The Indian city of Madurai is situated in the Tamil Nadu state. An important textile hub in India, the city exports high-quality cotton. The city's history and culture draw millions of visitors annually. Also, Madurai is the third biggest in Tamil Nadu and 44th in India by population.
This charming city has many more activities and experiences. This city offers so much more than its tourist attractions that you'll be amazed. Here are the top 12 fun things to do in Madurai.
Top 12 Things To Do In Madurai
Below are the best things you can do in Madurai:
St. Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary's Cathedral is a welcomed change in a place full of churches. In Madurai, St. Mary's Cathedral is a well-known sanctuary. There are many churches in Madurai, but this building's style differs. Christians from all over the state love to visit this famous church. John de Britto is the cathedral's patron saint. The Church of Our Lady of Dolours is the building's full name. This church has been in its current location for over 150 years and is a religious and cultural icon.
Explore Sri Sabareesh
Come here to try something other than idlis and dosas, especially if you want great food on a budget. People will enjoy the old pictures of the city and the times gone by, which is one of the most interesting things about this small restaurant. Unfortunately, Sri Sabareesh can only eat vegetarian food. However, that doesn't stop food lovers from coming here—mostly to try the South Indian thalis.
Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple
As well as being called the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple, this is one of India's most famous sites. One of India's oldest temples, it is both spiritually important and a great example of Dravidian building. Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are honored by this temple. Besides the Pandyan dynasty, which built this temple, rulers of other kingdoms have also made donations. Everyone is mesmerized by its detailed carvings and grand structures, and the spiritual air and stories that go with them enchant religious people who come here to pray.
Thirumalai Nayakar Palace
A beautiful castle in South India is the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace. The house is in the middle of town, a short distance from the Meenakshi Temple. When you get back to the main town after visiting several temples, you can go to the Thirumalai Nayakar Palace later. Locate a parking space in the lane that leads to the palace's main door or on one of the roads next to it. As the day goes on, it gets busy and full of stopped cars.
Kazimar Big Mosque
It was built in the 1300s. The mosque was Madurai's first Islamic place of worship. A grandson of Prophet Muhammad who visited Madurai, Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin, built it. He got the land for this mosque from Pandyan King Kulasekara. This mosque also has the maqbaras of many famous Hazrats from Madurai, including Hazrat Abdus Salaam Ibrahim and Hazrat Meer Amjad Ibrahim.
Vaigai Dam
Visitors to Madurai also love the Vaigai Dam. This location is quiet, 70.2 km from the main city. The dam is only a short ride on NH44 from Madurai. India's government built the dam on the Vaigai River near Andipatti. For growing crops in Madurai, the dam provides water to fields nearby. The dam's position is perfectly suited for the famous cotton cloth industry. Travel to the dam and enjoy the peace there.
Eat at the Kumar Mess
You should go to Kumar Mess to eat good, tasty food in a place that feels old-fashioned, forget about the fancy decorations, and enjoy the atmosphere. You can get some of the best traditional South Indian meat meals in Madurai at very low prices. Even though there are meatless meals, they are rare. People will need to remember that The Mess is in an old building with a boring front, but as soon as you walk in, the smell of slow-cooked meat and spices in different broths and sauces will blow your mind.
Koomdal Azhagar Temple
This temple is quite famous in Madurai. It is right in the middle of the city. Others say it is one of Lord Vishnu's 108 holy homes. Lord Koodal Azhagar is the biggest god in this temple. Additionally, there is a shrine to Goddess Madhuravalli, who is married to the lord. Construction began during the Pandyan era and was later fixed up during the Nayak era and the Vijayanagar Dynasty. Koodal Alagar is mentioned in the old Hindu book Brahmanda Purana, which makes this temple even more important.
Puthu Mandapam
You might not feel like you've fully experienced Madurai if you don't check out the Puthu Mandapam shopping center. A shopping complex with rows of tailors and shops selling various fabrics, scarves, jewelry, fashion items, handicrafts, and art can be found right next to the famous Meenakshi Temple. Such things are available for purchase and make great souvenirs for your trip to Madurai. If you're a visitor to Madurai, you should check out this market to buy good current clothes, including good copies.
Attend the Teppam Festival
The Teppam Festival lasts twelve days and ends on the full moon for the Tamil month of Thai. Today, the gods and goddesses of the Meenakshi Amman Temple are taken outside the temple grounds in a big parade, and a big journey happens. Then, the gods are taken to a nearby small temple that floats in the Teppakulam tank and is brightly lit and beautifully decorated. Many people travel from far away to join the twelve days of joy. There are fairs set up, and there are also many food stands.
Shopping at Vilachery Pottery Village
Visiting the Vilachery Pottery Village in Madurai is a great way to see how skilled potters work. Under their supervision, you can even try making art out of clay. Learning how to make pots is one of Madurai's best things to do if you like to try new things. This kind of education can be found in this village in Madurai.
Jain Caves
For an unforgettable experience, hike between the Samanar Hills to the Jain caves if you want to see the Jain art and are looking for exciting things to do in Madurai. The Keelakuyilkudi town in the middle is famous for its collection of painted mud horses and Jain statues. Tourists can easily see mud horses around the village's beautiful Karuppasamy Temple.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Madurai's mix of religion, history, and cultural events makes for a very interesting trip. Aside from its famous landmarks, the city offers a wide range of tastes, customs, and history, making it a great place for visitors to experience a memorable and immersive trip in 2023.
