2-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Madurai to Kerala in May 2023

1. Day 1: Explore the Culture of Madurai
   20 minutes (6.5 miles) from Madurai Airport

   Start the day by visiting the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi. Next, take a walk through the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, an impressive palace built in the 17th century. For lunch, head to the popular Amma Mess restaurant for authentic South Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's fight for independence and Mahatma Gandhi's life. End the day by watching the sound and light show at Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.

2. Day 2: Experience the Beauty of Kerala
   4 hours (150 miles) from Madurai

   Start your day early and drive to Munnar, a breathtaking hill station in Kerala known for its tea plantations and scenic views. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea. Next, head to the Mattupetty Dam and take a boat ride on the serene lake. For lunch, try out the local Kerala cuisine at Saravana Bhavan. In the afternoon, visit the Eravikulam National Park to see the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and other wildlife. End the day by watching the mesmerizing Kathakali performance.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Meenakshi Amman Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal (1-2 hours, INR 50)
• Amma Mess (1 hour, INR 200)
• Gandhi Memorial Museum (1-2 hours, INR 10)
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal Sound and Light Show (1 hour, INR 50)
• Munnar Tea Museum (1-2 hours, INR 125)
• Mattupetty Dam Boat Ride (1 hour, INR 500)
• Saravana Bhavan (1 hour, INR 300)
• Eravikulam National Park (2-3 hours, INR 120)
• Kathakali Performance (1-2 hours, INR 300)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,655 per person