Tirumala Nayak Mahal

Tirumala Nayak Mahal  is 1.5km north of  Meenakshi temple.  This Palace was built in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak with the help of an Italian Architect. The original Palace Complex was four times bigger than the present structure. This palace consisted mainly of two parts, namely Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa. Visit to Palace: Daily from 0900 to 1300 and 1400 to 1700.

The Sound and Light show, shown here is excellent.  Show starts at 1845. This show dramatizes Madurai's past.

Gandhi Museum

This museum which is housed in the 300 year old Mangammal Palace, is dedicated to Gandhiji, the father of the nation.  It has a collection of Gandhi's books and letters. It contains Khadi and Village Industries section and a South Indian handicrafts section. Regular classes related to Gandhi's thoughts and Yoga are conducted here.

Mariamman or Vandiyur Teppakulam

This tank,1000 ft length and 950 ft wide is situated at the eastern end of the city. At the center of this tank there is a 'Mandapam' surrounded by four small 'mandapams'  This 'Mandapam' houses an idol of 'Vinayaka'.  The float festival is celebrated here on the full moon day of Tamil month Thai. (Jan 15 - Feb 15). At that time the center mandapam is illuminated with colorful lights and temple deities are brought to it in decorated floats.

Tirupparankundram

A cave temple which is situated 10 kilometers south of Madurai. It is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, the second son of Shiva. Its innermost shrine is cut out of solid rock. Legend says that Murugan got married Deivanai, Indira's daughter in this hill.

Alagar Koil

Alagar temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is situated 19 kilometers west of the city, at the bottom of Alagar Hills. Lord Vishnu appears here in three poses sitting, standing and reclining each being depicted one above the other. This temple is older than Meenakshi temple. Legend says that Vishnu came down to this place from heaven to give away Meenakshi in marriage to Sundareswara.

Pazhamudhir Cholai

Pazhamudhir Cholai is a temple situated 2 kilometers away from Alagar Koil on a small hillock. This is another one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.

Places Around Madurai

Vaigai Dam

It is 70km from Madurai on the way to Thekkadi. The Dam is beautifully illuminated on every Sunday evening. On one side of the Dam there is a garden with all kinds of exotic flowers and plants. Natural beauty of the hills border the river on the other side.

Suruli Waterfalls

It is 120 km from Madurai on the way to Thekkadi (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary).

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is 120kms from Madurai. It is a hill station. The Kurinji flower which blossoms once in 12 years is the pride of Kodaikanal. The lake in Kodaikanal is star shaped and surrounded by mountains. 
There is a observatory which is called Solar Physical Observatory situated on the top of the hill. It was built in 1898.
The temple called Kurinju Andavar Temple is situated about 3kms from the lake. This temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga. Read More

Kakkai

Kakkai is a famous camping site, the main activity in this place is trekking . It is about 20 kilometers from Kodaikanal.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is the southern most tip of Indian Sub Continent. This place is surrounded by three oceans ,Bay of Bengal in east, Arabian Sea in west, Indian Ocean in south. Beautiful views of sunrise and sunset is the main attraction of this place.
There is a Memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekanda who sat in long and deep meditation .This was built was 1970.A Statue of Vivekanda has also been installed in this memorial. This memorial is located in one rock away from mainland.

Courtallam

Courtallam is about 150kms from Madurai. It is a summer resort. Waterfalls are the main attraction of Courtallam. The water in this falls have medicinal value. Courtallam has following falls

• Main Falls ( Peraruvi)

• Small Falls (Chitraruvi)

• Shenbagadevi  falls   - It is not safe to take bath here

• Honey Falls(Thenaruvi) - It is tedious to reach

• Five Falls (Aindharuvi)

• Tiger Falls(Puli Aruvi)

• Old Falls (Pazhaya Courtallaruvi)

• New Falls(Puthu Aruvi)

• Fruit Garden Falls(Pazhathotta Aruvi)

There is a temple called Kutralanathar Temple Which is near to the Main water Falls and it is dedicated to Lord Siva.

Rameswaram

The holy city Rameswaram is situated about 164 kilometers south-east of Madurai. It is an island paradise of golden sand.
There are two temples called Ramanathaswamy Temple and KothandaRamaswamy temple. Ramanathaswamy temle is on the eastern side of island, close to sea. It is known for corridors with pillars having beautiful sculptures which are longest  in India. The temple has big tower which is 38.4 meters in height. The temple is 264 meters in length and 200 meters in breadth.   Konthandaswamy temple is another famous temple about 3 kilometers from extreme tip of the island.

Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli has 2000 years old history. Pandya kingdom had this city as capital for some time. Places like  Krishnapuram, Tenkasi,Sankarankoil, Kattabomman memorial fort , Ottapidaram , Kalugumalai,vettangudi bird sanctuary, Kumbakkarai waterfalls are worth visiting places around Tirunelveli.

Palani

Palani is about 123 Kilometers from Madurai and it is dedicated to Shri Dhandayuthapani (Lord Muruga). It is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga which is located at the top of the hill.

Srivilliputhur

It is 74 kilometers from Madurai. There is big temple dedicated to Sri Andal and Perialwar in this place. It was built by Nayak kings. The stone and ceiling of this temple have many beautiful miniature figures. The tower of this temple is 60 meters high one of the tallest in south India.

Sivakasi

It is also called miniature Japan because of having many match and fireworks factories. It is also famous for its printing work

Trichy

The city is surrounded by the rock fort. On the top of the rock there is a fort and a temple. After crossing 434 rock cut steps, there is a temple called Mathrubhutewarar temple which is dedicated to lord Siva. There is another temple called Ucchi Pilliar temple which is dedicated to lord Ganesh and located at the top of the rock. The entire city can be seen from this place. 
Srirangam temple and Sri Jambukeswarar temple are famous in Trichy.

Teppam Festival 
Teppam Festival  is celebrated in the full moon of Tamil month Thai (Mid Jan - Mid Feb).

Chitirai Festival
Chitirai  Festival  is celebrated for about ten days  in the month of   April/May, every year . Marriage of Shri Meenakshi to Lord Sunderswarar is mainly celebrated at this time. Car festival  is celebrated after the marriage

Avanimoolam Festival:
This takes place in August-September and the Coronation Festival at Lord Sundareswarar Temple.

Float Festival:
This festival takes place in January-February in the Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. A specially constructed raft decorated with flowers and lights carries the deities around the tank.