10-Day Itinerary in Madurai

  1. Day 1: Meenakshi Amman Temple
    10 minutes (3.5 km) from Madurai Junction Railway Station

    Marvel at the Dravidian architecture and intricate carvings of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Parvati and Shiva.

  2. Day 2: Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
    10 minutes (3 km) from Meenakshi Amman Temple

    Explore the 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayakkar in Indo-Saracenic style, featuring beautiful sculptures, paintings, and arches.

  3. Day 3: Gandhi Memorial Museum
    15 minutes (5 km) from Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

    Learn about Mahatma Gandhi's life and philosophy and see his personal belongings, letters, photographs, and a replica of his original ashram.

  4. Day 4: Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple
    25 minutes (8 km) from Gandhi Memorial Museum

    Climb the hill temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War, and witness the impressive rock-cut caves and the 6-feet tall deity statue.

  5. Day 5: Koodal Azhagar Temple
    10 minutes (3 km) from Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple

    Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his reclining form and admire the 108 divya desams (sacred places) depicted on the inner walls.

  6. Day 6: Alagar Kovil
    45 minutes (20 km) from Koodal Azhagar Temple

    Head to the beautiful hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Alagar, and witness the stunning architecture, sculptures, and surrounding greenery.

  7. Day 7: Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple
    30 minutes (15 km) from Alagar Kovil

    Explore the serene temple nestled amidst lush greenery and hills, dedicated to Lord Murugan, and surrounded by a natural forest.

  8. Day 8: Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
    15 minutes (5 km) from Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple

    Take a boat ride in the massive square tank built to store and distribute water during the festive season and see the colorful statues of deities.

  9. Day 9: Azhagar Kovil Viewpoint
    30 minutes (15 km) from Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

    Go on a short hike to the hilltop viewpoint overlooking the Azhagar Kovil temple and the scenic countryside of Madurai.

  10. Day 10: Samanar Hills and Jain Caves
    20 minutes (8 km) from Azhagar Kovil Viewpoint

    Discover the ancient Jain caves and inscriptions dating back to the 1st century BC on the scenic Samanar Hills and enjoy the panoramic vista.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
  • Gandhi Memorial Museum (2 hours, INR 25 per person)
  • Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Koodal Azhagar Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Alagar Kovil (2 hours, free)
  • Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple (1 hour, free)
  • Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam (1 hour, free)
  • Azhagar Kovil Viewpoint (2 hours, free)
  • Samanar Hills and Jain Caves (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 125 per person

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can visit other attractions in Madurai such as the Mariamman Teppakulam tank, the Madurai Government Museum, and the Athisayam Water Theme Park. If you have less time, prioritize the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, and Gandhi Memorial Museum, which are the most iconic landmarks of Madurai. Remember to follow the dress code and decorum of the temples and carry enough water to stay hydrated.

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