Madurai is an ancient city in Tamil Nadu, India known for its many historic Hindu temples built during the Sangam period, including the Meenakshi Amman Temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. Some other popular historic attractions include the Alagar Koyil Temple, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Samanar Hills, Mariamman Teppakulam tank, and Thiruparankundram Temple. These historic sites demonstrate Madurai's long history as a center of religion and culture in South India.

2. Madurai is the third largest
city in the state of Tamil Nadu
in the southern region of India
It is one of ancient cities with
glorious history and is one of
India’s astonishing Hindu
pilgrimage sites.
The city of Madurai has been
constructed in the form of a
lotus and is built around temples.

3. The Sangam Rulers were the first
to establish in this vicinity and
raise Madurai to the height of a
heritage city.
Many are in their ruins but are
still the major attractions for the
tourists in India and visited by
many.
There are numerous historical
monuments in Madurai owing to
its glorious past.

4. Here are some of the popular and top
historical attractions in Madurai.

5. Meenakshi Amman Temple

6. Meenakshi Amman Temple
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the heart
of historic Madurai city
It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati & her consort, Sundareswar, a
form of Shiva.
Distance from airport – 11 km
Opens daily – 05:00 am – 12:30 pm / 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Best time to visit – All year
Entry fee - Free
Photography – Not allowed inside the temple.

7. Alagar Koyil Temple

8. Alagar Koyil Temple
The Azhagar Kovil or Alagar Koyil temple is one of the prominent temples
Situated at the foothills of Alagar hills.
This is an important Vishnu Mandir and one of the most ancient temples in
India
Distance from airport – 32 km
Opens daily – 06:00 am – 12:30 pm / 03:30 pm – 08:00 pm
Best time to visit – All year
Entry fee - Free
Photography – Not allowed inside the temple.

9. Arulmigu Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple

10. Arulmigu Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple
Koodal Azhagar temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu
Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, it is believed to be one of
the oldest temples of South India
Distance from airport – 10.3 km
Opens daily – 05:30 am – 12:00 pm / 04:00 pm – 09:00 pm
Best time to visit – All year
Entry fee - Free
Photography – Not allowed inside the temple.

11. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

12. Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
Built in 1635 by King Thirumalai Nayak, this palace has found a place of pride
in the history of Tamil Nadu being a fushion of Dravidian and Rajput style of
architecture.
Sound and light shows conducted every evening making it even more exciting
to visit.
Distance from airport – 10.3 km
Opens daily : 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Light shows : 06:45 pm – 07:30 pm
Best time to visit : June to October
Entry fee : Adult – Rs. 10, Children – Rs. 5, Foreigners – Rs. 50
Light shows – Rs. 50
Photography : Camera – Rs. 30
Video Camera – Rs. 100

13. Gandhi Memorial Museum

14. Gandhi Memorial Museum
Gandhi Memorial Museum not only boasts of a rich collection but also
presents an alluring architecture.
It was inaugurated in the year 1959 by Jawaharlal Nehru
Distance from airport : 14 km
Opens daily : 10:00 am – 01:00 pm / 02:00 pm – 05:45 pm
Friday remains closed
Best time to visit : All year
Entry fee : Free
Photography : Camera – Rs. 50

15. Samanar Hills

16. Samanar Hills
Samanar Malai is an ideal spot to spend some quiet time.
Malai, which means hills in Tamil word boasts of ancient caves with carvings
dating back to 1st century AD
Distance from airport : 17.4 km
Opens daily : Throughout the day
Best time to visit : April – June
Entry fee : Free
Photography : Camera – Allowed

17. Mariamman Teppakulam

18. Mariamma Theppakulam
Constructed in the honour of Lord Vigneshwara, this divine mandir is situated
5 km from the famous Meenakshi Mandir.
Mariamman Teppakulam is famous for the celebration of the float festival in
The month of January and February.
Distance from airport : 14.4 km
Opens daily : 05:00 am – 09:00 pm
Best time to visit : All year
Entry fee : Free
Photography : Camera – Not allowed inside

19. Thiruparankundram Temple

20. Thiruparangundram Temple
Thiruparangundram temple is an important Hindu mandir dedicted to Lord
Murugan.
The enchanting location of the temple makes it a prime attraction amongst
tourists visiting Madurai.
Distance from airport : 35 km
Opens daily : 05:30 am – 01:00 pm / 04:00 pm – 09:00 pm
Best time to visit : All year
Entry fee : Free
Photography : Not allowed inside

21. Saint Mary’s Cathedral

22. Saint Mary’s Cathedral
Founded in the year 1840, St. Mary’s cathedral attracts a lot of tourists owing
to its European and continental style architecture.
The notable feature of the church is the two tall elegant bell towers constructed
In Roman style which is at a height of 42 metres.
Distance from airport : 10.2 km
Opens daily : 07:00 am – 07:00 pm
Best time to visit : All year
Entry fee : Free
Photography : Not allowed inside