Madurai is also known as the City of festivals and temples. It is located in southern India in the state of Tamil Nadu and houses one of the country’s most important shrines: the Meenakshi Temple. According to historical sources, a temple is believed to have stood on this spot 3,000 years ago. Apart from the Meenakshi Temple, you will find a few other interesting sights here, including the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal palace and the Vishnu Temple Alagar Koyil.
Are you planning to visit Madurai? And would you like to learn more about the special history and culture of this historic city in southern India? In this travel guide, I’ll tell you more about its interesting history, read all about the best sights and discover the city’s best accommodation. A history-rich visit to Madurai starts here….
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*This article is also available in Dutch – Madurai Reisgids
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Travel? The best time to visit this city in southern India is between December and February. The temperature is around 30 degrees then. In the months of April and May, the temperature can reach 38 degrees. October and November have the highest average rainfall.
- How many days? You go to Madurai mainly if you want to visit one of India’s most important shrines, the Meenakshi Temple. In one day, you can have discovered the city’s main attractions.
- Accommodation? The best place to stay? Then it’s best to book a hotel between the railway station and the old town. Here you’ll find plenty of hotels and be within walking distance of some important shrines.
- Tours & Tickets? The city’s best sights are in the old town. You can also easily reach the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, the old palace, by footpath.
- Transport? The best way to get to Madurai is by train. The railway station is right in the centre. The bus station is about 8 kilometres northeast of the city centre.
History – What makes Madurai historically interesting to visit?
Madurai is a city with a history of more than 2,500 years. Many historical sources and writers mention Koodal, Malligai Maanagar and Marutham, all referring to this city. An even today’s residents of Tamil Nadu see Madurai as the cultural city of the state. It owes this to the historic Meenakshi Temple and the Koodal Azhagar Temple. Both of these originated before the year 0. The city is therefore also called the Athens of the East because of its important spiritual significance to India.
The city was coveted by several empires. For instance, it was once part of the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Madurai Sultanate, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Nayak dynasty, the Carnatic Kingdom and the British Crown. For instance, Tirumala Nayaka (1623-1659), ruler during the Nayak dynasty (1526-1736) commissioned the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal palace. Although it was four times bigger then than now, it is still interesting to visit it. In the 19th century, the British unfortunately demolished the old fortifications, but during the British period, the city got its current structure. And still thousands of people worldwide flock to the famous historical temples you can visit in the centre of Madurai!
Top 5 Places to visit in Madurai
Looking for the best sights to see in Madurai? Below are 5 best tips and ideas!
1. Visit the Meenakshi Temple
The Sri Meenakshi Temple, also known as Sri Minakshi Temple is the city’s main attraction. According to historical sources, a small temple is said to have stood here as far back as 3,000 years ago. The present complex dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and consists of two sections. One is a temple, accessible only to women and one accessible only to men. According to legend, this shrine is named after Meenaskhi, the “created daughter of the king of Madurai.
2. Explore the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace dates back to the 17th century. It was built at the behest of Tirumala Nayaka. He ruled Madurai from 1623 to 1659. That period is also known as the Madurai Nayak dynasty (1529-1736). Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace was the king’s main residence and in the 17th century was 4 times bigger than it is today. The palace is located about 2 kilometres southeast of Sri Meenakshi Temple.
3. Go to the Vishnu temple Azagar Koyil
Another important shrine in Madurai is the Koodal Azagar Koyil Temple. This temple too is said to have a history of several thousand years. It is mentioned in many historical sources and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This makes it one of the 108 sacred sites of this Hindu god. The Koodal Azagar Koyil Temple is located in the city centre and can be recognised by an impressive rajagopuram, the entrance gate to this shrine.
4. Check out the interesting Gandhi Memorial Museum
In every city, you will come across a statue or museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), politician and spiritual leader of India. For two reasons, a visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum is pretty much a must: you will discover more about Gandhi’s life and it is housed in a beautiful palace. This palace, also called Tamukkam Palace, dates back to the 17th century and was a summer residence of the kings of the Madurai Nayak Dynasty.
5. Visit the colourful Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam Temple
Another impressive shrine in Madurai is the Mariamman Teppakulam Temple. This temple is located about 5 kilometres east of the city centre. Teppakulam means pond temple and that is where it is located. The aforementioned ruler Tirumala Nayaka had the stones dug out here to build Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace with it. This shrine is best visited during one of the festivals that take place here. In January and February, this is the Float festival.
Accommodation – Where to stay in Madurai?
Because of the Sri Meenakshi Temple, it is definitely worth visiting the city. The centre of the city is formed by this beautiful temple. If you are looking for accommodation, the best place to stay is between the railway station and the Sri Meenakshi Temple. Unfortunately, the city lacks a really good hostel where you can meet other backpackers. However, there is plenty of budget accommodation to be found in the city centre.
Looking for accommodation in Madurai? Book your Hotel of Hostel here!
Transport – How to get there?
Madurai has its own airport. Thus, many domestic flights depart daily to this destination in southern India. There are also international flights from here to Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates, among others. The airport is located about 15 kilometres south of the city. Book your flight tickets to and from Madurai here.
Madurai also has its own railway station. Madurai Junction is located in the city centre, within walking distance of a few major attractions. These include trains to Chennai, Bangalore, Kanyakumari and Kochi in southern India. Trains also go to Mumbai, among other places, but these easily take more than 30 hours. In that case, it’s better to book a domestic flight.
Finally, the city’s main bus station is located northeast of the city centre. From Mattuthavani Bus Stand, many buses depart daily to major destinations in Tamil Nadu. From this bus station, you can catch a bus to the centre of Madurai. Mattuthavani Bus Stand is about 8 kilometres away from the city centre. Book bus tickets or train tickets to or from Madurai here.
Plan your trip to Madurai & India
- Accommodation? Hotel via Booking of Hostel via Hostelworld?
- Things to See and Do? Tickets & Tours via GetYourGuide
- Transport: Bus & Train Tickets via 12go.Asia
- Flight tickets to India? Skyscanner
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