The temple town of Madurai allures large number of travellers to experience the rich culture, architecture, glorious sculptures, and historical monuments. Head off for a magical one day Madurai trip packed with the visit to the marvellous temples, grand palace and interesting museum.
The brilliant pilgrimage centre of India is also known for the exports of jasmine flowers. The celebrated city, often referred to as Thoonga Nagaram which means the city never sleeps was the capital city of the Pandya Dynasty. Set on the banks of River Vaigai the city features centuries old architecture. Every temple has a unique feature to be witnessed and appreciated.
Book our one day Madurai local sightseeing tour that introduces you to the graceful architecture and culture of the 2500 year old city. Meenakshi Amman Kovil is a picture-postcard temple of Madurai that captivates and inspires travellers with its magnificent architecture and divinity.
Festivals like Meenakshi Thirukalyanam and Avani Moola Maha Utsavam are celebrated with gaiety drawing several visitors every year. The historical monuments house an incredible variety of cultural and religious artefacts.
The city is also popular for its delectable cuisine and varied shopping. The major trade revolves around the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
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Overview of 1 Day Madurai Trip by Private Car
1 Day Madurai Local Tour
One of the key attractions of the tour is the visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum that has been listed in the Peace Museums Worldwide by United Nations Organizations. The magnificent temples packed with ancient sculptures and wonderful architecture adds to the traveller’s appeal.
The one day Madurai sightseeing trip by private cab gives an insight into the culture, architecture and history of the famed temple town. Begin your divine voyage with the visit to the most famous Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and marvel at the glorious Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Get inspired with the visit to the impressive Gandhi Memorial Museum exhibiting the struggle for Independence.
History buffs would be delighted to visit the wonderful relics and replicas of the objects used by Bapuji. The other outstanding temples to be visited include Koodal Azhagar Kovil, Imayil Nanmai Tharuvar Koil and Teppakulam Mariamman Koil. We conclude the memorable tour with the visit to the famous Thiruparankundram Murugan Koil.
Highlights of One Day Madurai Local Trip
- Full-day Madurai Local Sightseeing Tour
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Tour by Private Cab (not shared with others)
- Pickup & Drop: Madurai Hotel / Home
- Places Covered: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Koodal Azhagar Koil, Imayil Nanmai Tharuvar Koil, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Teppakulam Mariamman Koil, Thiruparankundram Murugan Koil.
Package Price for 1 Day Madurai Local Sightseeing by Cab
Amaze / Etios / Dzire
4 Seater / Sedan
₹ 2,799/-
Toyota Innova
6 Seater / SUV
₹ 3,799/-
Tempo/ Force Traveller
12 Seater / LCV
₹ 4,999/-
Mini Bus
12-22 Seater / LCV
Price on Request
Book this 1 Day Madurai City Tour Package!
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1 Day Itinerary of Madurai Local Sightseeing Tour Package
Pickup from your Home / Hotel in Madurai at 7:00 AM
| S.No | Sightseeing Place | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meenakshi Amman Temple | 120 minutes |
| 2 | Thirumalai Nayak Palace | 90 minutes |
| 3 | Koodal Azhagar Koil | 60 minutes |
| 4 | Imayil Nanmai Tharuvar Koil | 60 minutes |
| 5 | Gandhi Memorial Museum | 40 minutes |
| 6 | Teppakulam Mariamman Koil | 60 minutes |
| 7 | Thiruparankundram Murugan Koil | 60 minutes |
Drop back at your Home / Hotel in Madurai by 6:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE: Guests can visit all the Madurai tourism places listed above or remove any of the places that they don’t want to visit. Inclusion of any other sightseeing place not listed above is normally not permitted. However guests can check with their cab provider if any exceptions possible, while booking this Madurai local sightseeing tour by private car.
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Detailed Guide: Places to Visit with One Day Madurai City Sightseeing Tour by Car
Here is a list of places for one day Madurai local sightseeing trip that you can visit by a private cab which is going to remain etched in your minds forever:
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple
Explore the majestic Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple that is as old as the city. Aayiram Kaal Mandapam with its spectacular sculpted thousand pillars and the statues of the Nataraja and Sivakami in the centre of the hall has been the key attraction of the temple.
The main sanctum holds the idol of Goddess Meenakshi engraved out of solo emerald. Witnessing more than 33000 erotic sculptures and painted ceilings gives an enthralling experience to the visitors.
There are 12 beautifully engraved towers called gopurams with four main gopurams at the entrance facing the four directions. The gopuram at the south gateway with a height of 50 metres is the highest among the four gopurams.
The scriptures which are brilliant examples of Dravidian architecture depict the stories of goddess Meenakshi and the miracles performed by Lord Shiva.
The beautifully carved pillars of the Meenakshi Temple showcase the miracles of Lord Shiva and the birth and life of goddess Meenakshi.
- Must see \ Things to do: Do visit the Golden Lotus Tank
2. Thirumalai Nayak Palace
Thirumalai Nayak Palace has been the favourite sightseeing spot of our one day Madurai tour. Travellers are enchanted with the beauty of the palace built in the 17th century by King Thirumalai Nayak under the supervision of Italian architect. Designed in Gothic style the massive pillar attracts all tourists. Pillars rising to a height of 82 feet and with 19 feet width astound visitors.
History buffs would also be enchanted with the beautiful architecture that represents a perfect fusion of the Dravidian, European and Islamic schools of architecture. The Indo-Saracenic architecture style domes and arches are examples of the brilliant craftsmanship. A significant structure the 60-70 feet high beautiful arcaded octagon covered by a high dome in the central throne chamber inspires visitors.
The glorious palace hosts the splendid Light and Sound show which throws a light on the life of Ruler Thirumalai Nayak. After independence the glorious palace was declared as a national monument and is maintained by Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
The living palace of King Thirumalai Nayak is a sight to behold with massive courtyard, Dance Hall and Throne Chamber. The notable palace also houses an informative museum showcasing a rich collection of artefacts, idols, paintings, pottery, pillar stones and scripts sourced from many places in South India dating back to 102 AD.
- Must see \ Things to do: Gaze at the Dance Hall and the Throne chamber
3. Koodal Azhagar Koil
The remarkable religious site dedicated to Lord Vishnu is one of the most revered temples among the 108 Divyadesam, the holy shrines of Lord Vishnu. The 1500 years old temple has Lord Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining forms. A 125 feet five tiered Rajagopuram with its beautifully carved sculptures displays the stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The main sanctum has the idol of Koodal Azhagar, the manifestation of Lord Vishnu in sitting form under the Serpent Lord Adhiseshan and Sridevi and Bhudevi idols present on both sides.
The reclining form of Lord Vishnu known as Sri Ranganathan is located above the altar of Lord Koodal Azhagar. Designed by Vishwakarma and surrounded by granite walls, the temple houses the standing form of Lord Vishnu as Sri Surya Narayan Perumal.
With our 1 day Madurai private tour, tourists would appreciate the beautifully sculpted tower above the sanctum sanctorum called the Ashtanga Vimanam. It is interesting to know that the shadow of the Vimanam does not fall on the ground.
The idol of Madhuravalli Thayaar, the manifestation of goddess Lakshmi is present in a separate shrine. The shrine north to the main sanctum has the idol of Andal Nachiyar. The elegantly carved ornamental windows and the sculptures of the temple built in Dravidian style of architecture are awe-inspiring.
The temple of profound beauty and religious importance has a shrine with the navagrahas which are generally found in Shiva temples.
- Must see \ Things to do: Don’t miss the Ashtanga Vimanam over the sanctum
4. Imayil Nanmai Tharuvar Koil
Take a short detour to the ancient temple of Imayil Nanmai Tharuvar Koil where devotees throng in to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. The name Imayil Nanmai Tharuvar means that he gives benefits in this birth itself.
It is believed that after the marriage of Lord Shiva and goddess Meenakshi it was decided that Lord Shiva would rule the city for 8 months while the goddess would rule it for 4 months.
Before taking up the throne Lord Shiva was supposed to perform the Shiva Pooja. So he installed the Shiva Linga and did the Pooja himself. The temple is often referred to as Bhooloka Kailash which means Kailasha on earth. It has the Shiva Linga facing west with Lord Shiva and goddess in its backdrop.
- Must see \ Things to do: Do worship Lord Bhairava
5. Gandhi Memorial Museum
The next stop over in our Madurai one day local sightseeing tour is the Gandhi Memorial Museum inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959. The wonderful museum created over 13 acres of land enlightens visitors with the struggle for Independence.
The special exhibition on “India Fights for Freedom” casts light on the history of Freedom Movement. The rich collection of the ordinary objects used by him and the blood stained pile of dhoti that Bapuji was wearing at the time of assassination preserved in a vacuum glass box influences the visitors.
Gandhiji had been to Madurai five times and during his last visit went to worship goddess Meenakshi with Harijans. He gave away his traditional Gujarati attire and decided to adopt a simple way of dressing in a dhoti and loincloth in Madurai in 1921 identifying himself with a common man. Keeping in view his association with Madurai the city was chosen for establishing the dedicated Gandhi Sangrahalaya of India.
The state government of Tamil Nadu had given the Tammakum Palace to All India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi for setting up the historical museum. The palace belonging to Rani Mangammal of Naik Dynasty built in 1670 AD was renovated to develop this interesting museum.
A section of the Museum displays the visual biography of Gandhiji containing photos, sculptures, quotations, paintings and selected copies of his letters and renderings. The letters include an original letter from Gandhi to Adolf Hitler addressing him as a Dear Friend. Learn about Gandhiji gazing through the 124 rare photographs from the various phases of his life.
Khadi and Village Industries section offers an insight into the handicrafts and village industry products that Gandhiji had been promoting. There is an open air theatre which can accommodates more than 8000 visitors.
- Must see \ Things to do: Witness the letters written by Gandhiji
6. Teppakulam Mariamman Koil
Head off for a mystical solace proffered by the Teppakulam Mariamman Temple with our one day Madurai tour by private cab. Set at a distance of 5km from Meenakshi Amman Koil, the temple is dedicated to goddess Mariamman the Hindu god of rain. It houses the idols of Pechiamman in a separate shrine and the idol of Lord Ganesha under a peepal tree.
A huge pond is located outside the temple called Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam which is said to be connected to the Vaigai River through an ingenious system of channels.
The temple and tank built by King Thirumalai Nayak draws huge crowd during the Thaipusam float festival celebrated every year for ten days. The tank has a mandapam in the centre called Maiya Mandapam with Vinayagar and a garden.
- Must see \ Things to do: Visit the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam
7. Thiruparankundram Murugan Koil
The next stop over of the one day Madurai trip is the famed Murugan temple. The celebrated temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan built by the Pandyas during the 6th century.
This significant religious site holds its importance in the fact that it is here that Lord Murugan married the daughter of Indra, Devyani and defeated the demon Surapadman. He reached Thiruparankundram after having defeated the demons in 6 battles and thus saving the heavens from Soorapadman.
Idols of Lord Vishnu, Murugan, Shiva, Durga and Ganapathy are set in the mesmerizing rock cut temple. The presiding deity is known as Paragirinathar and the female deity his consort Parvati is known as Avudai Nayaki.
Notable feature of this sacred treasure of Madurai is that Lord Shiva and Vishnu are facing each other. The impressive seven tiered Rajagopuram with a height of 150 feet at the entrance attracts attention.
Situated on a hill top the temple enchants with its beautifully carved sculptures. Exquisitely decorated Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam captivate the visitors.
- Must see \ Things to do: Do worship Lord Saneeswara
Package Inclusions
- Pick and drop from Home / Hotel in Madurai
- Selected Cab for Madurai sightseeing as per the above Itinerary
- Vehicle Parking Charges
- Toll-gate Charges if any
- Driver Batta
Package Exclusions
- Entry Ticket Fee at tourist places in Madurai
- Breakfast, Lunch or any meal
- Lodging / Accommodation in Madurai
- Vehicle beyond the mentioned time duration
- Vehicle beyond the designated tour route
Terms & Conditions
Travelers are requested to follow the given itinerary for 1 Day Madurai Local Sightseeing tour package. Ideally this 1 day Madurai city tour package can not be customized, however if guests prefer to visit different set of places in Madurai city tour, they can check the possibility of the same with the listed car rental companies and request for a custom quote.
The time spent on each Madurai tourist attraction is to be followed as per the Itinerary schedule. In case of any delays or additional time spent at a particular place, driver or car rental company will not be responsible to cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary.
Please also note that if a particular Madurai sightseeing place is closed on the scheduled day of the tour, it will not be covered from the list of sightseeing places. Please check the possibility of visiting an alternate place with cab vendor before you book the tour.
FAQs
Ideally, no. However you can check with listed Madurai cab vendors before booking the tour on any possibility to customize the tour. Additional charges might apply.
Exploring the aesthetic heritage and architecture of the 2500 years old city with the one day Madurai trip is an unforgettable experience. These auspicious temples and outstanding palace are the iconic landmarks of the ancient city featuring marvellous centuries-old architecture. Witnessing the historical monuments and the amazingly wonderful sculptures proffers tourists an intriguing experience.