Meenakshi Temple. This temple itself has so many things to know about from religious, historical and architectural points.

Madurai is a great place and your post comes at the perfect time for me. We are planning a madurai trip and I have noted down all the places for our upcoming trip.

I have been to madurai when I was very young, the only place I remember is beautiful madurai temple. You have shared such an exhaustive list with so much of detailing that I would love to revisit this place again.

My roommate in the hostel was from Madurai and I have heard a lot about the beauty and the temples over there. I will add this place in my travel wishlist.

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Madurai, the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu has a number of titles to its credit such as “The Athens of East", “Sleepless City" and “The City of Temples”. Steeped into history this ancient city is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu and a popular pilgrimage destination of India. Legend has it that Madurai was built after cutting down a forest zone known as Kadambavanam. On the day of naming the city, Lord Shiva emerged on the site and drops of nectar fell from his hair on the ground. Hence the city got its name derived as Madurai from the Tamil word ‘mathuram’ which means “sweetness". Steeped in traditional Tamil culture the city of Madurai is known for its mythical, vivacious and soulful essence that will draw your attention as you enter its precincts. The city exhibits a seamless blend of the traditional and contemporary with its historical Dravidian architecture and modern skyscrapers adorning its skyline. The world famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Idaikattur Church, The Pudhu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar Palace are the prominent historical monuments of Madurai city. Besides, there are several other places of interest that will take you close to its rich cultural heritage. Some of the must visit places at Madurai are the Gandhi Museum, Vaigai Dam, Villacherry Pottery Village, Teppakulam tank, Madurai Kamaraj University and others. Besides, you can also ramble across the narrow lanes of the vibrant marketplaces or strike up a bargain with the vendors. Down the years Madurai has become a cultural hub of Tamil Nadu attracting millions of tourists and history enthusiasts round the year who want to soak into its deep rooted ethos and cultural vibe. Winter (months between December-February) is the best time to visit Madurai when you can go sightseeing to the places of attraction as the climate is favourable. Also, the major Tamil festivals (Pongal, Christmas, Jallikattu etc) are held during this time which you can revel at.  Take a look at the detailed information provided below before you visit this ancient city of Tamilnadu.

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Winters (October to February) The best time to visit Madurai is in the winter months of October to February.

Monsoons (July and August) The monsoon helps bring temperatures down and those who want to see the natural landscape come alive should travel during the months of July to August.

Summer Summer is hot and sultry and can make exploring the city uncomfortable.

How to reach Madurai?

Madurai is easily accessible from different parts of the country by air and rail. It’s also connected to the southern region of India by road. Air: Madurai Airport is one of the points of entry by air. Flights can be booked from Chennai and a few major Indian cities. Travelers coming in from abroad will arrive at the nearest international airport, Chennai International Airport. Rail: Traveling by train is the preferred mode of entry for many domestic tourists. The railway station is connected to many cities in India. If you’re traveling from Chennai, it takes about 8 hours to reach Madurai. Road: Travelers coming in from cities in South India can take a bus to Madurai. It takes about 8 to 10 hours to get here from Chennai.

Why is Madurai called Sleepless City?

Madurai is dotingly called by the Maduraites “Thoonga Nagaram '' which means the city which never sleeps for its unique round the clock work culture. The nickname goes justifiably well with the tempo of the city’s nightlife where you cannot find even a single road without any head even at the dead of night. Evening dining starts in this city by only 7am and stays open till 4am. Bustling markets and shopping corners are vibrantly active round the clock with customers flocking there for their usual bargain. Also, transportation facilities remain operational here throughout night time.  

What is famous in Madurai?

Madurai also called “The Athens of the East '' by the weatern scholars has won worldwide acclaim for its rich architectural and cultural heritage. The name of the city is coined after the green goddess Meenakshi who resides in the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai city. The awe inspiring temple stands as a milestone of Dravidian architecture which was built by the Nayakas. The name of this ancient city of Tamilnadu occurs in the earliest scriptures of Sangam literature. This clearly suggests that the city had its origin in the antiquated past which shares its history only with Varanasi of North India.  Although Madurai is best associated with the Meenakshi Temple, however, there are some more things the city fairly boasts of. - Madurai is a witness to the evolution of the world famous Carnatic music which dates back to the 16th century. Legendary classical singers M.S Subbulakshmi and Madurai Mani Iyer hail from this city. - Madurai is also known as the textile hub of South India for its premium quality batiks, silk and cotton fabric.  Streets of the city are dotted with shops selling sarees and other materials made of cotton and silk. - What rocks most in Madurai is a popular beverage drink “jigarthanda" (“jigar"- heart, “thanda"-cold) which soothes your heart during summer. The main ingredients of this heady concoction are badam (nuts), pisin (an edible gum extracted from almond trees), cold milk, ice cream and nannari syrup. 

Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Madurai?

South Indian cuisine dominates in Madurai and when you’re here, you must sample as many local dishes as possible. From dosai to idli to sweets to meals served on banana leaves, you’ll never run out of food to try. Here are some of the best places to eat at –

• Famous Jigarthanda Shop
• Sulthan Restaurant
• Burma Idiyappam Kadai
• Madurai Idli Shop
• New Shri Ram Mess

What are the best public transport modes to commute around Madurai?

Buses and auto rickshaws are the best ways to get around the city. Renting a car is possible but unless you have experience driving on Indian roads, it’s best avoided.

Which are the best places for shopping in Madurai?

Handlooms, silk sarees, carvings and bell metal lamps are some of the most popular things to buy in Madurai. You can get them as these favorite shopping places –

• Poompuhar Sales Showroom
• Cottage Arts Emporium
• Madurai Gallery
• Rajmahal Silks
• Khadi Emporium
• Handloom House
• Surabhi Handicrafts

Which are the famous temples in Madurai?

The city is famed for its numerous temples, most featuring detailed Dravidian architecture with pyramid shaped towers and figures of deities. Here are some of the most noted temples in Madurai –

• Sri Meenakshi Temple
• Koodal Azhagar Temple
• Pazhamudircholai
• Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Inmaiyil Nanmai Tharuvar Temple
• Thirumohoor Kalamegaperumal temple
• Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple
• Kallazhagar Temple
• Vandiyur Mariamman Temple

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Registration department, madurai.

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