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I often see people visit Madurai with only Meenakshi Temple in their focus. They stay for a day and go to only the Meenakshi Temple. At best, they can only visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in their cramped schedule. But I would say if you are prepared to stay for another day or two, Madurai has got more to offer:

  • Thiruparangundram :

One of six abodes of Lord Muruga, this is a Rock Cut temple. Also don’t miss the Rock Cuts and inscriptions behind the mountain. There is a Durgah named Wabar Durgah standing atop the mountain. Bear in the mind that to visit the next rock-cut spot you will have to travel more than 100 kilometers

  • Samanar Caves at Anaimalai and Nagamalai:

The Jain caves stand testimony to the history of the Jain settlements in Madurai. I am still perplexed why the Jains particularly chose granite hillocks as their abode? I would say simple yet magnificent. Don’t miss lying down on their stone beds and sitting in the penance places to experience the chillness despite heat

  • Alagar Kovil :

A hillock at about 10 Kms from Meenakshi Temple, it has three attractions. The Kallalagar Temple at the foot of the Hill, Pazahamuthirsolai is one another six abodes of Lord Muruga, and the Rakkayi Amman Temple. The Noopura Ganga is a water fountain that never goes dry. The water from this fountain is pure mountain water that is said to have healing properties.

  • Vandiyur Teppakulam (Water Tank) :

The Magnificent Water Tank stands in 4 acres. Built by King Thirumalai Nayak, it has a Centre Hall sculpted in stone. There is a myth that there is a secret passageway between Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, and the Teppakulam. Wish walk through that path, if one exists. Don’t miss the Muktheeswarar Temple and the Mariamman Temple on the sides of the Tank. The Muktheeswarar Temple is known for the Sun Light falling on the idol once a year.

  • The Perumal Temples :

Predominantly a city of Shaivism, it is no less feat that the city boasts of several finest Vaishnava Temples. They have beautiful architecture and I would even say they contribute a lot in earning the city of its name – “Temple City”.  I would enumerate them as follows.

  • Arulmigu Koodal Alagar Perumal Temple
  • Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple
  • Arulmigu Kallalagar Temple
  • Arulmigu Narasingha Perumal Temple
  • Arulmigu Kalamegha Perumal Temple
  • Arulmigu Madhagopala Swamy Temple

If you are can spare one extra day and if your mode of travel is by car, then you can even visit all of the Perumal Temples in one single day.