10-Day Itinerary for Madurai

1. Day 1: Meenakshi Amman Temple
   20 minutes (6.7 km) from Madurai Airport

   Ancient Hindu temple with intricate carvings and colourful architecture. Don't miss the famous Hall of a Thousand Pillars.

2. Day 2: Gandhi Memorial Museum
   15 minutes (4.5 km) from Meenakshi Amman Temple

   A museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing his personal belongings, photographs, and letters. Peaceful gardens.

3. Day 3: Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
   20 minutes (5.6 km) from Gandhi Memorial Museum

   The former residence of King Thirumalai Nayakkar. Boasts a grand durbar hall, beautiful pillars and arches.

4. Day 4: Vaigai Dam
   1 hour 20 minutes (65 km) from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

   A beautiful dam with a scenic view of mountains and a lake. Picnic spots and boating available.

5. Day 5: Koodal Azhagar Temple
   20 minutes (6 km) from Vaigai Dam

   One of the oldest temples in Madurai with an impressive history. Admire the intricate carvings and exquisite architecture.

6. Day 6: Alagar Kovil
   1 hour (23 km) from Koodal Azhagar Temple

   A beautiful hill-top temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

7. Day 7: Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
   1 hour 20 minutes (36 km) from Alagar Kovil

   A beautiful temple located atop a hill surrounded by dense forest. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, offers beautiful scenic views of the landscape.

8. Day 8: Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple
   30 minutes (10 km) from Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple

   An ancient temple built inside a rock cave. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, it is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.

9. Day 9: St Mary's Cathedral Church
   20 minutes (7.2 km) from Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple

   An imposing Neo-Gothic style Catholic Church dating back to the pre-independence period with beautiful stained-glass windows.

10. Day 10: Thaipusam Festival
    Meenakshi Amman Temple

    A vibrant and colourful Hindu festival celebrated annually during January or February. Witness the lively parades and religious rituals.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Meenakshi Amman Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• Gandhi Memorial Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10)
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (1-2 hours, INR 50)
• Vaigai Dam (2-3 hours, Free)
• Koodal Azhagar Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• Alagar Kovil (2-3 hours, Free)
• Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple (2-3 hours, Free)
• Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple (2-3 hours, Free)
• St Mary's Cathedral Church (1-2 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs (INR 60)

Useful Tips

For a shorter trip, it's recommended to skip the Alagar Kovil and Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple. For a longer stay, add nearby destinations like Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari, and Thekkady, and adjust the itinerary accordingly.