Start your day at the Meenakshi Amman Temple and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Madurai. This temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi and is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, with its intricate carvings and colorful sculptures. After exploring the temple, take a stroll through the nearby Gandhi Memorial Museum, which displays the life and memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, visit the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, an impressive palace built in the 17th century, with a blend of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture.
Start your day exploring the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, an ancient temple built inside a cave and believed to be one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan. Next, head to the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, an artificial tank garden with an island temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman. Spend the rest of your day at the Samanar Hills, a beautiful pilgrimage site with Jain caves that date back to the 1st century BC and offer stunning views of Madurai.
If you have more time, visit the Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara or add a trip to the nearby town of Thirumangalam, which is famous for its handloom sarees. If you have less time, you can skip Samanar Hills or the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen, and always carry a bottle of water with you due to Madurai's hot and dry weather.