Popular for its Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is built in a maze-like structure, Madurai is known to be the heart of Tamil Nadu. It is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and twenty-fifth most populated city in India. The city is well-known for weaving and cotton-spinning. Madurai is a beautiful city with a number of uniquely-built temples. It is a simple yet traditional city that believes in the customs and rituals of South India till date. Locals of the city wear traditional clothes. Men wear shirts and lungi, and women adorn silk sarees. Some great tourist places to visit in Madurai in one day are:
Gandhi Museum
The Gandhi Memorial Museum is considered among the five incredible museums of India. It consists of famous historical pieces along with a bloodstained cloth of Gandhiji, from the time he was assassinated. The museum also displays letters sent to Adolf Hitler, various stamps that were used during the time of British rule, and some rare photographs of Gandhiji. It is advisable to visit the museum between 10 am and 5 pm.
How to reach:
The museum is located at a distance of 2.9 km from Madurai railway station. You can easily travel by public transport like autos or rickshaws to reach the museum.
USP:
The museum has been recognised by the United Nations Organisation and falls under Peace Museums Worldwide.
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
Built in the Saracenic architectural style, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal is among the most enchanting palaces in South India. It was declared as a national monument after independence. Beautiful artwork can be seen on the domes and arches of the palace. It is known to be the most visited tourist place in Madurai. Moreover, it is best to visit the palace during the winter season, which is from December to February.
How to reach:
The palace is at a distance of 3 km from Madurai railway station. You can either hire a taxi or travel by public conveyances like autos and rickshaws.
USP:
Light and sound show in the evening
Vaigai Dam
With beautiful scenic surroundings, Vaigai Dam is a huge man-made dam located in Theni district of South India. Moreover, it comprises a beautiful garden named Little Brindavan. It is a great tourist place in Madurai for people who are fond of a variety of flora. During the monsoon season, the water level is at its peak, so it is best to visit the dam during the months of July and December.
How to reach:
Vaigai Dam is located at a distance of 66 km from the center of the city. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the location by cab.
USP:
The dam is known as the lifeline of Madurai as it is the main source of water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Samanar Hills
With a beautiful hill rock complex and unique caves, Samanar Hills are among the major places of interest in Madurai. The place is famous for detailed drawings of monks, carved on the walls of its interiors. Its distinctive structure leaves the tourists in awe. Furthermore, the place features an enchanting lotus temple. Winters and summers are considered to be better places to visit as compared to the monsoon season.
How to reach:
The distance from the center of Madurai city to Samanar Hills is approximately 14 km. You can cover the distance by cars or bikes. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the place.
USP:
Renowned for historical monk drawings
Athisayam
A fun place to enjoy with friends and family, Athisayam amusement park is spread over an area of 70 acres. It consists of about 40 games and 20 water rides. Moreover, the park comprises a recreation garden for children. It is known to be the best tourist spot in Madurai. The best time to visit the place is during the summer season, which is from May to August.
How to reach:
The theme park is about 15 km from the center of the city. You can take a taxi to reach the park. It would take around 30 minutes.
USP:
The Park boasts of a 7D theater.
Meghamalai
Popularly known as the High Wavy Mountains, Meghamalai is among the most beautiful places to visit in Madurai. It is surrounded by dense forests of oak trees. The mountain comprises a wildlife sanctuary, waterfalls, and dams. Winter, which lasts from October to March, is known to be the best time to visit the hills. It is advisable to avoid visiting the place during the monsoon season.
How to reach:
Meghamalai is situated at a distance of about 117 km from the center of Madurai. You can reach the place by car. It takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach.
USP:
A well-known site for tea and coffee plantation
Suruli Falls
A must-visit tourist place in Madurai, Suruli Falls is a paradise for nature lovers. From a variety of flora and fauna to the picturesque view of the natural environment, Suruli Falls has it all. It is set amidst a misty green forest and is located at a height of about 58 meters where you can witness the waterfall flowing in serene surroundings. The best time to visit the waterfall is from June to October.
How to reach:
The distance from Madurai to Suruli Falls is approximately 120 km. You can reach the place by road in a taxi or bus. The travel time is 3 hours.
USP:
It is known to be a 2-stage cascading waterfall.
Banana Market
A wholesale market for bananas, the Banana market has about sixteen varieties of bananas and is a well-known trading place in Madurai. The bananas are unbranched every morning and sold to the local vendors of the city. The market is open from 9 am to 7 pm. It is best to visit the market during the daytime as the market witnesses a rush in the evening.
How to reach:
The market is 1.1 km from the center of the city. You can cover the distance by walking to the market.
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