Madurai – Rameshwaram.
Overview
Located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. It’s dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (a form of Parvati) and her consort Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva).
Highlights
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
- Gandhi Memorial Museum
Itinerary
Arrival in Madurai: Arrive at Madurai Airport or Railway Station and transfer to your hotel.
● Check-in and relax: After settling in at the hotel, take some time to relax and adjust to the new surroundings.
● Evening visit to Meenakshi Temple: In the evening, visit the Meenakshi Temple and explore its magnificent architecture and intricate carvings. Witness the evening prayer ceremony and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
● Local market exploration: After the temple visit, you can explore the bustling local markets around the temple complex, where you can find traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
● Dinner: Enjoy a delicious South Indian dinner at a local restaurant.
● Overnight stay in Madurai.
Breakfast at the hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
● Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace: Visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a magnificent palace known for its Indo-Saracenic architectural style. Explore the grand halls, beautiful paintings, and intricate stucco work.
● Gandhi Memorial Museum: Next, visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and the Indian independence movement.
● Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Tamil Nadu lunch at a local restaurant.
● Alagar Koyil: After lunch, visit the Alagar Kovil, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located amidst picturesque surroundings. Admire the Dravidian-style architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
● Return to the hotel: Return to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
● Dinner: Have dinner at a local restaurant.
● Overnight stay in Madurai.
Breakfast at the hotel: Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
● Excursion to Rameshwaram: Embark on a day trip to Rameshwaram, a significant pilgrimage site located about 170 kilometers from Madurai. Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva.
● Explore Rameshwaram: After lunch, explore other attractions in Rameshwaram, such as the Pamban Bridge, Dhanushkodi Beach, and the Agnitheertham (a holy bathing spot).
● Return to Madurai: In the evening, return to Madurai and relax at the hotel.
● Dinner: Have dinner at a local restaurant.
● Overnight stay in Madurai.
Breakfast at the hotel: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
● Departure: Check out from the hotel and transfer to Madurai Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop from the airport/railway/bus station.
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis.
- All breakfast included at hotels.
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle.
- Driver’s bata, toll, parking, road tax, fuel charges All applicable taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Service Tax – 5% GST Extra.
- Any train, bus, or air price any more meals not listed in the package's contents.
- Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- Any personal costs like phone, minibar, room service, laundry, etc.
- Any fees for services or activities not covered by the included.
- Additional fees during high season, long weekends, or festival periods.
FAQs
It’s renowned for its Dravidian architecture, colorful gopurams, and as one of the most important Shakti temples in India.
A complete visit, including darshan and exploration of the temple complex, usually takes 2–3 hours.
October to March (pleasant weather) or during the Chithirai Festival in April for a vibrant experience.