Begin your first day at Meenakshi Amman Temple, a historic and iconic temple complex dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Shiva. The temple has a fascinating history and boasts of beautiful architecture and sculptures. Spend your morning exploring the intricate carvings and halls of the temple. Don't miss the main sanctum where you can witness the priest performing the daily rituals. The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 12:30 PM.
After a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, head to Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a stunning palace built in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak. The palace is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and features a beautiful garden, a grand throne room, and a sound and light show in the evening. The palace is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
End your first day at the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which houses an impressive collection of photographs, letters, and other artifacts related to Mahatma Gandhi's life and achievements. The museum also has a separate section dedicated to the Indian freedom struggle. The museum opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:45 PM.
Begin your second day with a trip to Alagar Kovil, a beautiful temple situated atop a hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and features intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is located on the outskirts of Madurai and offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills. The temple opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 12:30 PM.
After a hearty breakfast, visit Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. The temple is situated amidst lush greenery and features a natural spring that is believed to have medicinal properties. The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 1:00 PM.
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby cities of Trichy or Kodaikanal. For a unique experience, take a food tour of Madurai and sample the local delicacies. If you have less time, skip the Gandhi Memorial Museum and spend more time exploring the Meenakshi Amman Temple complex. Remember to carry sufficient water and wear comfortable footwear as you will be walking a lot.