Taxi Service in Madurai

The Temple City

Madurai grew outward from the Meenakshi temple in concentric squares of streets named after Tamil months, and the old city still follows that pattern. The lanes are narrow and busy, parking is limited and the best sights are spread from the city centre to the hills on its edges. A cab with a driver who knows where to drop you and where to wait makes a day of sightseeing far simpler.

Sightseeing in Madurai

Meenakshi Amman Temple

The temple complex, dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, has towering gopurams covered in thousands of painted figures, a golden lotus tank and the Hall of a Thousand Pillars. Visit early in the morning or for the night ceremony, when the deity is carried to the bed chamber. Mobile phones are not allowed inside, and a dress code applies.

Other city highlights

• Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal: a 17th-century palace with giant pillars and an evening sound and light show.
• Gandhi Memorial Museum: housed in a former Nayak palace, it tells the story of the independence movement and holds the cloth Gandhi wore at the time of his assassination.
• Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam: a huge temple tank with a central pavilion, the venue of the float festival in January or February.
• Koodal Azhagar Temple: an ancient Vishnu temple in the city.

Hill temples around the city

Thiruparankundram, one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, is cut into a rock hill on the city's southern edge. To the north-east, Alagar Kovil sits at the foot of the Alagar hills, with Pazhamudircholai, another of Murugan's six abodes, a short drive higher up. Together they make an easy half-day trip.

Airport and railway transfers

Madurai Airport lies south of the city, about 12 km from the centre, with domestic flights and some international connections. We meet every flight. Madurai Junction, a short distance from the temple, is one of the busiest stations in southern Tamil Nadu, with trains to Chennai, Bengaluru, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. Pickups and drops at the station and the Mattuthavani bus terminus are routine.

Outstation cabs from Madurai

• Rameswaram: about three and a half to four hours via Ramanathapuram and the Pamban road bridge, for the Ramanathaswamy temple and Dhanushkodi.
• Kanyakumari: four to five hours south on NH 44 via Tirunelveli, for sunrise at the tip of India and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
• Chennai: a full day's drive north via Trichy and Villupuram.
• Salem: via Dindigul and Karur, for business trips or the Yercaud hills.
• Coimbatore and Ooty: west via Dindigul and Palladam, then up the Coonoor ghat to the Nilgiris.
• Bangalore: via Dindigul, Salem, Krishnagiri and Hosur on a fast highway.
• Mysore: a long drive via Salem and Bengaluru, or through Sathyamangalam with forest timings to consider.

See the fare table for one-way and return options on each of these routes.

Pilgrimage circuits

Madurai is the starting point for several popular multi-day pilgrimages. A common circuit runs Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari over three or four days. Devotees of Lord Murugan often visit Thiruparankundram, Pazhamudircholai, Palani, Swamimalai, Tiruchendur and Thiruthani. We can plan a round trip with the same driver throughout.

Areas we cover

We pick up from the temple area, Simmakkal, Anna Nagar, KK Nagar, Tallakulam, Goripalayam, Arapalayam, Thirunagar, Pasumalai, Avaniyapuram and hotels along the ring road and near the airport.

Choosing a vehicle

The Swift Dzire and Toyota Etios suit couples and city tours. For Rameswaram, Kanyakumari or multi-day temple circuits, families usually prefer the space of an Ertiga, Innova or Innova Crysta. Pilgrim groups, school tours and wedding parties can book a Tempo Traveller, Force Urbania or mini bus.

Seasons and festivals

Madurai is hot for much of the year, with temperatures peaking from April to June. October to March is the most comfortable time to visit. The Chithirai festival in April or May, celebrating the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar and Lord Kallazhagar's entry into the Vaigai, brings vast crowds. The float festival at Teppakulam in January or February is another highlight. Book transport early for these periods.

Local tips

• Try jigarthanda, the city's famous cold drink, and a plate of kari dosa or parotta.
• Madurai malli, the local jasmine, is sold fresh around the temple every morning.
• Leave footwear and phones at the counters before entering the Meenakshi temple.
• For Rameswaram, an early start lets you reach in time for temple darshan and a visit to Dhanushkodi.