Overview
Spend your day touring Madurai, known as the Athens of the East, it is famous for its temples. It is one of India's most popular Hindu pilgrimage centers. The third largest city in the State of Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Vaigai and has been a major population center for millennia. It is thought to be one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Lunch is included on this full day tour.
Highlights
• Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
• Gandhi Museum
• Lunch at a local restaurant
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
English speaking guide
Transport by private air conditioned vehicle
02 bottles of mineral water per person
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Madurai
Lunch at local restaurant
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities ( Optional
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
What to expect
-
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
1 hour
You will picked up at your hotel in Madurai at 8:30 AM and start your private tour along with an English speaking guide.
Begin at Meenakshi Amman Temple devoted to Parvathi, Lord Shiva's wife. Built between 1623 and 1655 AD its 33,000 figures made it one of the top 30 nominees of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'. The temple is home to the 'Thousand Pillared Hall', where every column pictures Dravidian Gods. Outside this hall are the Musical Pillars, where every column, when struck, produces a different melodic note. -
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal
2 min
Next, visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, well known in Southern India. During the 17th century Madurai used to be a major trading center for the Portuguese, Dutch and other Europeans. The king of Madurai employed an Italian architect to design the massive palace. The design of the palace includes the architecture of Dravidian, Islamic and European styles. The palace has a grand courtyard surrounded with massive circular pillars and a throne room, covered by a dome that is over 60 feet high.
After the morning sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (beverage excluded). -
Gandhi Memorial Museum
2 hours
Post lunch, travel to the Gandhi Memorial Museum, where you can view the exhibitions which are separated into three segments: "India Fights for Freedom", "Visual Biography of Mahatma Gandhi" and "Relics and Replicas". You can also see the gallery of stamps featuring Gandhi, located on the ground floor.
At the end of the tour, your driver will return you to your hotel in Madurai.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Asia/Kolkata).
Additional Information
- Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Athens of the East, A day Spend Touring Madurai
Can I cancel Athens of the East, A day Spend Touring Madurai for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 5–6 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- English speaking guide
- Transport by private air conditioned vehicle
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Madurai
- Lunch at local restaurant
What's not included?
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities ( Optional
Which places does it visit?
It visits Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by SITA World Tours
