Here's The Ultimate Itinerary To A One Day Trip In Madurai

Once you've kicked off your day with a kickass cup of filter coffee, swing by the famous Murugan Idly Kadai. I mean, who can resist idlis for breakfast, right? Madurai's all about those fragrant malli poo (jasmine flowers), blooming fat and happy all season long. And the idlis here are as soft and plump as those malli poo blooms! They even call them Madurai malli poo idlis, how cute is that? The array of chutneys they serve up with these fluffy idlis is a whole taste sensation waiting to happen! You'll spot these joints all over Madurai, so you're never too far from a fix. These idlis are a must-try with their spread of chutneys—it's a game-changer and perfect for breakfast.

Post breakfast, head to the city's main attraction—Meenakshi Sundaraswarar Temple. This architectural heritage was built around 2,500 years ago and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The attention to detail and the artwork in the temple, with more than 33,000 sculptures on towers reaching a height of 170 feet, will leave you awestruck! You'll also be amazed by the Thousand Pillar Hall, which stands on 985 elaborately carved pillars. The temple premise also has the Potarmarai Kulam, a sacred pond that adds to the marvel of this temple when you see the reflection of it in the water. This temple stands as a timeless beacon of spirituality and devotion.

Temple timings: 5 AM to 1 PM, 4 PM to 9 PM

LBB-tip: The temple is huge and the queues can be very long so avoid visiting during rush hours i.e. early morning and evenings. 

Apart from vegetarian food, when it comes to indulging in non-vegetarian delights in Madurai, a visit to the local non-vegetarian hotels, affectionately known as military hotels, is a must for an authentic culinary experience. These establishments take pride in showcasing their diverse skills in preparing the various parts of goat, lamb, or mutton, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the region. One such delicacy that stands out is the Madurai Mutton Biryani. Served at places like Muniyandi Vilas, this dish is a true treat for the taste buds. Additionally, seafood enthusiasts mustn't miss the Ayira Fish Curry, served at renowned spots like Amma Mess and Chandran Mess. For a taste of crab, the Crab Omelet is a star attraction, blending generous chunks of crab into a delectable omelette, available at Muniyandi Vilas, Chandran Mess, and Kumar Mess. And for the adventurous foodies, the Kudal Roast, delicate and fresh goat intestine, is a must-try, best enjoyed at Arumugam Mess on Alagar Koil Road. With such a tantalizing array of dishes, Madurai's non-veg cuisine promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey for every palate.

Once you’re done relishing all the local cuisines, just a kilometre away from Meenakshi Temple is another testament to the rich architectural history of Madurai, the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. The palace is a blend of Italian, Dravidian, and Rajputana styles, making it a must-visit site in your itinerary. Divided into Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa, the surviving portion showcases stunning paintings depicting Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes, while the Darbar hall and Natakasala exude the palace's former glory. You can admire 248 pillars that stand at a towering height of 58 feet. The palace premise also has a museum where you can observe the preserved artefacts and sculptures. If you are a history enthusiast or love learning about the cultural heritage of a place, then you cannot miss the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. 

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry fees: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for children and INR 50 for foreigners

In the culinary tapestry of Madurai, one delectable gem shines bright: the Kari Dosa served at Konar Mess, affectionately known as Simmakkal Konar Kadai due to its location in Simmakkal. This iconic dish is a delightful fusion of flavours that will leave you drooling, featuring a dosa base topped with a layer of egg and generously slathered with flavourful kheema, cooked to a delicious crisp. Served with your choice of mutton or chicken curry, this hearty meal is a must-try for any food enthusiast. The restaurant itself exudes charm, with its authentic ambience on the ground floor and a more upscale AC dining experience on the first floor. The tender Nenju Kari, the breast part of mutton, steals the show with its melt-in-your-mouth goodness and is also a must-try. So swing by Konar Mess and indulge in a flavourful delight!

Another culinary delight that you have to try in Madurai is the Jigarthanda, a drink containing milk, almond gum, sarsaparilla root syrup and sometimes ice cream! As the name suggests, this drink is famous for the cooling effect that it provides to your body on a hot day in Madurai. While there are many versions of this drink, we love the one served by Famous Jigarthanda, located near the traffic signal close to Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal. This drink offers a perfect end to an eventful day of Madurai Darshan. So, make sure you treat yourself to this delectable delight before you leave Madurai!