Discover Madurai in 5 Days

1. Day 1: Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
   17 minutes (5.1 km) from Madurai International Airport

   The temple is a significant landmark in Madurai and a must-visit to experience Hindu culture and architecture.

2. Day 2: Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
   7 minutes (2.1 km) from Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

   Built-in 1636 AD, the palace is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture, with white pillars and attractive stained glass windows.

3. Day 3: Gandhi Memorial Museum
   15 minutes (4.5 km) from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

   A tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the museum is a must-visit for history lovers. The exhibits include sculptures, photographs, and life history of Gandhi.

4. Day 4: Samanar Hills
   50 minutes (13.7 km) from Gandhi Memorial Museum

   The hills are popular for Jain caves dating back to the 1st century BC. Hike to the top of the hill for breathtaking views of Madurai.

5. Day 5: Vaigai Dam
   30 minutes (7.9 km) from Samanar Hills

   A stunning man-made reservoir with a garden and aquarium, Vaigai Dam is a lovely spot for a picnic and relaxation.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace (1-2 hours, INR 50-100)
• Gandhi Memorial Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10-30)
• Samanar Hills (2-3 hours, free)
• Vaigai Dam (2-3 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 60-230

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Koodal Azhagar Temple and Alagar Temple. For food, try Madurai's famous street food like parotta, kothu parotta, and varuval. If you have less time, you can skip Gandhi Memorial Museum, which takes almost half a day.