One Day Madurai Sightseeing is a half-day tour by bus that starts in Madurai in the afternoon and ends in the evening at Meenakshi Temple. It suits pilgrims who arrive by morning train, rest for a few hours and then want to see the main sights of the temple city at a low cost in a shared coach.
Route and travel
Pick-up is from the boarding point you select, some time after 2 PM. The bus first heads north of the city to Alagar Kovil, roughly 20 km away, and climbs the hill road to Pazhamudircholai. It then returns to the city for the palace, the temple tank and the Gandhi museum. The last stop is Meenakshi Temple around 7:30 PM. After the temple visit you make your own way back to your hotel or home.
Places covered
- Alagar Kovil, a Vishnu temple at the foot of the Alagar hills.
- Pazhamudircholai, one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, higher up the same hill.
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, a 17th century palace with huge round pillars.
- Mariamman Teppakulam, the large temple tank at Vandiyur.
- Gandhi Memorial Museum, which tells the story of the freedom movement.
- Meenakshi Amman Temple at dusk, when the evening rituals begin.
Tips for this trip
- Afternoon heat in Madurai is strong for most of the year, so carry water and wear a cap.
- Leave your mobile phone at the hotel or use the paid counter at Meenakshi Temple, as phones are not allowed inside.
- Wear full-length clothes with sleeves; shorts and sleeveless tops are refused at the temple gate.
- Monkeys are common on the Alagar hill road, so keep food packets closed.
- Autos and cabs are easy to find near the temple gates for the ride back after the tour.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the tour start and end?
Pick-up starts after 2 PM and the tour ends near Meenakshi Temple around 7:30 PM.
Will the bus drop me back at my hotel?
No. The tour ends at Meenakshi Temple and the ride back is on your own.
Is it suitable for elderly parents?
Mostly yes, as the stops are short. Meenakshi Temple is large, though, so allow them time to rest inside.
See the full list of Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari packages. For a private car with pick-up from your hotel, try Madurai Local Sightseeing by Car. If you have one more day, add the one-day Madurai to Rameshwaram bus tour.