Madurai, known as Tamil Nadu’s cultural hub, has a plethora of tourist places to visit in Madurai. The famed Meenakshi Amman Temple’s 14 gopurams dominate Madurai’s skyline. Madurai is also known as “The Lotus City” because of its shape, which resembles a lotus flower. Temples dedicated to various Gods such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati abound in Madurai’s tourist attractions. The city’s churches are architectural marvels, combining Roman, Continental, and European styles. There are palaces where visitors can admire the majesty of Dravidian architecture and discover how it has weathered the test of time. Madurai is also home to one of the five Gandhi Sangrahalaya (museums), which houses several Gandhi artifacts. Families visit a few parks to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Tourists should trek up the hills to enjoy a panoramic picture of Madurai. If you are planning to visit Madurai, then here is some of the greatest Places To Visit in Madurai.

Places To Visit in Madurai

1- Meenakshi Amman Temple

The Meenakshi-Sundershwara Temple, commonly known as the Meenakshi-Sundershwara Temple, is a popular tourist destination in Madurai and one of India’s oldest temples. The city’s most iconic attraction heads our list of the top places to visit in Madurai.  Because of its mythological and historical significance, this temple is extremely important to the Indian people. It is thought to be the location where Lord Shiva, in the avatar of Sundareswarar, married Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) (meaning the handsome one). Thousands of worshippers visit the temple every day, and it is noted for its amazing architecture. The temple’s magnificent construction undoubtedly makes it one of India’s Wonders. The Thirukalyanam Festival, which is well-known in South India, is celebrated for ten days and attracts a large number of visitors.

Timing- 5:30 AM To 12:00 Noon & 4:30 PM To 8:30 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

2- Thirumalai Nayakar Palace

The next on your list of places to visit in Madurai is King Thirumalai Nayak built Thirumalai Nayakar Palace in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, in 1636 AD. The palace is a beautiful combination of Dravidian and Rajput architecture. This palace was declared a national monument after independence, and it is still one of Southern India’s most spectacular monuments until now. This magnificent palace is in close proximity to the well-known Meenakshi Amman Temple. It was created during the reign of the Madurai Nayak Dynasty and depicts the Saracenic style of architecture. It is usually regarded as the most prestigious monument built by the Madurai Nayak Dynasty.

Timing- 9:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 10 Per Person

3- Vaigai Dam

Vaigai is a stunning dam that blesses the picturesque Vaigai river, located about 70 kilometers from Madurai. Vaigai Dam, a blessing for the people of Madurai, Theni, and Dindigul, has supplied for and employed several households since its inception in 1959. The dam is close to a charming tiny garden known as the ‘Little Brindavan,’ which is popular with picnickers and children. It also has a musical fountain that is only operational on weekends and holidays. When Vaigai is at its most beautiful, the monsoon is the best time to visit. The water level increases dramatically, and lush flora can be seen as far as the eye can see. If you’re looking for some peace of mind, Vaigai Dam is one of best the places to visit in Madurai.

Timing- 6:00 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

4- Samanar Hills

Samanar Hills, also known as Samanar Malai, is a picturesque hill rock complex in Keelakuyilkudi hamlet near Madurai that was once home to Tamil Jain monks. The interior walls of the hill caverns include beautiful sculptures and drawings of monks, making them a major tourist attraction. A magnificent lotus temple can also be seen on the premises.

Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

5- Alagar Koyli

Next on our list of places to visit in Madurai is Alagar Koyil, also known as Azhagar Kovil, is one of Madurai’s most frequented temples, located about 21 kilometers from the city center. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also an architectural masterpiece. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and depicts the forms and styles of the early Sangam era, to which it belongs. The temple walls are adorned with excellent, mesmerizing carvings, and there are multiple mandapams within the temple. Lord Sundararajan, Goddess Meenakshi’s brother, is the presiding deity here. In the temple, there are a few shrines dedicated to deities such as Andal, Sudarshana, and Yoga Narasimha.

Timing- 9:00 AM To 7:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

6- Mariamman Teppakulam

This magnificent temple, built in the honor of Lord Vigneshwara, is located around 5 kilometers from the Meenakshi temple. It contains a large tank in the temple premises that holds the distinction for being the largest tank in Tamil Nadu. The tank is kept full of water all year. Legend has it that the temple’s idol was also retrieved from the tank’s bottom when it was dug in the past. As a result, the tank has increased in popularity since then, and a temple has been built in its honor. The temple celebrates a variety of festivals, and all ceremonies are performed with great pomp and delight, and the worshippers have a great time while they are there. This is one of the popular places to visit in Madurai.

Timing- 5:30 AM To 12:00 Noon & 4:30 PM To 8:30 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

7- St Mary’s Cathedral 

St Mary’s Cathedral in Madurai is a gothic-style catholic church located on East Veli Street. The architectural style is a blend of European, Continental, and Roman influences. Inside, a saree-clad statue of the Virgin Mary has been erected. Across the year, the church enjoys a steady stream of visitors. It’s one of the best places to visit in Madurai with its peaceful ambiance.

Timing- 7:00 AM To 7:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

8- Pazhamudhir Solai

One of the best places to visit in Madurai is Pazhamudhir Solai a lovely temple dedicated to Lord Subramaniya, who is revered by many people in southern India. It is a marvelous temple with gigantic steps in front of it and great sculptures of Lord Subramaniya sculpted in wood and marble. People worship the temple by walking around the temple’s circle multiple times in the hopes of having their request granted. It is the largest and most beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya in southern India. It is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, atop the hills of Azharar Koil.

Timing- 5:30 AM To 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM To 9:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

9- Athisayam

Next on the list of Madurai tourist places is Athisayam a big water cum entertainment park near Madurai, located on the Madurai – Dindigul National Highway. The park has a total of 40 games and 20 water rides spread out across 70 acres of ground. A 7D theatre, a cafe, and a children’s amusement garden are all available at the park. For a relaxing weekend, you should visit here for one day.

Timing- 10:30 AM To 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 500 Per Person

10- Gandhi Museum

The Gandhi Memorial Museum is undoubtedly one of the things to see in Madurai if you are a Gandhian scholar or simply a history buff. This Gandhi Sangrahalaya (museum) was founded in 1959 and is one of India’s five Gandhi Sangrahalaya (museums). The museum which was built as a monument houses a variety of objects relating to Gandhi, ranging from letters to portraits, sculptures, and historical documents, all of which demonstrate his pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle. The blood-stained fabric that he wore when he was assassinated, however, is what draws the majority of visitors. It is one of the best places to visit in Madurai.

Timing- 10:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee

11- Meghamalai

Meghamalai, often known as the “High Wavy Mountains,” is a small yet lovely hill station in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats. At 1500 meters above sea level, this spot is ideal for beating the heat and spending some quiet time relaxing in nature. The lush green tea plantations will allow you to sip fresh piping tea while taking a leisurely stroll through nature rich in flora and fauna. it’s one of the top places to visit in Madurai. 

Timing- Open 24 Hours
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee