THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Madurai
Best Free Things to Do in Madurai
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What travellers are saying
- CK23New York City, NY11 contributionsA must see temple in South India. Gorgeous and awe-inspiring. Couple of tips:
1. We got there around 8.30 am and it was a good time to go since the street leading to the temple was calm and uncrowded. Since we have to walk some distance without shoes on the feet, an earlier visit works better since the ground is cooler. By the time we left, around 11.30 am to 12.00 pm, the place was crowded and hot, and the place where we had to pick up cell phones etc was heaving and chaotic. Our guide helped us with getting back cell phones etc. and that was extremely helpful.
2. We had to relinquish shoes, cell phones, and handbags before passing through security. Stash the little scraps of paper carefully in order to collect these articles after the visit.
3. Men are required to wear pants/dhothi. No shorts.
4. Hire a Tourism Development Corp guide to get the most out of the visit. They know a lot of interesting stories and facts about the temple. Once you get through security and turn left to enter the temple, on the right hand side is a poliman and you can ask him for a Tourism Development Corp guide, and specify that they need to speak English etc. It's a good idea to negotiate a rate before starting.
5. After we finished the tour of the temple, our guide took us to the roof of a shop nearby, called Madurai Bazaar, and we got a lovely view of the madapams from there. The shop also has absolutely exquisite handicrafts of all sorts and the proprietor is very friendly. We bought some beautiful gifts there.Written 11 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ABDESHKanchipuram, India526 contributionsGet the blessing from God Kallalagar (Sundararaja Thirumal) and Goddess Kalyana Sundaravalli Thayar!Kallalagar temple is located Alagar Koyil Village, Madurai District. It can be reached by bus from Melur, Mattuthavani Bus Stand, Periyar Bus Stand. God Kallalagar (Sundararaja Thirumal) and Goddess Kalyana Sundaravalli Thayar blessing devottees. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a seven-tiered rajagopuram. The temple is surrounded by a large fort.Every year during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May), Chithirai Thiruvila is celebrated. Chithirai Thiruvila is an yearly event of the marriage of Meenakshi, believed to be Alagar's sister.Written 15 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- podrozniczka60New Jersey14,766 contributionsVery informative museum depicting the life and struggles of Mahatma Gandhi. Just 5 weeks ago we visited the Gandhi assassination museum in Delhi and it was our further opportunity to continue to learn more about his life. The museum is partially being renovated so unfortunately that takes away from the whole experience. The entry was free but we had to pay for the privilege of taking any photos, even with a cell phone.
The exhibits “read like a book“ and consisted of well composed and informative photo collages with ample historic explanations, dates, famous quotes and descriptions. They were chronological and engaging.
There were also some Tamil Nadu handicrafts on display .
Like all museums in India so far this one was also “dusty”.
Overall it is a very educational institution and a recommended stop for visitors interested in the history of modern India.Written 10 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ABDESHKanchipuram, India526 contributionsArulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple, located about 25 kilometres north of Madurai, Tamilnadu, India.A hill covered with dense forests.One of the six important abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of God Murugan. it is close to the Azhagar Kovil.Pazhamudircholai is a fertile hill, blessed with nature's bounty in the form of innumerable fruits, vegetables and natural springs. God Ganesha,God Muruga and Goddess Valli, Deivayanai blessing Devotees.One can reach Pazhamudircholai by car, van, two-wheeler or Bus.There is a bus shuttle every 20 minutes from the foot of the hill to the Temple. We can offer Betel leaf garland.Written 15 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sankar GBengaluru, India6 contributionsMadurai is a temple city where you can visit on pilgrimage.
Apart form that you can enjoy the food especially the non-vegetarian that is of true taste of Tamil authenticity. Temperature is quite hot even on winter days. Three days can be spent going around Madurai and explore the beauty of the city.Written 13 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sridharan2013Bengaluru, India1,273 contributionsTHis ancient temple located at the foot hills of a lovely hillock is part of the arupadai veedu temples for Lord Murugan. This temple is close to Madurai city and can be easily reached. Lots of devotees visit this temple to offer prayers to Lord Murugan. Arrangements have been made to ensure that pilgrims visiting can walk in properly organized lines and have proper darshan and also offer poojas.Written 27 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ananth 727499Tiruppur, India1,333 contributionsThis temple is situated near Madurai maatuthaavani bus stand. From here take the route to othakadai.
Then take a right turn and go for about 2 KMS. The temple will be on your left side..
The temple complex is huge and it has a very big pond nearby..
Chalkrathaalvaar sannithi is very famous here .Written 15 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DrBalamuruganMadurai, India7 contributionsWalk around this glorious temple tank during evening hours, when it’s not very hot. Can take few photos. There are several roadside eateries around, which may not be very hygienic. Must visit, if you are in Madurai .Written 3 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Hey Pretty!Bengaluru, India9 contributionsWe went to this temple as part of the Yo Madhurai Walk Tour. Its a uphill walk and we went in April with 2 kids aged 10 and 12! but was totally worth it. There is a legend about the fresh water spring here - Noopurgana. The devi darshan was very nice. Beware of monkeys... dont carry anything other than your basic sling bag or bag pack - the monekys are very fast to snatch anything else....:-). Worth the visit and the walk!Written 14 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- niluanuChennai (Madras), India587 contributionsSt.Mary's Cathedral is a 150 year old church located in the heart of Madurai. The majestic structure has two bell towers, bright blue and whitecolours and the beautiful Roman architecture. The interior is nice and well maintained and the windows are bright stained glass ones. This is close to the palace and worth a visitWritten 9 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ypatel12Munnar, India367 contributionsSamanar hills is good place for small picnic with friends and family. View from hills is really good. We have took many memorable pics.Written 19 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sudhir RMumbai, India192 contributionsPlease make this your top priority - this was home to Ramana Maharshi and this was where he had his first experience of self realization - well maintained by Tiruvannamalai Ramanashram trust although the approach road should have proper directions to guide first-timers.Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SandeepSaxena-IIPDehradun, India503 contributionsThis is a very old catholic shrine dating to a hundreds of years back! The Roman Architecture is definitely breathtaking!.The sacred heart of church is an amazing place to visit. There are rooms available for stay which is very affordable...The priest is very friendlyWritten 20 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mukta2016New Delhi, India478 contributionsWe went to the ISKCON temple here in the evening for darshan of Lord Krishna. The Lord Krishna's idol is very beautifully decorated. A very peaceful and tranquil place to go to in Madurai.Written 17 April 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ananth 727499Tiruppur, India1,333 contributionsThis temple is at a distance of 20 KMS from madurai Periyar bus stand..
From maatuthaavani bus stand, it is about
7 - 8 KMS..
The main deity Narasimmar is carved in the rocks of the hillside. Very good vibrational place to worship.
Neatly maintained and a must see place for the pilgrimage people..Written 12 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.