Madurai Weekend Tour | Short Trip To Madurai

OVERVIEW- Fondly referred to as the Venice of the East, Alleppey or Alappuzha is one of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala. It is also the perfect option for a weekend tour from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Founded in 1762 by Raja Keshawadasan, Diwan of Travanacore, the pristine Alleppey backwater town has been blessed with lakes, canals and other waterways, lined by coconut palms. An extremely well-known trade port during the days of British, it is the hub of prawn farming and Coir carpet industries even today.

KOCHI (COCHIN) - Kochi is the commercial capital and the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala, Kochi along with its mainland part, Ernakulum is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. With one of the finest natural harbors in the world, Kochi is the most modern city of Kerala where the best shopping markets are located.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Trivandrum now called Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient seaside city built on seven hills. It is one of the major business centre and busiest harbor in the country. Capital of Gods Own Land, Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most beautiful and greenest cities of India. The city features long stretches of serene backwaters, beautiful palm fringed beaches, historic monuments and revered shrines.

MADURAI- The temple city of Madurai, poised on the banks of the Vaigai River, stands testimony to the fact that the Sangam age was the golden era of architecture in the history of South India. The history of Madurai goes back over 2400 years, and it is known to be the only city to be continuously inhabited, in the Southern peninsula. Madurai is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and has been poetically referred to as the Athens of the East and the City of Festivals.

Tour Destination: Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram - Madurai - Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram

Travel Duration: 02 Nights/03 Days

DAY 1: KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - MADURAI

After breakfast, start your drive towards another ancient town- Madurai. Transfer to hotel. Evening free for leisure.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2: MADURAI

After breakfast, full day city tour of the Athens of the East- Madurai

SRI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE- A historic Hindu temple, Meenakshi Amman Temple, is situated on the bank of Vaigai River. The enormous temple is dedicated to Parvati, who is also known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva. This temple is among the most famous temples of India which is known throughout the world for its outstanding and impressive architectural beauty.

VAIGAI DAM- Built across the Vaigai River, the Vaigai Dam is located around 70 km from Madurai. The Vaigai dam is a lifeline for the people of Madurai, Theni and Dindgul.

THIRUMALAI NAYAK PALACE- This Palace was built with the help of an Italian Architect and is a classic fusion of Dravidian, Islamic and European styles. Thirumalai Nayak's Palace at Madurai was considered to be one of the wonders of the South.

KOODAL ALAGAR TEMPLE- Dedicated to Vishnu, Koodal Alagar Temple is located in the heart of the city. The temple is an ancient Temple and very close to the famous Meenakshi Aman Temple.

THIRUPARANKUNDRAM TEMPLE- Dedicated to Murugan or Karthikeya, Thiruparankundram temple is located on a hillock approximately 8 km from the city. The temple is one of the six abodes of Murugan and is a pilgrimage site for devotees.

KALLAZHAGAR TEMPLE- One of the 108 sacred Divyadesam pilgrimage sites dedicated to the god Vishnu, the Kallazhagar temple is mentioned in the Divya Prabandha of the Azhwar saints. The temple is surrounded by granite walls, with a seven-story Gopuram rising above in the style of Dravidian architecture.

Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3: MADURAI - KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Day free for leisure and later, drive back to Kochi/Thiruvananthapuram to catch your flights/train towards onward destination.

Distance & Time (Approx)