Day Trip to Madurai

ARRIVES MADURAI

Arrives the city of Madurai. After refreshment, start Madurai day trip.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS OF MADURAI:

Shree Meenakshi Amman Temple

Sree Meenakshi Amman Temple is regarded one of the most famous temples in South India, dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. It extends beyond 6 hectares of land and named after goddess Parvati. The temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya in the pre-Christian era, the temple was in ruins before it was rebuilt by Tirumalai Nayak. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and has 12 gateways (Gopurams), which are 45 to 50 meters in height. The tallest Gopuram of the temple is the southern Gopuram, which is about 48.4-metre-high is the most spectacular of all Gopurams, and has over 1,500 sculptures. Entry to the temple complex is restricted only to Hindus. The thousand pillar hall is one of the amazing works in the temple that is famous for architectural brilliance. The temple also contains the temple art museum, holy golden lotus tank, musical pillars, stalls, and many smaller shrines. Entry to the temple complex is restricted only to Hindus.

Gandhi Museum

The Gandhi Museum of Madurai was established in the memory of the Mahatma Gandhi by the Gandhi Memorial Trust after his assassination in 1948. Gandhi ji is said to have changed his dress code to Dhoti after his visit to Madurai in 1921. The museum was set up in the Palace of Rani Mangammal of Nayak Dynasty. The Museum exhibits the Freedom Struggle depicted with 265 illustrations and contains Gandhis personal belongings such as items used by him including spectacles, yarn, and bloodstained Dhoti that he was wearing when he was found shot to death in Delhi. It also houses images and artifacts of the Gandhian movement. It opens from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Thirumalai Nayak Palace

Thirumalai Nayak Palace was built in 16th century by Nayak ruler Thirumalai Nayak in Indo-Sarcenic style, designed by an Italian Architect and served as his residential palace. The palace is an example of architectural brilliance. The palace demonstrates 248 pillars, each 58 feet in height and famous for the “Stuccowork” on its domes and impressive arches. The main attractions of the place are entrance hall, courtyard, audience hall and dance hall. The palace was restored in 1866-72 by the Lord Napier, then Governor of Madras

Koodal Azhagar Temple

Koodal Azhagar Temple is an ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple located at 2 km away from Madurai, renowned for its sculptures of Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures. The statue of Lord Vishnu is carved in front of the temple. It is said to have regarded one of the oldest temples of south India.

Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple

If time permits on a Madurai day trip, you can visit Thiruparankundram temple, which is 10 km away from Madurai. The temple is dedicated to Hindu God Murugan, who is worshipped as a favorite god of Tamils. God Murugan is said to have chosen this place as his abode and married Devasena here. There is also a fourteenth century shrine of Islamic saint Hazarat Sultan Sikandhar atop the hill.