One Day Tour of Madurai

1. 9:00AM: Meenakshi Amman Temple
   Located in the heart of Madurai
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 0 minutes (0 miles)

   The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is open from 5:00AM to 12:30PM and from 4:00PM to 10:00PM. Make sure to dress appropriately and remove footwear before entering the temple.

2. 11:00AM: Thirumalai Nayak Palace
   Located 2.7 kilometers from Meenakshi Amman Temple
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 20 minutes (1.7 miles)

   The Thirumalai Nayak Palace is a 17th-century palace that was built by King Thirumalai Nayak. The palace features a fusion of Dravidian and Islamic styles of architecture. The palace is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The sound and light show in the evening is highly recommended.

3. 1:00PM: Gandhi Memorial Museum
   Located 3.8 kilometers from Thirumalai Nayak Palace
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 20 minutes (1.1 miles)

   The Gandhi Memorial Museum is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation, and his non-violent struggle for India's freedom. The museum houses a rare collection of photographs, letters, and personal belongings of Gandhi. The museum is open from 10:00AM to 1:00PM and from 2:00PM to 5:45PM.

4. 4:00PM: Alagar Kovil
   Located 20.6 kilometers from Gandhi Memorial Museum
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 45 minutes (13.5 miles)

   Alagar Kovil is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located atop a hill. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings and tranquil surroundings. The temple is open from 6:00AM to 12:30PM and from 4:00PM to 8:30PM. The view of the surrounding landscape from the hill is mesmerizing.

5. 6:30PM: Koodal Azhagar Temple
   Located 6.1 kilometers from Alagar Kovil
   Estimated time and distance from previous location: 30 minutes (5.7 miles)

   Koodal Azhagar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 divya desams. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is open from 6:30AM to 12:00PM and from 4:00PM to 8:00PM.

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, you can visit the Mariamman Teppakulam tank, which is a man-made tank located 5 kilometers from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. You can also visit the Gandhi Museum in the morning and the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in the evening to catch the sound and light show. For a side trip, you can visit the nearby hill station of Kodaikanal, which is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, especially the famous Madurai Jigarthanda. Finally, make sure to book your hotels and flights in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.