Athens Of The East A Day In Madurai

Description

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.

Highlights
• Meenakshi Amman Temple
• Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace
• Gandhi Museum

Details

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
English speaking guide
Transport by private air conditioned vehicle
02 bottles of mineral water per person
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities ( Optional

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Gandhi Memorial Museum is closed on Fridays
Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult

Operated by SITA World Tours

Cancellations

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 1 full days before the experience's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 1 full days before the experience's start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Meeting point

Return Details

This activity will end right where it started

Pickup Details

Possible departure locations*

Reviews

Schedules

Itinerary

Duration: 2.00 hours

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.

Admission Ticket Included

Duration: 2.00 hours

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.

Admission Ticket Included

Duration: 1.00 hours

After, 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.

Admission Ticket Included

Pickup Time

Please arrive 30 minutes before your selected start time for pickup. Your operator can coordinate exact time and location.

Please Note

We may pick up travelers from city center hotels / fixed point wiithin city limits. In case pick up is outside central points extra cost shall applicable subject to distance applicable.