Location: Madurai
Top Things to do in Madurai
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What to do and see in Madurai, Tamil Nadu: The Best Things to do
Madurai is one of the major cities in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District, the third largest city in Tamil Nadu, and the 25th most populated city in India. Located on the banks of River Vaigai, Madurai has been a major settlement for two millennia.
Restaurants in Madurai
1. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,093 reviews
Experience the culture of Madurai with this private tour of its ancient temples. Spend approximately 45 minutes visiting each of the Dravidian temples built by the Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings, earning the city its nickname Koil Maanagar, which means Temple City. Discover why Madurai, also called the City of Junctions or Koodal Nagaram, is one of India's most outstanding Hindu pilgrimage centers.
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
We took an auto taxi($1) 1 km east from our Hotel Royal Court. Arriving at the quiet shaded West Tower just after 9 AM, we had little competition in storing our mobile phone, day bag with camera, and finally our shoes, receiving a receipt for each item. Next we proceeded through entry security, by gender, and then freely entered the West Tower tunnel into the 14 acre complex. Deciding to circumambulate clockwise, our first stop was the museum. After paying the foreigner fee, we entered the forest of carved pillars, viewing the many ancient preserved sculptures. Then we came to the wide center hall, focused on its lighted shrine with 2 long rows of huge sculpted pillars and brightly painted ceiling, a magnificent visual display, unmarred by the many butter lamps and confusion of the numerous pilgrims at similar sights inside the inner temple. Strolling that inner temple/shrine complex was enlightening, being blessed by the resident elephant,Parvati, and seeing her and a white bull, Nandi, march in procession accompanied by a band and large palanquin bearing a statue and carried by 20 strong men. After passing the tank with its golden lotus, and the super long queue for the free Darshan, we exited over hot stones to recollect our possessions at the still cool West Gate. Walking toward our next sight, we passed a growing line of pilgrims crowding the hot sunny South Gate.
2. Aayiram Kaal Mandapam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By KRAMA200 - Seattle, United States
Thousand Pillar Temple or popularly called as Aayiram Kaal Mandapam is situated inside Minakshi Amman Temple. There is a seperate entry fee to visit this Hall. The Pillars have beautiful Carvings and arrangements of Pillars stunning.There are many Artefacts also. Do not miss the Musical Pillars. An attraction not to be missed for its sheer beauty
3. Alagarkoil Temple and Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By kalaBimbi
At the foot hills this magnificent temple was built for lord Vishnu, considered to be brother of Meenakshi Amman. Worth to see its beautiful structures and Ugra Narasimhan with 16 bahus is a specialty here.
4. Pazhamudhir Solai
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
One of the six important abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugamore.
Reviewed By arunachalam_78
We need to go Pazhamudhir Solai muruga temple from agagar malai temple. So, you always go to alagar temple, then go from here. Here are the different ways to go here. You come to alagar malai with your own vehicle, then you can park the vehicle here and do trekking for some distance (around 2 or 3 k.m). We come with our own vehicle then park the vehicle here and walked, it is very nice experience as you are walking through the mountain. If you are not able to walk, then you go by your vehicle and park the vehicle near to the temple. There are public transport (government) also available, they are charging Rs.10 for one route. If you go Madurai, do not miss to visit this temple. As usual in all temples, people with pooja items and flowers trying sell saying so many things to sell them, it is up to you how you want to do. But do not believe their words. If you want to do it, do it.
5. Koodal Azhagar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By SandeepSaxena-IIP - Dehradun, India
A hindu temple dedicated to God Vishnu. Constructed in the style of Dravidian architecture. A lovely atmosphere to worship.This temple is said to be one of the 108 tirupatis. A very peaceful temple with astounding sculptures and idols. Usually busy on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There is a huge elephant statue in the temple which the kids find very attractive.on- Hindus are not allowed to entry into the main premises.
6. Tirupparankunram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By vssd61 - Kannur, India
Ranked as one of the six famous Murugan temples, this temple is located a little away from the main city of Madurai on a hill top.Going through the serpentine q one can get the divine darshan. Monkey menace to be guarded against.
7. Gandhi Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 683 reviews
Reviewed By 1777NT - Thirsk, United Kingdom
A change from the stereotypical 'Raj' version of events in Indian history, very informative and educating, to see what Gandhi actually achieved in his lifetime.
8. Samanar Hills
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By ugenderb - Madurai, India
Excellent bio diversity with birds, trees and a pond kept in tact. Very good trek up the hills with beautiful views of Madurai from the top.
9. Vaigai Dam
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Rachs2787 - Bengaluru, India
If u want to have some peaceful time for yourself you can find it here in Vaigai Dam area.. there is a park and a place where u can walk along the river Vaigai.. beautiful place and neatly kept.. on weekends you may find some crowd . Make sure you get to the top of the dam where you can take a long walk.. Attaching a few pics here!
10. Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 927 reviews
Reviewed By 55venkataramanr - Chennai (Madras), India
Tirumalai Naicker palace stands as the testimony to Naicker rule of Madurai. The huge durbar hall with humungous pillars is a pleasure to watch. The pillars are typical for this palace. There is also separate Drama hall, where King used to watch dance performances. We can understand the rich and majestic life style of the kings from the palace visit.
