Exploring Mannargudi in 2 Days

  1. Day 1: Mannargudi Temple Visit
    5 minutes (0.5 km) from Mannargudi Bus Stand

    Mannargudi is famous for its temples and the first day will be dedicated to exploring them. Start the day by visiting the Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple has stunning architecture and intricate carvings on the walls. Afterward, head to the Koothanur Saraswathi Temple, a popular venue known for its music and dance performances. End the day by relaxing at the Kodikkarai Beach, watching the sunset.

  2. Day 2: Sightseeing and Wildlife Exploration
    30 minutes (16 km) from Mannargudi Bus Stand

    Start the day by visiting the historic Thiruvarur Palace, also known as Maratha Palace. This palace has a rich history and beautiful architecture. After that, journey to Pitchavaram Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring picturesque canals and diverse wildlife. There you can take a boat tour and explore the area's natural beauty. Afterward, visit the Valvil Ori Bird Sanctuary, where you can see exotic bird species including storks and pelicans and end the day by relaxing at the Kodikkarai Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses over 300 species of fauna including migratory birds.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy Temple (1 hour, free entry)
  • Koothanur Saraswathi Temple (1 hour, free entry)
  • Kodikkarai Beach (2 hours, free entry)
  • Thiruvarur Palace (1 hour, INR 50 per person)
  • Pitchavaram Mangrove Forest (2 hours, INR 200 per person)
  • Valvil Ori Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
  • Kodikkarai Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 300 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 650 per person

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can add a visit to the Thirunallaru Shani Temple, dedicated to the planet Saturn. If you love history, don't miss the Tanjore Palace and Art Gallery. For wildlife lovers, a visit to the Mudumalai National Park is recommended, but it would need an extra day in the itinerary. Likewise, if you have a little less time, you can skip a few temples as it takes a lot of time to visit each one. The Thiruvarur museum is a short walk away and has an impressive collection of art and artifacts. Additionally, though comfortable and convenient, a taxi is more costly than local transportation and traveling by bus or shared autos like rickshaws can help to cut costs.

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