Top 5 Tourist Places To Visit In Madurai

Tourists have always been enthralled with Madurai, a town of pilgrims and temples. Every area is infused with ancient history and culture, and stunning temples in Dravidian architecture dominate the skyline.

One of the world's longest-living cities is Madurai. It serves as both the administrative centre for the Madurai District and the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. It's easy to feel as though you've gone back in time while strolling through the busy streets of Pudhu Mandapam, as vendors yell out to you and entice you to purchase renowned Madurai cotton sarees and intricately carved brassware.

However, Madurai's top attractions go beyond its quaint stores and temples. There are many more places to visit, all equally fascinating.

Meenakshi Amman Temple

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is over 2,500 years old. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, who is an avatar of Goddess Parvati. The temple is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm and it is at a distance of 1 km from the city’s centre.

Normal entry to the temple is free of cost, but special/VIP entry costs ₹50 to ₹100. The temple has fourteen gopurams with exquisite artistry on its walls. The Meenakshi Temple is not only a great place for worshippers but also for tourists to witness the great artistic roots of Madurai.

Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal

The Thirumalai Nayakar palace was built in 1636 AD in the city of Madurai by King Thirumalai Nayak. This palace reflects a perfect blend of Italian and Rajput architectural styles. This palace was declared a national monument after independence.

The Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal continues to be one of the most spectacular monuments in India. The magnificent palace is located in the vicinity of the Meenakshi Amman Temple.

Vaigai Dam

The Vaigai Dam is a magnificent man-made structure, which was constructed over the river Vaigai, near Andipatti in the Theni district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Andipatti lies about 70 km from Madurai, and tourists on their way to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary often visit the Vaigai Dam. This massive and wondrous dam has become a famous picnic spot as it gets beautifully lit in the evening.

Alagar Kovil

Alagar Kovil is an exquisite temple situated in the northeast of Madurai. The temple is the resting place of Lord Vishnu and a sacred region for several followers of Lord Vishnu. It is situated in the Alagar Hills and is also known as Azhagar Kovil.

The statue of Lord Vishnu in the temple is made entirely of stone and is a splendid masterpiece. A variety of statues of Lord Vishnu in different postures are kept under the same roof.

Gandhi Museum

The Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai serves as a remembrance and tribute to the efforts of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It was established in 1959, eleven years after his demise.

The museum is a wealth of remarkable mementoes associated with Indian history. It is one of the five great museums in India that depicts the life of Mahatma Gandhi and India’s freedom struggle.