What to do in Madurai

Activities, attractions and tours

Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, India.
A temple with intricate carvings and statues.
A detailed temple with multiple tiers, ornate carvings, and a prominent entrance.
A large, intricately decorated temple with multiple tiers, surrounded by trees and modern buildings under a clear blue sky.
Intricately sculpted gopuram (tower) of Azhagar Temple, a historic Dravidian-style Hindu temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The colorful carvings depict mythological figures and divine stories.

Madurai Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Madurai has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Madurai, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Madurai with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Madurai

Madurai is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Madurai, and make it a breeze to explore Madurai and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Madurai to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Madurai, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Madurai.

Madurai attractions

Madurai has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Madurai to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Madurai.

Looking for things to do in Madurai can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Madurai or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Madurai attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Nature & Spiritual Trails of Madurai

Nature & Spiritual Trails of Madurai (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

£13
per adult
Nature & Spiritual Trails of Madurai (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
Spiritual Trails of Old Town Madurai

Spiritual Trails of Old Town Madurai (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

£13
per adult
Spiritual Trails of Old Town Madurai (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
Madurai Rickshaw Ride Tour: Unveil the Hidden Gems

Madurai Rickshaw Ride Tour: Unveil the Hidden Gems

£79
per adult
Madurai Rickshaw Ride Tour: Unveil the Hidden Gems
Heritage & Cultural Walk of Madurai

Heritage & Cultural Walk of Madurai (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

£12
per adult
Heritage & Cultural Walk of Madurai (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)
Chettinad private Day Tour from Madurai - Chuttibaaz.com

Private Day Tour from Madurai to Chettinad

£78
per adult
Private Day Tour from Madurai to Chettinad
Day Trip to Thanjavur

Day Trip to Thanjavur (Guided Sightseeing Tour by Car from Madurai)

£95
per traveller
Day Trip to Thanjavur (Guided Sightseeing Tour by Car from Madurai)
Day Trip to Munnar

Day Trip to Munnar (Guided Sightseeing Tour by Car from Madurai)

£94
per traveller
Day Trip to Munnar (Guided Sightseeing Tour by Car from Madurai)
Best of Madurai

Best of Madurai (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car)

£54
per traveller
Best of Madurai (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car)
Private Transfer: Trichy to Madurai via Tanjore & Chettinad

Private Transfer: Trichy to Madurai via Tanjore & Chettinad

£91
per adult
Private Transfer: Trichy to Madurai via Tanjore & Chettinad
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Recommended things to do in Madurai

Number of things to do
30
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Madurai Street Food Crawl (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Tour): £9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Madurai

Stay near popular Madurai attractions

A detailed temple with multiple tiers, ornate carvings, and a prominent entrance.

Meenakshi Amman Temple

9.2/5 (74 reviews)
This ancient Hindu temple dazzles with 14 gopurams covered in colourful sculptures. Wander through the Thousand Pillar Hall to admire intricate carvings while experiencing the temple's vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Madurai

Find the best Madurai areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Madurai
Learn more about Madurai
A temple with intricate carvings and statues.

KK Nagar

Though KK Nagar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gandhi Museum - Madurai and Thirumalai Nayak Palace.

A detailed temple with multiple tiers, ornate carvings, and a prominent entrance.

Madurai Main

If you're spending some time in Madurai Main, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Pudhu Mandapam are top sights worth seeing.

A detailed temple with multiple tiers, intricate carvings, and statues.

Simmakkal

While Simmakkal isn't home to many top sights, Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Gandhi Museum - Madurai are some notable places to visit nearby.

A temple with colorful statues of deities and elephants.

Goripalayam

When in Goripalayam, you can plan a visit to Gandhi Museum - Madurai and Madurai Government Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Anna Nagar

Though Anna Nagar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gandhi Museum - Madurai and Madurai Government Museum.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Madurai

A colorful temple with intricate carvings and a tiered structure.

Nattam

Frequently asked questions

Is Madurai worth visiting?
Madurai has an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or local cuisine, there are many things here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Madurai?
Thirumalai Nayak Palace and Madurai Government Museum are two good places to begin your adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Madurai while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Madurai?
Don't leave without checking out Thirumalai Nayak Palace, ranked the top tourist attraction in Madurai.
Is three days enough to stay in Madurai?
You can easily tour leading sights like Thirumalai Nayak Palace, St. Mary's Cathedral Church and Madurai Government Museum with a three-day break in Madurai. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Thiruparankundram.
Is Madurai a walkable city?
Some top sights in Madurai, such as Thirumalai Nayak Palace and St. Mary's Cathedral Church, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from the city centre of Madurai is Madurai Main and KK Nagar is 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Madurai with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Madurai with kids.

What to do in Madurai for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Madurai, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Goripalayam Mosque or Kazimar Big Mosque and Maqbara.
Are there free things to do in Madurai?
In Madurai, St. Mary's Cathedral Church is an unmissable spot for anyone planning to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a great way to discover the best free things to do in Madurai.

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