Madurai

Madurai Tamil Nadu is located on the banks of the Vaigai river. The city is well known for its rich heritage, temples, and Sangams. Most of the heritage sites in Madurai city are built in the Dravidian style of architecture that takes the visitors back to that era.  It is among the most outstanding Hindu pilgrimage centres in India.

Madurai city is planned in a traditional arrangement that has fivefold concentric rectangular forms with temples at the centre and encircled by important structures. The city is packed with religious masterpieces grabbing generous crowds throughout the year.

Madurai Overview

Best Time to Visit Madurai

The best time to visit Madurai famous places is between October to March. The Madurai weather in winter is ideal to explore its architectural beauty and ancient temples. Madurai Tamil Nadu is most welcoming and fascinating during the winter season.

How to Reach the Places to Visit in Madurai

To reach Madurai famous places by air, Madurai International airport is 15km away from the city centre.  The airport is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and many other cities.

For people who prefer railway journeys to reach places to visit in Madurai, Madurai Junction Railway Station is the option that is connected to Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and other cities.

Madurai city is connected by private and state government-operated buses to all cities in Tamil Nadu such as Mysore, Bangalore, Karnataka, and Kerala. You can also hire a cab to explore the tourist places near Madurai.

What are the Things to See and Do in Madurai?

If you are wondering what you should do in Madurai Tamil Nadu, you have various options to have a lifetime experience to cherish. There is no shortage of Madurai places to visit. Seek blessings of Lord Vishnu at Koodal Alagar Temple. Discover the dwelling of Lord Murugan at Thiruparankundram Madurai Temple. Gain knowledge of history at Gandhi Memorial Museum. Enjoy shopping at Puthu Mandapam. Also, if you are looking for tourist places near Madurai, you wont be disappointed as it is well-connected with its neighbouring cities.

Places to Visit in Madurai

Meenakshi Temple

The temple is the most popular Madurai temple and it is located at the focal point of the city. Morning and evening time is perfect to see the ceremony and seek blessings of the Goddess.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

One of the best places to visit in Madurai, Naayak palace is the biggest attraction in the city. The palace has more than 240 pillars which makes it unique.

Gandhi Memorial Museum

This museum is among Madurai's famous places. The story of Mahatma Gandhi's life is told at the Gandhi Memorial Museum through the use of a variety of artefacts, including rare photographs,manuscripts and letters.

Kallazhagar Temple

The Kallazhagar Temple is crowned by a seven-tiered gopuram and houses several shrines dedicated to incarnations of Vishnu as well as some exceptional Vijayanagara sculptures.  

Restaurants in Madurai

Foodies should not miss Madurai famous food options. There are so many restaurants in Madurai and street stalls offering crunchy and appetizing customary south Indian foods.

Murugan Idli Shop

Besides tourist attractions in Madurai Murugan Idli is a household name. Here you can enjoy the best idlis with a wide range of different chutneys.

Ahaaram Multi-Cuisine Restaurant

The Regency Madurai hotel's Ahaaram Multi-Cuisine Restaurant provides both buffet and à la carte service, and features a wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

Kumar Mess

This is the perfect place for relishing delicious items such as mutton chukka,egg parotta, prawn masala and  chicken biryani.

Places to Stay in Madurai

Heritage Madurai

One of the outstanding resorts in Madurai, it is linked to a shopping centre. Major tourist attractions in Madurai are very close to this place so you can conveniently explore them.

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai

The resort has a pool with world-class in-house amenities. The courtyard is located in the city centre and very near Madurai famous places. 

Hotel Germanus

Among the top resorts in Madurai, this four-star hotel offers all the necessary facilities. It has on-site restaurants, free Wifi, an indoor pool, and much more.

Food to Try in Places to Visit in Madurai

Madurai famous food is so special as it has changed over many centuries but still holds its earthy charm and self-effacing presence. It is influenced by many cultures such as Mughlai, Sri Lankan, and Chettinad. Madurai cuisine includes meat dishes, and rice along with a variety of idlis, dosas, spicy curries, sweets, sweet drinks, etc.

Things to Buy in the Places to Visit in Madurai

Puthu Mandapam market

The market is located just near Meenakshi temple, one of the major Madurai tourist spots. Puthu market has cotton fabrics with handicraft work and much more to offer at reasonable prices.

Madurai Mall

Madurai mall caters to all needs of shopaholics. There are food courts, high-end jewellery shops, and boutique stores with a  warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Rajmahal Silks

It is among the best shopping experience. The textile shopping place and main textile house in Madurai with excellent quality fabrics. You can buy sarees, dhotis, pullovers, and casual wear of top quality.

Madurai is a great pilgrimage site for those seeking divine blessings. You will love visiting the temples and the festive celebrations. Madurai is a destination steeped in heritage.

Here are a few quick facts to make your travel safe and easy to Madurai. Madurai is a Pilgrimage destination. The best time to visit Madurai is October, November, December, January, February and March. Since this is the peak season expect a little crowd during this time. July, August and September period experiences moderate weather. So, you can easily avoid facing a large gathering.

In peak season the weather is pleasant weather with moderately cool temperatures, whereas in off-season the weather is extremely hot weather. Weather in moderate season is heavy rainfalls with high humidity levels. During Chithirai Festival, Float Festival, a large number of tourists flock together. The festivals are celebrated in the month of April-May, February,... consecutively. So, if you are fond of bustling streets and localities, choose this time of the year to travel.

If your travel seems incomplete without getting into some fun activities then you will love to get indulged in visiting the temples and the festive celebrations. In moderate season you will love to get indulged in the lush green natural surroundings.

Conclusion

Madurai is an ancient city and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Madurai weather in winter is excellent to explore the stunning place. Madurai tourist spots and incredible Madurai food make this place a vivacious and electrifying travel spot worth visiting. Explore the city to witness the blend of natural as well as man-made wonders and embrace the essence of spirituality. People who love travelling should not miss the fascinating city of Madurai.