The Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the must-visit attractions of Madurai, with its colourful and intricate architecture. Spend the morning exploring the temple, admiring the intricate design and learning about its history. Take a break at the nearby restaurant serving authentic South Indian dishes for lunch. After that, head over to the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn more about the country's history. In the evening, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace to witness the sound and light show that brings the palace to life and displays the history of Madurai and its architecture.
Religious sites are aplenty in Madurai, and the Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara is an important one. Witness the varied styles of Islamic architecture present in this mosque and mausoleum that belongs to the Kazimar family, who arrived in Madurai hundreds of years ago. Head over to the nearby Mehtab Bagh restaurant for some delicious local cuisine for lunch. Post that, visit the Koodal Alagar Temple to discover the rich history of the Vaishnavites. Finally, embark on the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
If you have more time, take a trip out to the Samanar Hills and the Tirupparankundram Murugan Temple. Alternatively, if you're on a tighter schedule, consider skipping the Koodal Alagar Temple and the Gandhi Memorial Museum.