4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Madurai

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kumar Mess

Start the day with a hearty South Indian breakfast at Kumar Mess, known for its authentic idlis and sambar.
Located in the heart of Madurai, accessible by local auto-rickshaws.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the stunning Meenakshi Amman Temple, a remarkable architectural wonder and a hub of spiritual energy.
Just a short 10-minute drive from Kumar Mess.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Nattukottai

Enjoy delicious Chettinad cuisine at The Nattukottai, a family-friendly restaurant with a great variety of dishes.
A 15-minute walk from Meenakshi Temple.
INR 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace to witness its magnificent architecture and to relax at the expansive lawns.
10-minute drive or a 30-minute walk from The Nattukottai.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Gandhi Museum

Discover the life of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Museum, set in a beautiful mansion with various exhibits.
15 minutes by auto-rickshaw from Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace.
INR 10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

End the day with a delightful dinner at Sree Sabarees, known for its vegetarian South Indian thali.
Only a 10-minute drive from the Gandhi Museum.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The French Loaf

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at The French Loaf, a lovely bakery that offers Western and Indian breakfast options.
Located in the city center, easy to reach by auto-rickshaw.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Azhagar Temple

Explore Azhagar Temple, situated in a serene environment, ideal for family walks and learning about local rituals.
Around a 30-minute drive from The French Loaf.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Heritage

Savor traditional South Indian meals at Hotel Heritage, a family-friendly restaurant offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
A short 20-minute drive back to Madurai.
INR 700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy an afternoon adventure hike in the beautiful Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity.
About an hour's drive from Hotel Heritage.
INR 1000 (entry fees plus guide), 3 hours

5:30PM

Boat Ride in Periyar Lake

Take a relaxing boat ride on Periyar Lake to spot wildlife and enjoy the sunset views.
Boat rides available on-site.
INR 200 per person, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Meridien Restaurant

Have dinner at Meridien Restaurant, which offers an array of Indian and international cuisine in a cozy family setting.
30-minute drive back to Madurai.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Shopping and Leisure

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Annalakshmi Restaurant

Start the day with a lavish breakfast at Annalakshmi, famous for its extensive buffet with South Indian specialties.
A quick 15-minute drive from your stay.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Madurai Flower Market

Wander through the vibrant Madurai Flower Market, where children can enjoy the sights and smells of colorful flowers.
10 minutes from Annalakshmi by auto-rickshaw.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Shopping in the Local Bazaars

Explore the local bazaars near the flower market, perfect for picking up souvenirs and traditional crafts.
Located within walking distance from the Flower Market.
Varies, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Virundhu

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Virundhu offering traditional Tamil cuisine with a buffet-style service.
A short walk from the local bazaars.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple

Visit the unique rock-cut Thiruparankundram Temple, perfect for a family outing with scenic views.
20-minute drive from The Virundhu.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Regional Science Centre

Wrap up the day with an educational visit to the Regional Science Centre, where kids can enjoy interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
A 30-minute drive from Thiruparankundram Temple.
INR 50, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The New Madurai Central

Savor a delightful dinner at The New Madurai Central, which serves both Indian and Continental dishes in a lively atmosphere.
About 30-minute drive back to central Madurai.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: History and Heritage

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Idli House

Enjoy a morning feast of fluffy idlis and coconut chutney at the popular Idli House.
Located only 10 minutes from your accommodation.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Samanar Hills

Explore the ancient rock-cut caves and inscriptions at Samanar Hills, a unique historical site in Madurai.
About 30 minutes by car.
INR 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sri Preama Mess.

Enjoy a traditional Tamil meal at Sri Preama Mess, perfect for trying local home-style cooking.
A 25-minute drive from Samanar Hills.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Alagarkoil Temple

Visit the picturesque Alagarkoil Temple, surrounded by lush landscapes, ideal for both sightseeing and quiet reflection.
Difficult to drive, so hiring a taxi is recommended, about a 30-minute trip.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Madurai Fort

Step back in time with a visit to Madurai Fort, a historical location that reveals the rich history of the city.
Around a 20-minute drive from Alagarkoil Temple.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Final shopping at City Centre Mall

Spend your last hours in Madurai shopping for souvenirs and local products in the City Centre Mall.
A 20-minute drive from Madurai Fort.
Varies, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Spice Route

Conclude your Madurai adventure with a lively dinner at The Spice Route, offering an array of exquisite Indian dishes.
Just a 15-minute drive from City Centre Mall.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
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