Madhurai
Despite being steeped in traditional Tamil culture and history, IT and urban developments have forayed in and coexist in harmony.
Temples
The Dravidian style of architecture, leaves pilgrims and travellers in awe
Best Time to Visit
Dec - Feb
Ideal Duration
Visa
Not Required
Be prepared to be greeted by bright colours and tingle of temple bells taking over your visual and aural senses as you step into the city. There are numerous places to visit in Madurai that include temples, churches and palaces. It is a unique place where the old and news co-exist. The ancient structures of the many temples and other architecture adorning the skyline of the city are enough to make the modern-day skyscrapers fade away. Despite being steeped in traditional Tamil culture and history, IT and urban developments have forayed in and coexist in harmony. The history of Madurai dates back to the 3rd century BC and finds reference in the works of Arab, Roman and Greek travellers, including Megasthenses. Today, it is one of the major centres of South India that promotes Tamil culture and traditions through Sangams. The city has been ruled by the Pandayas and the Nayak. Over the time, the city has transformed into a cultural hub that ends up attracting thousands of tourists round the year. Tranquil and graceful- Madurai is the place to lose yourself in the streets and take a journey to discover the divine.
Be it the famous Meenakshi Temple or the Koodal Azhagar Temple, Kalamegaperumal Temple or the St Mary's Cathedral Church, the experiences of visiting the numerous religious shrines of the city will make you feel a lot more blessed. One of the most famous places to visit in Madurai happens to be the Sri Meenakshi Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, the temple is an absolute wonder. Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, it leaves pilgrims and travellers in awe who pay homage here to fill themselves with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude. Other places to visit in Madurai includes the Koodal Azhagar Temple, Alagar Koil, Vaigai Dam, Gandhi Museum, Idaikattur Church and pottery village. In our Madurai Travel Guide, we have compiled an extensive list of all the places to visit and things to do in and around the city. Whether its worshipping the Goddess at the Meenakshi Temple or the deities at the ISKCON temple, spending a day at Tirumalai Nayak Palace or a visit to the St. Mary's Church- our Madurai travel guide has it all.
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Best Time to Visit Madhurai
Summers are warm and sunny hence attract less number of tourists. However, while the early summer months (February and March) do attract some tourists, peak summers in Madurai are best avoided. Temperature often soars up to 40°C, making it somewhat uncomfortable for travellers.
Monsoons in Madurai span from July to September and the region experiences somewhat moderate rainfall. Humidity levels go up substantially thereby making it unbearable for the tourists. Despite that, tourists do flock to Madurai, though in less number during these months. In case you want to visit, carrying an umbrella is a must.
Winters are the best time to visit Madurai. This season in the city spans from November to early February and the temperature ranges anywhere between 20°C and 27°C making it soothing for travellers. Humidity in the air is reduced thus, making it easier for travellers to be able to enjoy to the fullest.
Popular Attractions Madhurai
Meenakshi Temple Tamil Nadu
Donning the Dravidian style of architecture, this temple was once considered to be counted among the ' Seven Wonders of the World'.
PAZHAMUDHIR SOLAI
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the temple is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
AAYIRAM KAAL MANDAPAM
There's a Temple Art Museum that records the shrine's thousand year-old history.
KOODAL AZHAGAR TEMPLE
The temple is one of 108 Divyadesam and is highly revered by the Vaishnavite sect.
ALAGARKOIL TEMPLE AND SHRINE
The presiding deity of the temple is Paramaswamy and his consort Kalyana Sundaravalli.
Gandhi Museum Madurai Tamil Nadu
Periodical books and documents written by Gandhiji are the main attractions of this library.
TIRUPPARANKUNRAM
Do remember to visit the Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple while in Madurai and seek blessings from Lord Murugan.
THIRUMALAI NAYAKAR MAHAL
The palace was constructed in the mid-17th century by Thirumalai Nayak of the famous Nayak Dynasty.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Church Madurai Tamil Nadu
Moreover, the church was bestowed with the status of Cathedral in 1969 and from then it is serving as a revered tourist attraction in Madurai.
VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN TEPPAKULAM
One of the largest temple tanks in Tamil Nadu, Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam is a major tourist attraction.
KALAMEGAPERUMAL TEMPLE
More than 2000 years'-old the temple is yet another example of the Dravidian style of architecture.
IDAIKATTUR CHURCH
Built in the typical Gothic structure, a visit to the church will make you feel more blessed.
SRI RAMANA MANDIRAM
The place where the shrine is located is the dwelling where Maharshi lived for some time before attaining enlightenment.
ISKCON MADURAI
Its architectural wonder and a lot of devotees throng to the shrine to seek blessings from the divine.
PUTHU MANDAPAM
Over time, the mandapam has been transformed into a huge shopping complex.
BANANA MARKET
Needless to say, that you can taste as many bananas as you want. You can end up buying as many as you want - raw or ripe both.
VILLACHERRY POTTERY VILLAGE
A tour of the Villacherry Pottery Village will fill you with an absolute sense of delight.
KEELAKUYILKUDI AND SAMANAR HILLS
Two sculptures, Settipodavu and Pechipallam are major attractions of the hill.
