Although when you think of Tamil Nadu, its capital might strike you as a place of major attraction. There’s no wonder that Chennai in itself is a versatile city with loads of ethnic practices to check out, nevertheless, India’s one of the oldest cities, Madurai, has attracted a lot of tourists for its rich history which started long before the existence of Chennai. Considering the best things to do in Madurai, the place thrives with the resonation of being one of the prevalent cities that traded with Rome, which is subtly reflected by its people’s lifestyle and culture.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is renowned throughout the world and tourists both native and foreign to India craze over this majestic maze-like structure since its inception. Madurai is one of those prominent Indian spots that vehemently dictates a sharp disjunction between being a cultural hub of religious enthusiasts and historical fanatics and having an economy that is driven by IT. Its charmingly bustling crowd and hustling streets are crowned with the fact that this city is effortlessly managed by a well-rounded system that tourists absolutely adore.
Being an exclusive attraction for its temples built by the Pandyan kingdom and Madurai Nayak kings in the Dravidian style of architecture, it carries a sharply distinctive form of architecture that is unique to India and an inspiration for the world.
Madurai could be accessed by air, train, and road since it is a major hub of tourists throughout the year. Due to the limitation of its size, the city does not entertain any metro or local train facilities for touring within; however, one can always find bus, auto-rickshaw and hired cars for touring.
The best things to do in Madurai mainly include temple and monumental sightseeing, which is found extremely tasteful by those who are stoked with architectural senses. The rich history of Madurai gives this city a weight like no other place in the whole of India.
Things to Do in Madurai
People Also Ask About Madurai Things To Do
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What are some of the must do things in Madurai?
Madurai is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and reflects the cultural and historical might of the city with its temples and architectural stands. While most of the people come here due to the attraction of the Meenakshi Temple, however, the best things to do in Madurai do not end with this one spot. There are other places and activities to highlight that are a must if you are visiting:
- Visit Nagamalai, Yaanaimalai and Samanarmalai mountains surrounding the city
- Attend a temple concert
- Visit the legendary Gandhi Museum
- Shop for cotton fabrics, batiks, and handmade crafts
- Experience Madurai’s bullion bazaar
- Try the Murugan idli shop
- Experience the Teppam (float) Festival
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Which places are good for food trail in Madurai?
Several vendors in Madurai offer mind boggling tours throughout the city to experience the local Madurai cuisine that would be impossible if you are a stranger here. Most of the trails here start after dusk when all the local food stalls spring up their recipes for the people to try. As one of the best things to do in Madurai, the best places where you can try the local cuisine of this city are:
- Prema Vilas Lala Sweet Shop
- Murugan Idli Shop
- Amma Mess at Thallakulam
- East Marrat Street
- Visaalam Coffee in Goripalayam
- GobuIyengar near Meenakshi Temple
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Is it worth going for Cycle Rickshaw tour of Madurai?
There is no literal another way to experience the raw intimacy with Madurai except through the cycle-rickshaw tour. Unravel the historical mysteries and local’s culture with this magical South Indian journey through the streets of Madurai. The marketplaces, exquisite architecture and the temples are what make this city what it is, and the cycle-rickshaw tours include some of the best things to do in Madurai.
It usually takes 2-3 hours per tour when you shall taste the local bites and meet the native people in the charming narrow alleys and the bustling streets. It is definitely worth a try as the city is hard not to love.
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Is it worth visiting Potters’ village in Madurai? What is special about it?
If you have developed a keen interest in the artistry of human hands and minds, then Potters’ Village in Madurai is a necessary visit. This tour normally consists of walking or driving around the village to see the villagers bring outstanding creations out of mud to life and hear their stories about priests, Gods, and Goddesses.
Navratri Golu dolls and paper mache dolls are the two signature creations of this village; no wonder a visit here is considered as one of the best things to do in Madurai. You could even participate in trying your hand at the pottery and the doll making while you listen to their unique mythical stories.
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Which are some famous temples to visit in Madurai?
Madurai is the most loved city in India, which is revered for its brilliance of architecture made by artisans. The city is a hub of temples, a religious cluster of people and is known by the name, ‘the city that never sleeps’. Madurai is busy during any time of the day or night, and you are usually sure to find food and entertainment if you stroll. Temple hopping is one of the best things to do in Madurai; check out the following:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
- Koodal Azhagar Temple
- Pazhamudhir Solai
- AlagarKoil
- Mariamman Teppakulam
- Kallazhagar Temple
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Which are some famous places to shop in Madurai?
The shopping experience in Madurai is not a piece of cake and if crowds do not bother you, then the shopping options are literally limitless. As the city is renowned for its textile industry, the cotton fabrics and batiks dominate the clothing industry while handmade crafts are a major gifting attraction. Shopping is unique and one of the best things to do in Madurai, so check out the following places to shop when in Madurai:
- Vishaal de Mal
- PuthuMandapam
- Hajeemoosa Textiles
- Cottage Industries Emporiums
- Government emporiums
- 2D/1N
- 6D/5N
- 1D/1N
- 12H
Madurai Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Madurai
One of the most serene places to visit in Madurai, this ancient temple dates back to the year 1628 when it was built by King Thirumalai Nayakkar in reverence to the Lord Sundareshwar and Goddess Meenakshi and to serve as their summer abode. One thing that immediately strikes the visitors is the temple’s architectural magnificence and finesse. You will see 124 pillars and columns intricately carved with Hindu scriptures and scenes from the wedding of the Lord and the Goddess and those of the Nayaka dynasty rulers. The mandapam is almost 330-ft. high and stands on a pedestal. The temple hosts the popular festivals of Avani Moolam, Theppam, Navarathri, etc. that bring thousands of people from all over Southern India. The temple complex houses a traditional market that's been functioning since the 1920s, where you can pick up beautiful local textiles, holy books, jewellery, and sandalwood products. Timings: Every day from 9:00 am- 8:30 pm. Location: E Chitrai Street, Chinnakadai Area, Madurai.
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