Madurai Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Madurai

Adorned by the architectural masterpieces and lush hills, Madurai is one of the most exquisite places to visit in Tamil Nadu. This majestic town is among the oldest inhabited cities in India much like Varanasi. Madurai is an amazing tourist destination, which is flocked by a large number of travelers and pilgrims throughout the year. To learn more about what are the major highlights of Madurai tourism, take a look at the Madurai travel guide, which comprises all the details of the place.

Nestled on the bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai is a renowned pilgrim town and cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Boasts about historical monuments and awe-inspiring architecture, Madurai is flanked by scenic hill stations. Earlier the city was known as Madhurapuri and Thoonga Nagarama, meaning ‘the city which never sleeps’. It is also called Naan Maada Koodal, which means the junction of four towers that refers here to the four major temples that the city is known for including Meenakshi Sundereswar Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Azhagar Kovil Temple, and Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple.

The most prominent ancient temple of the city is Meenakshi Amman Temple, which was constructed 2,500 years ago. The city grew around this pilgrimage site that was built by the Pandian King named Kulasekhara. The city has its historical and mythological importance. It was fondly referred to as the ‘Athens of the East’ and it was visited by Greek explorer Megasthenes in the 3rd century BC.

Other famous travelers who visited this ancient South Indian city included Pliny in 77 AD, Ptolemy in 140 AD, Marco Polo in 1203 AD, and Ibn Batuta (1333 AD). As per the legend, the king once had a dream of Lord Shiva, and from his hair, the drops of sweet Madhu (nectar) rolled down on earth. The point where the drops fell was known as Madhurapuri that is Madurai.

Madurai is well-connected with the major cities and towns of Tamil Nadu and other states of the country. It has a good road, rail, and air network, which makes it easily accessible for devotees and tourists from all over the world. The best time to visit Madurai is in winter when the city experiences pleasant weather to enjoy a sightseeing tour.

However, the rest of the year, the city experiences hot and humid climatic conditions. The festivals of Madurai are popular and attract a lot of visitors. Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, the 10-day annual festival celebrated during April – May, attracts over a million visitors. The Jallikattu, the game of taming angry bulls, is similar to the Pamplona Bull Run held in Spain.

Madurai is a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. This city reverberates with pristine environs, amazing architecture, and surreal landscapes, which makes it a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs. Also known for scrumptious and tantalizing South Indian cuisines including vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, which can satiate the taste buds of visitors.

Here is the Madurai tourist guide with which one can gather detailed information about the place including how to reach, the best time to visit, things to do, places to visit, accommodation facilities, and tips.

Madurai History

Madurai has been continuously inhabited since the 3rd century BC. During that time, Meghasthenese came to the city and settled here and they referred to the city as ‘Methora’. The name of this city has its mentions in Sangam Literature according to which it was the capital city of the Pandyan dynasty. This pilgrim town was ruled by a plethora of dynasties including the Chola Dynasty, Pandya Dynasty, Kalabhra Dynasty, owing to which one can witness the rich heritage of the city in the glorious architecture.

Later on, the city came under Delhi Sultanate and then Madurai Sultanate. In the 18th century, Madurai came under the direct control of British East India Madurai has played a vital role in the independence movement of India from the British Raj as it is home to several leaders who got martyred for the country.

Why visit Madurai?

Blessed with the vibrant locales, breathtaking landscapes, gushing rivers, and lush hills, Madurai is a perfect holiday retreat for leisure travelers and vacationers. Dotted with a plethora of ancient temples and historical monuments, Madurai is also known for its pristine beauty and tranquil environs. It is an amazing tourist destination for nature lovers, history buffs, shutterbugs, and pilgrims. This city has something for every kind of traveler including families, kids, couples, and honeymooners.

Madurai the Temple City, is rightly called the Athens of South India. Over the centuries, it has been a tourists spot. Spread along the rocky banks of the river Vaigai in the state of Tamil Nadu, the modern industrial city’s main claim to fame is as a temple city. At first glimpse of the city that greets you are the magnificent Gopurams of the Meenakshi Temple. A pilgrim’s dreams come true only after a tour to Madurai.

Meenakshi Amman Temple and Tirumalai Nayak Palace are among the most prominent edifices of the town. The city is built around the Meenakshi Temple, which acted as the geographical and ritual center of this ancient town. Flanked by the mountains and located on the bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai lies on the plain and fertile land. The city lies on the southeast of the Western Ghats and offers an impressive experience to the tourists.

Some of the popular natural tourist places of Madurai are Suruli Waterfalls, Meghamalai, and Kumbakarai Waterfalls. Palani is a pristine hill town located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, which is located in the proximity of Madurai. Located in the lap of the oldest mountain ranges in India, Palani Hill, this hill station has a rich history. It is believed to be ruled by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan.

The famous spiritual places of Madurai are Thiruparankundram, Srivilliputtar Andal Temple, Teppakuram, Azhagar Kovil, and Sri Meenakshi Sundereswara Temple. The holy sites are known for their captivating architecture and intricate sculpting.

How to reach Madurai?

Madurai is well-connected with the major cities and towns of the country by different modes of transport. It has its own airport, Madurai International Airport and railway station, Madurai Junction, which are the primary airport and railway station serving Madurai. The city is easily accessible from the rest of the country and can be reached by any transportation mode. Buses also commute from the neighboring states including Kerala and Karnataka on a daily basis. Here is the detailed information about how to reach West Sikkim. Read more here.

• By Air:

It is one of the most convenient options to travel to Madurai as it has its own airport, Madurai International Airport, which welcomes flights from all over the world. It is among the major airports in South India. Madurai Airport is well-connected with the major cities of the country including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai by direct and connecting flights. Several airlines serve on this route and tourists can reach there without hassle. It also receives flights from Singapore, Dubai, and Sri Lanka regularly. From the airport, travelers can hire a private taxi or board a bus to explore the city.

• By Rail:

Madurai Junction railway station is the major railhead, which serves Madurai. Traveling by train is the cheapest option to reach to Madurai from any part of the country. Trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Coimbatore travel daily to Madurai. Tourists can board a bus or hire a private taxi from the railway station to embark on a sightseeing tour of the city.

• By Road:

This town is well-linked with the big towns and cities of the neighboring states including Karnataka and Kerala by national and state highways. There are regular buses ply from Kochi, Thrissur, Ooty, Kozhikode, Thanjavur, and Coimbatore. Tourists can reach there by boarding the government-run buses or private buses that run on a daily basis. The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation or TNSTC provides the services of luxury Volvo and semi-Volvo buses for Madurai from other cities. Travelers can hire a private taxi or drive on their own.

How to get around in Madurai?

In Madurai, the most convenient option to travel within the city is by auto rickshaw and private taxi, which are easily available at every nook and corner of the town. The government-run buses and private buses are also available in Madurai. One can also rent a bike, scooter, or car in the city and drive on their own.

Best time to visit Madurai

The best time to visit Madurai is in the winter season from October to March when the city enjoys calming weather. Madurai experiences hot and humid weather almost all year round except winters, which makes it an ideal time to plan a visit to Madurai. In summers, the city experiences exceptionally hot weather which makes the sightseeing uncomfortable. However, in the rainy season, Madurai receives heavy downpours which transform the climatic conditions into humid. Here is the detailed season-wise information about the region.

Summers (March to June)

In summers, Madurai experiences hot and balmy weather, which makes touring and outdoor activities uncomfortable. The average temperature ranges from 24⁰ C to 34° C in summers in Madurai. It is a perfect time to visit budget travelers as they can easily negotiate at the hotel and guesthouses. Also, train tickets and flight tickets are easily available in this season.

However, there is one popular festival that organizes in this month. Chithirai Festival is held in Madurai from April to May, which is among the most popular celebrations in the town. This 15-days festival is celebrated with great pomp and zeal. It offers glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of Madurai at its best.

Monsoon (July to August)

The rainy season starts in Madurai from July and lasts till August. The monsoon remains there for a small period of time, however, the region experiences heavy rainfall. In this season, Madurai enjoys lush greenery and rainfall enhances the natural beauty of the city. The temperature ranges between 25⁰ C to 35° C in monsoon season and the weather gets humid owing to the rainfall, which makes outdoor activities difficult during the daytime.

Winters (September to February)

The winter season starts in September till February and the temperature dips up to 20⁰ C. The pleasant weather conditions make the sightseeing tour comfortable. The climate remains characteristically cool and comforting, which makes the outdoor activities easy for travelers. They can indulge in a plethora of activities including sightseeing, nature walk, and heritage tour.

Pongal Festival is celebrated this month, which is the widely celebrated festival in the state and lasts for three days. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance as there are a large number of tourists visiting Madurai to partake in festivities.

Tourist Places to visit in Madurai

Madurai is a captivating town, which houses a plethora of tourist attractions. Replete with ancient temples, historical monuments, idyllic hill stations, gurgling rivers, and breathtaking landscapes, Madurai is a popular tourist destination among pilgrims, history buffs, and nature lovers. Some of the popular temples of Madurai are the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Azhagar Kovil, Tirupparankundram, Srivilliputtar Andal Temple, and Teppakuram.

The foremost is the Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti or Meenakshi. It is one of the important centers of Hindu pilgrimage. The Meenakshi temple exemplifies the Dravidian architecture with Gopurams (large gateways) and Mandapams (multi-pillared halls).

Apart from the Meenakshi Temple, there is the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam with Lord Vigneshwar as the presiding deity. Thirumalai Nayak Palace, an Indo-Saracenic building built-in 1523 features the architectural works of the Nayaks and gives an insight into ancient Tamil history.

Other tourist places of Madurai are Meghamalai, Suruli Waterfalls, Palani, and Kumbakarai Waterfalls. The holy sites are known for their fascinating structural design and intricate sculpting. These architectural marvels offer deep insight into the rich heritage of the bygone era and allow tourists to enjoy an unparalleled experience.

Things to do in Madurai

Popular for its towering temples, breathtaking landscapes, verdant hills, and glistening river, Madurai is a haven for devotees, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and shutterbugs. From temple tours to monumental sightseeing tours, there are a plethora of activities in which tourists can participate during the Madurai tour. Take a look at the best things to do in Madurai are:

• Hike to Jain Caves
• Seek blessings at Meenakshi Temple
• City Temple Tour
• Shop at Puthu Mandapam
• Madurai Walking Tour
• Authentic Food Tour
• Cycle Rickshaw Tour of City

How many days are enough for the Madurai trip?

3-4 days are enough to explore Madurai. The city is dotted with a plethora of tourist places including ancient temples, natural bounties, and architectural marvels. This duration is enough to explore the attractions of the city. However, Madurai is situated in the proximity of several other tourist destinations, which one can also explore during an excursion.

For this, the tour duration can increase. South India is an amazing place to explore and to get glimpses of the vibrant lifestyle, rich cultural heritage, and immense natural beauty. The duration of the trip can vary as per the activities and places they wish to explore during the trip.

Average Madurai trip cost

The average cost of a Madurai trip is from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000 for a 4-days tour. However, the cost of the trip depends on several factors including the type of accommodation, mode of transport, duration of the trip, and sightseeing places.

Accommodation in Madurai

Madurai is a pilgrimage hotspot and a popular tourist destination from all over the world. To cater to different kinds of travelers, the city houses a plethora of accommodation options. From hotels, resorts, guest houses to lodges, Madurai has everything to make the vacations memorable. Equipped with modern amenities and offers world-class facilities, the accommodation options of the Madurai offer comfortable and leisure vacations to the tourists. Here are some of the best options to stay in Madurai:

• Astoria Hotel by Sparsa
• Amika Hotel
• Hotel Temple View
• Criston Homestay
• Haris Hotel
• Hotel lotus
• Treebo Trend Royal Elite
• Heritage Madurai
• Moskva Hotel
• Regency Madurai by GRT Hotels
• The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
• JC Residency
• Hotel President
• Gopuram Residency

Where to eat in Madurai?

Located in South India in Tamil Nadu, Madurai has a rich history and traditions that can witness in the diversity of their cuisines. This city is known for its rich culinary heritage. The ingredients and spices used in the restaurants of this region are hand-ground despite being prepared by machinery. The staple items of this region are Idli, Dosa, and Vada that are served with an array of chutneys and Sambar. Fish curries, Pongal, and Paruthi Pal are other popular dishes of Madurai. Rice and coconut with a handful of meat and vegetable delicacies add charm to the delectable meals of the region. Some of the best restaurants and eateries in Madurai to tantalize your taste buds are:

• The Banyan Restaurant
• Phil’s Bistro
• Madurai Kitchen
• Chandran Mess
• Konar Mess
• Murugan Idli Shop
• Sriram Mess
• Sri Nagalaxmi Annexe
• Sulthan Restaurant
• Jayaram Fast Food

Shopping in Madurai

Madurai is popular for handicrafts, handloom, and artistic things such as vessels, batik work on cotton fabrics, embroidery shawls, decorative pieces, and local jewelry. Silk Sarees and unique gold jewelry are some of the most common things to buy in the city. There are plenty of markets and shops in Madurai from where one can enjoy street shopping and buy some souvenirs for their loved ones. Some of the best shopping places in Madurai are:

• Puthu Mandapam Market
• Cottage Arts Emporium
• Vishal De Mall
• The Avani Moola Street
• Masi Street
• Madurai Mall
• Hajeemoosa
• Rajmahal Silks
• Thangamayil
• Poompuhar’s Sales Showroom

Useful Tips for Madurai

• Madurai is a popular tourist destination and spiritual center, which is being flocked by tourists throughout the year. If someone is planning a Madurai trip in peak season then it is advisable to book accommodation in advance to avoid the last-minute hassles.
• Attend the local festivities of this pilgrimage town. The festivals are celebrated with great pomp and vigor. Travelers can get sneak peek into the rich culture and traditions of the city.
• To explore the popular tourist places of the city, it is advisable to travel with a certified guide so that you will not miss important information and folklore about the temples and attractions of the city.
• Private taxis and cabs are the most convenient option to get around the city. However, buses and auto-rickshaws are also available in the city to travel from one place to another.
• Maintain the decorum of the temples and the tourist places.
• Wear decent clothes and cover yourself properly while visiting religion. Cover your shoulders and knees. Also, cover your head while visiting the temples.
• Check the weather conditions while packing and make sure to carry light woolens during summers as well.

Nearby Tourist Places of Madurai

Located in Tamil Nadu in the proximity of numerous popular places, Madurai is encompassed by many popular places that are worth exploring. Some of the popular nearby tourist places to Madurai where one can visit during your tour:

• Kodaikanal
• Thekkady
• Dhanushkodi
• Munnar
• Idukki
• Thanjavur
• Rameshwaram
• Alleppey
• Vagamon

Fairs & Festivals in Madurai

Along with the temples, the city of Madurai has a cycle of festivals that amaze the tourists. The most famous ones are the Chittirai festival (which celebrates the marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareshwara), the Avanimoola festival (coronation of Sundareshwara), and the Teppam festival (float festival).

Fairs and festivals in Madurai are an essential part of their day-to-day life. These festivals are celebrated here with great zeal and vigor, which also portrays their local lifestyle as well as the rich cultural heritage of the city. These festivities provide the tourists with opportunities to get glimpses of the various traditions of the region. There are a plethora of festivals that are celebrated all over Madurai are:

• Pongal
• Jallikattu
• Chithirai Festival
• Avanimoolam Festival
• Navratri Festival
• Dance Festival (organizes by Tourism Department)