Two-Day Itinerary for Tamil Nadu in March 2024

  1. Day 1: Meenakshi Amman Temple
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Madurai Junction Railway Station

    Explore the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in South India. This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and features intricate carvings, colorful sculptures, and towering gopurams (monumental gateways). Be sure to visit the Hall of Thousand Pillars and the Golden Lotus Tank.

  2. Day 1: Madurai Government Museum
    5 minutes (0.7 miles) from Meenakshi Amman Temple

    Located in the heart of Madurai, the Government Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu. The museum houses a vast collection of sculptures, bronzes, coins, paintings, and artifacts from ancient civilizations to modern times. You can also see the artifacts from the Indus Valley Civilization at this museum.

  3. Day 1: Thirumalai Nayak Palace
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Madurai Government Museum

    Visit the grand Thirumalai Nayak Palace, a 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak. This palace is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and features a mix of Hindu and Islamic styles. The palace has a beautiful courtyard, dancing hall, and a museum that displays various artifacts and sculptures.

  4. Day 2: Brihadeeswara Temple
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Thanjavur Junction Railway Station

    Visit the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest temples in India. The temple was built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja I in the 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a huge lingam, a massive Nandi statue, and intricate carvings and sculptures.

  5. Day 2: Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery
    5 minutes (0.7 miles) from Brihadeeswara Temple

    Explore the magnificent Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery, a sprawling complex that was the official residence of the Nayak and Maratha rulers of Thanjavur. The palace houses several museums, including an art gallery that displays a large collection of bronze and stone sculptures, paintings, and handicrafts. The palace also has a beautiful garden and a library that contains rare manuscripts and books.

  6. Day 2: Saraswathi Mahal Library
    5 minutes (0.7 miles) from Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery

    Visit the historic Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia. The library was founded in the 16th century by the Nayak rulers and contains a vast collection of ancient manuscripts, books, and paintings. The library also has a museum that displays rare artifacts and sculptures from different periods of Indian history.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Meenakshi Amman Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Madurai Government Museum (1 hour, ₹10)
  • Thirumalai Nayak Palace (1 hour, ₹10)
  • Brihadeeswara Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery (2 hours, ₹100)
  • Saraswathi Mahal Library (1 hour, ₹20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹140
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