3-Day Travel Itinerary for Visiting Madurai

Madurai
Posted on | by Anuj

Madurai, one of the oldest cities in India, is famous for its temples, palaces, street food, and bustling markets. This 3-day itinerary covers its heritage, spiritual sites, cultural spots, and local experiences.

Day 1: Temples, Heritage & Culture

Morning (6:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

1. Meenakshi Amman Temple (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM)

  • Begin your journey at Meenakshi Amman Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
  • Explore sculptures, thousand-pillar hall, and towering gopurams.
  • Time Spent: 2.5 hours
  • Entry Fee: Free (Special Darshan ₹50-₹200)

2. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal (9:15 AM – 10:15 AM)

  • A 17th-century palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture.
  • Massive pillars, light and sound show in the evening.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹250 (Foreigners)

3. Breakfast at Murugan Idli Shop (10:15 AM – 10:45 AM)

  • Try soft idlis, dosas, pongal, and filter coffee.

4. Gandhi Memorial Museum (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)

  • One of India’s top museums dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
  • See rare photographs, letters, and Gandhi’s blood-stained dhoti.
  • Time Spent: 1.5 hours
  • Entry Fee: Free

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

5. Lunch at Amma Mess (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

  • Try Madurai’s famous Kari Dosa, Mutton Sukka, and banana leaf meals.

6. Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam (2:00 PM – 2:45 PM)

  • A massive temple tank famous for its annual float festival.
  • Time Spent: 45 minutes
  • Entry Fee: Free

7. Koodal Azhagar Temple (3:00 PM – 3:45 PM)

  • A Vishnu temple with stunning carvings.
  • Time Spent: 45 minutes
  • Entry Fee: Free

Evening (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

8. Alagar Kovil (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM)

  • A scenic Vishnu temple in the Alagar Hills, surrounded by nature.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: Free

9. Sunset at Samanar Hills (5:45 PM – 6:45 PM)

  • A Jain cave site with rock carvings and breathtaking views of Madurai.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: Free

10. Dinner at Kumar Mess (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

  • Try Chettinad cuisine and Madurai Jigarthanda (a famous drink).

11. Light & Sound Show at Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal (8:30 PM – 9:00 PM)

  • Experience a historical storytelling show about the Nayak dynasty.
  • Entry Fee: ₹50

Day 2: Spirituality, Markets & Local Attractions

Morning (7:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

1. Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thiruparankundram (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM)

  • A rock-cut Murugan temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
  • Time Spent: 1.5 hours
  • Entry Fee: Free

2. Breakfast at Konar Mess (9:15 AM – 9:45 AM)

  • Try Mutton Kola Urundai (mutton balls) and Parotta with Salna.

3. St. Mary’s Cathedral (10:00 AM – 10:30 AM)

  • A stunning Catholic church with Gothic and Roman architecture.
  • Time Spent: 30 minutes
  • Entry Fee: Free

4. Banana Market & Local Shopping (10:45 AM – 12:30 PM)

  • Visit Asia’s second-largest banana market and shop for Madurai Jasmine and Sungudi Sarees.

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

5. Lunch at Modern Restaurant (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

  • Try authentic South Indian meals.

6. Eco Park (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

  • A peaceful park with a musical fountain and boating.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: ₹20

7. ISKCON Madurai (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

  • A Krishna temple known for its peaceful atmosphere and evening bhajans.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: Free

Evening (5:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

8. Dinner at Chockanad Restaurant (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

  • Try Madurai-style Biryani and vegetarian dishes.

Day 3: Offbeat & Leisure Exploration

Morning (7:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

1. Azhagar Hills Trekking (7:30 AM – 10:00 AM)

  • Enjoy a short trek around the Alagar Kovil region.
  • Time Spent: 2.5 hours
  • Entry Fee: Free

2. Breakfast at Ayyappan Tiffin Centre (10:15 AM – 10:45 AM)

  • Try ghee roast dosa and strong filter coffee.

3. Periyar Dam (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

  • A scenic reservoir near Madurai.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: ₹10

Afternoon (12:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

4. Lunch at Temple City Restaurant (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

  • Try Thalappakatti-style Biryani.

5. Railway Heritage Museum (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

  • A railway-themed museum with vintage locomotives.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: ₹20

6. Flower Market Visit (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

  • Visit Madurai’s vibrant flower market.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: Free

Evening (5:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

7. Relax at Teppakulam Park (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)

  • A peaceful garden by the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam.
  • Time Spent: 1 hour
  • Entry Fee: ₹20

8. Farewell Dinner at Taj Gateway (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

  • Enjoy a fine dining experience.

Summary Table of Popular Places in Madurai

PlacePopularityTime SpentEntry Fee
Meenakshi Temple★★★★★2.5 hrsFree
Thirumalai Mahal★★★★☆1 hr₹20-₹250
Gandhi Museum★★★★☆1.5 hrsFree
Banana Market★★★★☆1 hrFree
Light & Sound Show★★★★☆30 mins₹50

This 3-day itinerary covers everything from temples to hidden gems!