Meenakshi Temple

Constructed in the Dravida style, it is one of the finest and largest temple complexes in India. Spread over an area of 14 acres within a tall compound wall, the two main temples are Meenakshi and Sundareswarar i.e., Parvati and Shiva. The Temple complex is an amalgamation of many smaller shrines, 14 towers, more than 30000 sculptures, pillars and halls visited by 15000 people per day. The highlight of the temple is the 4 large towers in four directions forming the outermost layer of the complex. The tallest of these towers stands 170ft with nearly 1500 sculptures. The thousand-pillar hall is another exquisite structure artistically built to host cultural events. Now it is used as a museum depicting the history of the temple. Though some ancient literature of the 3rd century makes mention of this temple, inscriptional evidence suggests that it was first built during the 13th century. Most parts of the current mammoth structures were built during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Madurai is well connected by road, rail, and air from Chennai.

Gandhi Memorial Museum
Located within the city limits, it is a museum dedicated exclusively to Mahatma Gandhi. His life, letters, items used, articles on him, photos, etc. are showcased here. The main attraction of the museum is the cloth he was wearing when he was assassinated.

Kutladampatti Waterfalls
Located 35 kilometres from Madurai at the edge of a reserved forest, this 90 feet tall waterfall is easily accessible and a pleasant place to spend time with family.

Samanar Hills
Located about 10 kilometres away from Madurai at the village of Keelakuyilkudi, it is a rocky hill that has some Jain and Hindu cave temples built during the 2nd and 10th centuries. Motifs of all 24 Jain Teerthankaras can be seen on the rock surface. Archaeological findings suggest that a Jain school existed here, and this claim is made on the basis of the mention of this school in Sanskrit and Kannada inscriptions found here.

Mariamman Teppakulam
It is a beautiful place located 5 kilometres from Meenakshi Temple. The large lake was built by King Tirumala Nayaka during the 17th century. The lake has beautiful steps on all four sides. The man made island at the centre has a temple of Ganesha, a small pond, and a mantapa. The lake is connected to the Vaigai river flowing nearby through underground channels.