Madurai Tour Packages

Madurai, the vibrant cultural hub of Tamil Nadu, is famed for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and rich traditions. Madurai tour packages offer an immersive experience into this historic city, perfect for anyone looking to explore its spiritual and cultural treasures. Whether you're planning a short trip or an extended stay, Madurai trip packages include guided visits to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, and serene Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam. Each Madurai package is designed to showcase the city’s architectural beauty, vibrant festivals, and authentic South Indian cuisine. Book today to discover why Madurai is known as the "City of Temples" and experience its charm up close.

Most Popular Madurai Tour Packages

Cultural Significance 

Madurai, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important cities, is a revered destination for spiritual tourism in India. It has an immense historical, cultural and spiritual significance dating back several thousand years. If you are interested in Madurai tourism, consider the Madurai tour packages by Thomas Cook. 

For a more in-depth look into this place, carefully go through the contents of this page.

Historical and cultural importance of Madurai

As per local legends, Madurai was originally a massive forest, known by the name, Kadambavanam. One day, Dhananjaya, a local farmer, was passing through the forest when he saw Lord Indra, the king of Gods, worshipping holy Swayambhu, a self-created Lingam, under the Kadamba Tree. Dhananjaya immediately informed King Kulasekara Pandya about this incredible observation, after which the king cleared the forest and built a shrine at the place where the Lingam was seen, called Meenakshi Sundaresawar Temple. Soon afterwards, a city, with the temple as its centre, was planned and developed. On the day the city was to be named, it is said the Lord Shiva appeared and drops of nectar from his hair fell on the place. From this, the city got its name, “Madurai”, from the Tamil word Mathuram, meaning sweetness or divine nectar. As per legends, it is also believed that some events of Lord Shiva’s Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam took place in this city. Now, there are many revered shrines across the city, most of which are featured in popular Madurai tour packages.

Besides, Madurai has a recorded history that takes us back as early as the 3rd century BCE, with mentions by Megasthenes in his accounts during his India visit. The city was part of many kingdoms and rulers across different timelines, including the likes of the Pandyan Kingdom, Chola Empire, Vijayanagar Empire, Madurai Sultanate, British Rule, etc. This shows the immense spiritual, cultural and historical significance that the city has in the country. Not only devotees but also history buffs and casual tourists love to visit Madurai to witness and explore sites and stories of a past era that still thrives through its every nook and corner. If you are interested in visiting Madurai, check out our website for great deals on Madurai holiday packages.

Traditions and rituals practised in Madurai

The religious shrines in Madurai have their own unique set of special traditions and rituals which have been followed for ages. For example, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is a living temple and each week, on Friday evening, the golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are seated on a swing in the Oonjal Mandapam and religious hymns are sung while the idols swing to and fro. You can learn more about them in person during your visit. Additionally, the local festivals and events in Madurai are a great showcase of its rich traditions and rituals, with prominent ones being Pongal, Jallikattu, Chithirai Festival, Avani Moolam Festival, Navarathri, etc. You can find Madurai holiday packages during such occasions on our page.

Places to Visit in Madurai 

These are some of the best places to visit in Madurai that you can add to your spiritual Madurai itinerary;

Other religious places to visit in Madurai

St. Mary’s Cathedral

Also called the Church of Our Lady of Dolours, this cathedral is one of the most popular Madurai tourist places for religious tours. It is over 150 years old and known for its incredibly stunning white-coloured Gothic architecture. You can look for Madurai travel packages featuring this site on our website.

Kazimar Big Mosque

Located near the Periyar bus stand, the Kazimar Big Mosque is the oldest in Madurai. Built during the 13th century, the mosque was established by Kazi Syed Tajuddin, who was a descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It is one of the most popular spiritual Madurai places to visit. Find ideal Madurai travel packages at reasonable prices on Thomas Cook.

Goripalayam Dargah

The Goripalayam Dargah is a large mosque in the locality of Goripalayam in Madurai. It has two tombs of the Sultans of Yemen, Khaja Syed Sulthan Shamsuddin and Khaja Syed Sultan Alauddin Badusha Razi of the Madurai Sultanate. It is also one of the most important spiritual places to see in Madurai.

Unique features of Madurai

Apart from temple visits, exploring the natural beauty of the region is one of the best things to do in Madurai. The majestic city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu lies on the banks of River Vaigai. It is a 258-kilometre-long river, originating in Varusanadu Hills, which flows through Madurai and is closely tied to the cultural and historical landscape of the city. If you explore the region more, you will come across Samanar Hills, which is a beautiful stretch of rocky hillocks, just 11 km from the heart of Madurai. Besides its scenic appeal, this hilly landscape is dotted with many Hindu and Jain monuments, making it one of the most popular natural and spiritual Madurai tourist attractions. All of these are notable aspects of Madurai tourism. Additionally, the revered pilgrimage site of Rameswaram is only 180 km from this city, so you can add it to your Madurai itinerary. Some famous temples in Rameswaram are Ramanathaswamy Temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Lakshmana Theertham Temple, etc.

Temples to Visit in Madurai 

If you want to visit this city for spiritual tourism purposes, make sure to add the following temples to your Madurai trip itinerary; 

Meenakshi Amman Temple

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is the most important temple in Madurai, located on the Vaigai River’s southern bank. This twin temple at Madurai is one of the most historically and spiritually significant sites in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to goddess Meenakshi Amman, an incarnation of Devi Parvati, and Sundareswarar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple has extraordinarily beautiful architecture, with intricate carvings and designs, consisting of spectacular gateway towers, pillars, walls and art pieces. The Ayiramkaal Mandapam or the “Hall of Thousand Pillars” is one of this temple’s major attractions. This temple is a common feature of many spiritual Madurai packages.

Koodal Azhagar Temple

The Koodal Azhagar Temple is only a short walk away from the revered Meenakshi Amman Temple. This ancient temple at Madurai is part of the 108 Divyadesams, making it one of the most renowned spiritual places to see in Madurai. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this shrine boasts a stunning Dravidian style of architecture, consisting of a massive gateway tower, a temple complex expanding 2 acres in area and a five-tiered gopuram rising to 38 metres in height. Temple rituals at this shrine are performed six times a day without fail.

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple

The Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is one of the best places in Madurai for spiritual tourism. Built between the 6th and 8th centuries, it is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is one of the oldest shrines in the region. According to a local legend, this shrine is believed to be the place where Lord Murugan married Goddess Devayani, Lord Indra’s daughter. In addition to its remarkable religious significance, the fascinating temple architecture, which includes its intricate carvings, artistic mandapams and rock-cut corridors, is also a great example of Tamil Nadu’s cultural, historical and architectural heritage. On your tour to Madurai, make sure to visit this site. 

Alagar Kovil

Nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Alagar Hills, the Alagar Kovil Temple is one of the most crucial religious sites you can add to your Madurai trip plan. Surrounded by lush greenery and tall hills, the history of the temple dates back to the early Sangam age. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has many intricately sculpted statues of the lord in different postures. The temple complex also has shrines dedicated to Lord Sundareswarar and Meenakshi. Look for Madurai packages for religious tours featuring this temple on Thomas Cook.

Things to Know While Visiting Madurai 

Here are some things you should know before visiting Madurai;

• To skip the long queues during Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Darshan, enter the temple through the South Gopuram and get a “Special Darshan” ticket. 
• Most temples in Madurai have a strict dress code that visitors need to follow. Wearing conservative and modest attire, that covers legs and shoulders, is highly recommended. Traditional wear for men and women is the best way to go.
• Before entering the temples in Madurai for Darshan, make sure to remove your shoes outside the temple premises.
• Do not make loud noises while in the temple and cooperate with the temple authorities by following their instructions. 

Best Time to Visit Madurai 

Before opting for Madurai tour packages, make sure to choose the time of your visit according to the theme of your trip. Despite the increased tourist crowd, visiting the temples during festive seasons is highly recommended. Besides, the following is a short guide on the best time to visit Madurai in general;

Winter in Madurai

Winter covers the months of December to February in Madurai, featuring an average temperature range of 20-29°C. The clear and moderately cool weather is ideal for temple visits and a Madurai city tour. One of the major festivals in the region, Pongal, is celebrated around this season, making it an ideal time to visit Madurai for spiritual tourism. As it is the peak season, make sure to book hotels, transport, Madurai trip packages, etc., in advance.

Summer in Madurai

Summer in Madurai extends from March to July, featuring scorching and humid weather. The average temperature range is 25-37°C, with a minimum chance of rainfall. However, the temperature can sometimes even cross the threshold of 40°C, which makes Madurai sightseeing difficult. It is generally not considered the best time for a Madurai tour.

Monsoon in Madurai

Monsoon in Madurai, which extends from June to August, is considered the shoulder season for tourism. The average temperature stays between 23-35°C and the region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall. The rain brings a fresh vibe, enhancing the region’s natural beauty. It is the best time to visit Madurai to explore the rain-soaked city and its natural attractions. Get Madurai trip packages for these months on Thomas Cook.

Quotes and Inspirations 

The temple city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu offers a divine experience that mere words can’t accurately explain. To understand the cultural and spiritual significance of the place and its revered shrines, one really has to be there in person. In life, we often find ourselves short of answers to important questions due to the chaos we have in our hearts and minds. To find peace and the right direction in life, paying a visit to a holy abode can be really helpful. As Adi Shankara says, “Curb your senses and your mind and see the Lord within your heart”. This sparked our interest towards spirituality, which has given us the ability to introspect and has taken us to many holy places, including a tour to Madurai. The ancient temples of Madurai not only hold the essence of divinity but also offer a sense of spiritual upliftment that many visitors knowingly as well as unknowingly crave. A visit to the Meenakshi-Sundareswar temple and other revered shrines in the city was part of a self-searching pilgrimage, which indeed fulfilled many pre-picked purposes. Standing patiently in long queues, embracing the magnificent ancient architecture, paying respect to the deities and attending pujas have put an eternal smile on the faces of many visitors, including ours. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, choose from our list of popular Madurai tour packages and get ready for a memorable spiritual visit.

What to Eat in Madurai? 

While on your Madurai tour, make sure to try the cuisine of Tamil Nadu for a better perspective on tourism in the region. Here are some must-try Madurai famous food items;

Murukku

Murukku is a famous food in Madurai that both locals and tourists love. It is a crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour, urad dal flour and a few basic spices. It is the highlight of tea and coffee breaks in Madurai. 

Paruthi Paal

Paruthi Paal is a well-known beverage on the list of Madurai famous food items. It is usually served as a welcome drink to guests. This beverage is made from cottonseed milk, cardamom, almonds and ginger, and is not just delicious but also healthy. 

Idiyappam

Another delicious Madurai food to try on your trip is Idiyappam. It is a noodle-like dish made from steamed rice flour, eaten with Kadala Curry or egg masala. It is easily available as a street food in Madurai. Our Madurai tour packages usually come with meals as a standard inclusion.

Idli

Idli is a beloved staple dish in the state that is widely consumed across Madurai. It is a savoury rice cake that is often seen at breakfast tables. Served alongside four or more varieties of chutney, it makes for a delicious meal that you can try on your Madurai tour.

Halwa

Halwa is another famous food in Madurai, especially for individuals with a sweet tooth. It is widely available at stores across Madurai, especially during the festive season. If you want to try Halwa on your Madurai tour, visit Prema Vilas or Nagapattinam Halwa Shop. 

Shopping in Madurai 

If you want to indulge in shopping while on your Madurai trip, here are some markets you can check out;

Vilakoli Perumal Temple Street

This bustling market is only 10 minutes from the city centre, adjacent to the revered Perumal Temple. It has plenty of shops selling a diverse range of products. However, the street is mainly known for jewellery shopping, offering everything from contemporary accessories to gold designs.

Meenakshi Amman Temple Bazaar

It is another renowned market that you can visit on your Madurai travel. It is often visited by devotees and tourists going to the Meenakshi Amman Temple Darshan. There are multiple street vendors at this bazaar, selling commodities like traditional accessories, posters of deities, religious artefacts, spiritual souvenirs, and so on.

Town Hall Road

If you are in need of some electronic shopping while on your Madurai travel, check out the famous Town Hall Road. It is dotted with shops selling all kinds of electronics and gadgets for different budgets.

Avani Moola Street

The Avani Moolam Road is another fascinating stop for shoppers on their Madurai trip. It is a well-known market for buying all kinds of things, including shoes, clothes, bags, etc. It is also one of the best Madurai places to visit for spice shopping.