Overview
Spend your day touring Madurai, known as the Athens of the East, it is famous for its temples. It is one of India's most popular Hindu pilgrimage centers. The third largest city in the State of Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai and has been a major population center for millennia. It is thought to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Lunch is included on this full day tour. Highlights • Meenakshi Amman Temple • Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace • Gandhi Museum • Lunch at a local restaurant
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- English speaking guide
- Transport by private air conditioned vehicle
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Madurai
- Lunch at local restaurant
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities ( Optional
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
You will picked up at your hotel in Madurai at 8:30 AM and start your private tour along with an English speaking guide. Begin at Meenakshi Amman Temple devoted to Parvathi, Lord Shiva's wife. Built between 1623 and 1655 AD its 33,000 figures made it one of the top 30 nominees of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'. The temple is home to the 'Thousand Pillared Hall', where every column pictures Dravidian Gods. Outside this hall are the Musical Pillars, where every column, when struck, produces a different melodic note.
Stop 2
Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, well known in Southern India. During the 17th century Madurai used to be a major trading center for the Portuguese, Dutch and other Europeans. The king of Madurai employed an Italian architect to design the massive palace. The design of the palace includes the architecture of Dravidian, Islamic and European styles. The palace has a grand courtyard surrounded with massive circular pillars and a throne room, covered by a dome that is over 60 feet high. After the morning sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded).
Stop 3
Post lunch, travel to the Gandhi Memorial Museum, where you can view the exhibitions which are separated into three segments: "India Fights for Freedom", "Visual Biography of Mahatma Gandhi" and "Relics and Replicas". You can also see the gallery of stamps featuring Gandhi, located on the ground floor. At the end of the tour, your driver will return you to your hotel in Madurai.
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Gandhi Memorial Museum is closed on Fridays
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult