Enchanting Madurai by Rail: 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast at the famous Murugan Idli Shop, known for its fluffy idlis and crispy dosas.
Located in North Masi Street, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw from the railway station.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

Visit the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its towering gopurams and intricate carvings.
A short walk from the Murugan Idli Shop.
INR 50 (foreigners), free for Indians, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Amma Mess

Indulge in a traditional Tamil Nadu meal at Amma Mess, known for its authentic flavors and homely ambiance.
Located near the temple, a quick walk from the temple complex.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Explore the Gandhi Memorial Museum to learn about India's struggle for independence and Mahatma Gandhi's life and teachings.
A short auto-rickshaw ride from Amma Mess.
INR 100 (foreigners), INR 20 (Indians), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Konar Mess

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Konar Mess, known for its Chettinad cuisine and spicy delicacies.
A short distance from the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Temple Visit and Museum

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Saravana Bhavan, known for its variety of dosas and filter coffee.
Located in West Marret Street, a short auto-rickshaw ride from the railway station.
INR 250, 1 hour

10:00AM

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the various halls, shrines, and the beautiful tank inside the Meenakshi Amman Temple complex.
Located within walking distance from Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
INR 50 (foreigners), free for Indians, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sree Sabarees

Savor a traditional South Indian thali for lunch at Sree Sabarees, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Madurai.
A short walk from the temple.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum to delve deeper into India's freedom struggle and Gandhi's principles of non-violence.
Located a short distance away from Sree Sabarees.
INR 100 (foreigners), INR 20 (Indians), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Murugan Mess

End your day with a flavorful dinner at Murugan Mess, known for its authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine and biryani.
A short auto-rickshaw ride from the Gandhi Memorial Museum.
INR 350, 1 hour
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Day 3: Rameswaram Excursion

Madurai to Rameswaram, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Madurai Railway Station

Grab a quick breakfast at the Madurai Railway Station before boarding your train to Rameswaram.
Enjoy a simple breakfast at the station's food stalls.
INR 100, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Rameswaram Temple

Explore the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a scenic train ride from Madurai to Rameswaram, approximately 3 hours.
INR 100 (foreigners), INR 25 (Indians), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mama's Cafe

Relish a seafood lunch at Mama's Cafe, known for its fresh catch of the day and stunning views of the sea.
Located near the Rameswaram Temple, offering a serene dining experience.
INR 400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Agni Teertham Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing at Agni Teertham Beach, a sacred beach where pilgrims take a dip before visiting the temple.
A short walk from Mama's Cafe, ideal for unwinding by the sea.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Madurai

Catch the evening train back to Madurai and enjoy the scenic journey through the Tamil Nadu countryside.
Board the train from Rameswaram Railway Station to Madurai.
INR 150, 3 hours
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