2-Day Itinerary to Explore the Rich Heritage of Madurai

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Melmond Sweets

Start your day with a traditional South Indian breakfast at Melmond Sweets, renowned for its crispy dosas and filter coffee.
Head north from the restaurant to your first destination.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple

Explore the captivating Meenakshi Amman Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and intricately carved pillars.
Stroll for approximately 15 minutes to reach the temple.
Free Entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sri Sabarees

Savor authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine with a hearty meal at Sri Sabarees, famous for its thali platters.
A quick auto ride will get you there in about 10 minutes.
INR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, an impressive 17th-century palace displaying Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Travel 20 minutes from Sri Sabarees via auto.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax in the Gandhi Museum

Discover the life of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Museum, which showcases a rich collection of memorabilia.
Head northwest for about 15 minutes by auto.
Free Entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening stroll in local markets

Wander through the bustling local markets like Puthu Mandapam, where you can shop for local handicrafts and textiles.
Walk towards the market from the museum.
Free to Explore, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kumar Mess

Enjoy a sumptuous meal at Kumar Mess, famous for its non-vegetarian dishes, especially the fish curry.
Walk or take a quick auto to reach the restaurant.
INR 400, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Heritage and Nature

Madurai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Dhivya

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at The Dhivya, known for its idlis and vadas.
It's a short auto ride from your accommodation.
INR 250, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Alagar Kovil Temple

Head to the serene Alagar Kovil Temple located in the hills, dedicated to Lord Murugan, surrounded by beautiful nature.
Travel by taxi or auto for about 30 minutes to the temple.
Free Entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Temple Canteen

Taste the simple yet scrumptious meals served at the temple canteen, a local favorite.
Dine within the temple premises before heading out.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam

Explore the beautiful Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam, a large water tank with a temple in the center, ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Return to Madurai city by auto; it takes around 20 minutes.
Free Entry, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Samanar Hills

Embark on a trek to Samanar Hills to witness ancient rock-cut caves and inscriptions that date back to Jain history.
Get a taxi to the Samanar Hills, about 30 minutes away.
Free Entry, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to City and Visit Hajeemoosa

After your trek, return to the city to shop at Hajeemoosa, a historic textile store perfect for buying silk sarees.
Travel back to the city via auto, around 30 minutes.
Free to Explore, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Sree Sabarees

Conclude your Madurai visit with a delectable dinner at Sree Sabarees, famous for its yummy vegetarian meals.
It is conveniently located nearby, within 10 minutes by auto.
INR 350, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability