15 Places To Visit Near Madurai: The Gateway To Enjoying South India’s Beauty In 2022!

Mother Earth, besides famous for her ravishing flora and fauna, is also blessed to have the most arresting and eye-catching destinations spread worldwide. When it comes to exploring the most peaceful and fascinating places in the world, one should opt for a country which is a collection of age-old traditions, spirituality, architecture and festivals. We are going to talk about the best places to visit near Madurai – an amazing destination situated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

India is a fusion of cultures and religions which puts tourists – domestic and international – into a state of bewilderment. Countless destinations in this country enchant its visitors so much so that their visits turn into lifetime memories. Travellers seek to preserve all such memories as the momentous moments to be transmitted to future generations.

15 Places To Visit Near Madurai

Madurai is one of the ancient places and a major city in the current context in Tamil Nadu. It is one such place where you find inner peace and contentedness to the most. Flecked with its innumerable temples and spiritual places, it has been a conspicuous destination for all its visitors since centuries.

Here are 15 most beautiful places to visit near Madurai whose striking architecture and religious flash rejuvenate every traveler.

• Meenakshi Amman Temple: Pay A Visit With Fam
• Kodaikanal: The Gift Of The Forest
• Periyar: Largest Tiger Reserve Of India
• Dhanushkodi: The Ghost Town Of Tamil Nadu
• Munnar: Admire Green Vistas
• Rameshwaram Temple: For Spiritual Motivation
• Tuticorin: Explore Rich Wildlife
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: Haven For Bird Watchers
• Vagamon: Please Your Eyes With Greenery
• Thanjavur: Buy A Few Handicrafts
• Sivakasi: Residence Of The Shivalingam Of Kasi
• Kolli Hills: Witness The Bucolic Nature
• Alleppey: Admire The Backwaters
• Ooty: Queen Of Nilgiris
• Pondicherry: Nature Lovers’ Paradise

1. Meenakshi Amman Temple: Pay A Visit With Fam

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First on the list of places to see near Madurai is Meenakshi Amman Temple which is a famous temple with lavishing architecture that turns it into an important landmark in Tamil Nadu. The temple has been sculptured in the Dravidian style of architecture. It is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi who is a form of Parvati, besides her consort Sundareshwarar, the form of Shiva. Travellers feel religiously charged and re-impose faith upon arrival here.

Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Major Festivals: Thirukalyanam Festival, Chithirai Thiruvizha Festival

Famous for: Pilgrimage

Places To Stay: Hotel President, Royal Court, Cosmopolitan Hotel, The Madurai Residency, Madurai Kolam

Must Read: 8 Top Resorts In Madurai That Will Make You Wish To Stay Longer In This Temple City!

2. Kodaikanal: The Gift Of The Forest

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Kodaikanal is known to be a famous honeymoon destination in Tamil Nadu. Its wonderful climate, misty cliffs, mountains covered with clouds, mesmerizing valleys and dazzling lakes brings an intensely wonderful experience for honeymooners. It is located at 2,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by evergreen forests. Meaning of Kodaikanal in Tamil is “The Gift Of The Forest”. Bryant Park is very popular and the beautiful Botanical Garden located at the eastern side to the Kodaikanal Lake.

Distance from Madurai: 116.2 km

Best Time to visit: October – June

Famous for: Scenic environment

Places To Stay: FabHotel Tranquil Heights Kodaikanal, SkyHighVilla, Kodai Resort Hotel, Country Club Valley Vista, Wood green cottage

Things To Do: Night Safari, Boat Ride, Go Birdwatching

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

Suggested Read: 20 Best Places To Visit In Madurai In 2022 For A Spiritual Journey Back In Time!

3. Periyar: Largest Tiger Reserve Of India

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If you are keen to explore natural habitats, then take pleasure in enjoying the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Indeed, it can prove an ultimate option for you to enjoy jungle vacation. Bamboo rafting is also a major attraction and can be enjoyed in the Periyar National Park. Its boundary is stretched into the boundless spice gardens that ease for diverse adventurous sports. Likewise, nature lovers are amused by the extremities of the Anakarra here.

Distance from Madurai: 139 km, via NH85 and NH 183

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Famous for: Elephants and tigers

Places To Stay: Gavi County, L&G Riverview Haven, Cassells Jungle Resorts , Mount Haze Resort Sathram, Aiden’s Abode 

Suggested Read: 7 Airports In Tamil Nadu For An Awesome Flying Experience In 2022

4. Dhanushkodi: The Ghost Town Of Tamil Nadu

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Dhanushkodi is known to be hit by the largest storms in India. It is a compact and less populated beach town in Tamil Nadu. The famous Dhanushkodi Beach is worth exploring for its white sand. Likewise, another astonishing place which can’t be ignored in Dhanushkodi is Adam’s Bridge. It is said to be a bridge connecting India and Sri Lanka. Ramar Patham Temple is situated at about 20 km from Dhanushkodi where it is believed that a stone has the footprints of Lord Rama.

Distance from Madurai: 191.8 km via NH 87 and Kochi – Madurai – Dhanushkodi road.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Famous for: Hindu mythology

Places To Stay: Hotel Prakash, Hotel Saara, Hotel Ragavendra Rameswaram, Hotel Sri Ganesh, Hotel Harish

Ideal Duration: 1 day

Suggested Read: Seaports In India 2022: Know About The Important Ports Which Stands As A Glory Of The Country!

5. Munnar: Admire Green Vistas

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The tranquil hill station namely Munnar is prominent for tea estates, luxuriant green areas, cliffy peaks and delivering peaceful vibes located in Kerala. This hill station near Madurai is the world’s largest commercial centre for tea and is said to be servicing tea to almost every nook and corner of the world. Several endemic and endangered species including Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji are found in the protected niche of Munnar. Eravikulam National Park is one of the famous national parks here. Similarly, the famous waterfalls – like Lakkam, Attukad and Thoovanam are some of the tourist places around Madurai.

Distance from Madurai: 153.4 km via NH85

Best Time to Visit: September to May

Famous for: Tea plantations

Places To Stay: The Lake View Munnar Resort, Wyte Mist Mountain Club, Le Celestium, Moselberg Riverside Cottages, Kollenkeril Plantation Bungalow

Things To Do: Rock Climbing, Tree House Stay, Trekking

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Suggested Read: 30 Amazing Places In India To Celebrate New Year 2022

6. Rameshwaram Temple: For Spiritual Motivation

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If you are seeking spiritual motivation with the sensation of piety besides willing to explore natural beauty as a tourist, then don’t forget a visit the island city of Rameshwaram. It is a perfectly preserved place in Tamil Nadu as part of the captivating Pamban Island. The well-known Pamban channel connects it to India’s mainland. Rameshwaram Temple is popularly known as a place where Lord Rama had built a bridge to Sri Lanka to release his wife Sita from Ravana, the great king of Lanka. You will find about 64 tirthas or holy water bodies in Rameshwaram, wherein a bath is said to wash away your sins.

Distance from Madurai: 172.5 Km via NH87

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Famous for: One of the 12 jyotirlingas

Places To Stay: Hotel Sri Ganesh, Ambika Lodge, Hotel New Island Star – ” Ramanathasamy Temple View, Rightchoicehotels, Hotel Saara

Suggested Read: 43 Famous Historical Places In India To Visit In 2022

7. Tuticorin: Explore Rich Wildlife

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Explore Tuticorin to endure rich wildlife and a unique set of ecosystem. You will fall in love with this place which is famous as a beach town and also one of the busiest ports in the country. Anyone travelling will definitely enjoy the mouth-watering dishes. Enjoy the delicacies of this destination – from South Indian to North Indian – to International cuisines. Plan a visit to the beaches here if you are looking to plunge down your stress levels at places to visit near Madurai.

Distance from Madurai: 150 km via NH38

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Famous for: Pearl fishing

Places To Stay: Regency Tuticorin, Hotel Geetha International, Kani Residency Hotel, SRM Hotel, Mari Ammal Home

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

Suggested Read: 15 Romantic Airbnbs In India That Will Make You Fall In Love All Over Again In 2022

8. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: Haven For Bird Watchers

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The avid bird watchers and nature lovers can’t miss this destination as it is listed in the top tourist places near Madurai. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala hosts a plethora of birds that makes it a bird watcher’s paradise. This Bird Sanctuary is also famous as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and is full of eloquent birdlife. Over 500 species of birds can be found with rare birds like Wayanad Laughingthrush and Rufous Babbler. Traverse about 10 km to get a glimpse of the beautiful Bhoothathankettu Dam which is also considered as a picnic spot for the travellers.

Distance from Madurai: 217.8 km via NH85

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Famous for: Different species of birds

Places To Stay: Jewel Homes, Blue Wings Resort, Budgies Cottage, Vayal Farm Stay, Sandye Camp

Ideal Duration: 1 day

Suggested Read: From Royal To Offbeat, Here Are 30 Best Wedding Destinations In India To Tie The Knot In 2022!

9. Vagamon: Please Your Eyes With Greenery

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An immensely great option for nature lovers, enjoy the serene beauty of lush greeneries and peaceful atmosphere. Vagamon is located about 1100 meters above sea level. It could be your eccentric hill station which is away from other tourist spots. Do plan a visit to Vagamon Pine Forest – an amazing man-made forest used for various movie shootings. It is a great place to breathe in fresh air.

Marmala Waterfalls known for its tranquillity and calmness is quite famous here. It is nestled between the enormous greenery and is a popular tourist spot. You can also plan a visit to the famous Thangal Para pilgrimage center for inner peace. An International Paragliding Festival is also celebrated here at Vagamon each year by AASTA.

Distance from Madurai: 184 km via NH85 and NH183

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Famous for: Green valleys

Places To Stay: The Grasmere, Beyond Pines, Winter Vale Green Stay Resorts, The Kissing Mountains, Spice Green Residency

Things To Do: Trekking, Off Roading, Boat Ride

Ideal Duration: 1 day

Suggested Read:Nightlife In Chandigarh: 25 Best Places To Experience Night Scenes Of The City In 2022!

10. Thanjavur: Buy A Few Handicrafts

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Painting enthusiasts must visit Thanjavur because it is the city of opulence cultural values and is known globally for the Tanjore Paintings. You can witness antiques and handicrafts besides perfect shopping spots to buy sarees and various types of musical instruments. Due to housing several pilgrimage centers, it witnesses the flocking of pilgrims as well. Its magnificent culture and heritage gives a seething impact. Saraswathi Mahal Library is an excellent place for the book lovers.

Likewise, Siva Ganga Garden, Art Gallery and Sangeetha Mahal are popular spots that seek the attention of tourists as tourist attractions. Alangudi Guru Temple is a very well sculptured religious place here.

Distance from Madurai: 189.3 km via NH38

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Famous for: Art and handicrafts

Places To Stay: Hotel Gnanam, Rams Inn, Hyders Park The Business Hotel, Hotel Green Palace, Barnabas Homestay

Suggested Read: 16 Airports In India That Make A Dreamy Halt For Every Traveler In 2022

11. Sivakasi: Residence Of The Shivalingam Of Kasi

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Located in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu, Sivakasi is popular for its industries, especially fireworks and match boxes. It equally attracts the tourists with its enchanting beauty. Due to the presence of several famous temples at this place, devotees keep flocking here throughout the year. Sivakasi carries the priceless treasures of the ancient sculptures and unique architecture to arrest the attractions of tourists coming from worldwide locations. Different architectural structures reflect the splendour and achievements of modern India. Sri Badrakaliamman Temple, The Parasakthi Mariamman Temple, Ayyanar Falls, Nenmeni and the popular Vembakottai add more sparkle to this region’s beauty.

Distance from Madurai: 78.6 km via NH44

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Famous for: Temples and firecrackers

Places To Stay: Hotel Ajay Residency, Sudesikudil

Suggested Read: 38 Romantic Honeymoon Places In South India For 2022 That Cast Utter Magic

12. Kolli Hills: Witness The Bucolic Nature

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Live through the greatest Mountain Ranges and endure the delightful experience of nature in the Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district. The Mountain Ranges spread to almost over 280 sq. km. and are approximately 1,000 to 1,300 m in height. Its captivating natural beauty remains untouched by commercialization that preserves its natural splendour. Arappaleeswarar Temple is a pilgrimage spot here which carries a secret pathway to Lord Shiva Temple at Rasipuram. Masilla Falls and Swami Pranavananda Ashram are other notable attractions that seek the attention of large chunk of tourists.

Distance from Madurai: 214 km via NH44

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

Famous for: Waterfalls & natural beauty

Places To Stay: Pepy Madhu Resort, RVR Hotels, RJ Grand Resort, Samy Hotel

Ideal Duration: 2 days

Suggested Read: 15 Captivating Honeymoon Destinations In North East India To Cover In 2022!

13. Alleppey: Admire The Backwaters

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Alleppey is going to take you to the most fascinating and beautiful backwaters, beaches and lagoons in the southern state of Kerala. It is also popular as the ‘Venice of the East’ therefore worth exploring in a lifetime. This place is a spectacular one as popular for its web of interconnecting canals as backwaters besides the revitalizing Ayurvedic Resorts. Beautifully decorated houseboats carry you along the backwaters where you can witness green paddy fields and unique lifestyle of the locals. Alleppey Beach is a famous beach that rejuvenates the souls and lies in the Arabian Sea.

Distance from Madurai: 275 kms via NH85 and NH183

Best Time to Visit: June to March

Famous for: Houseboat cruises

Places To Stay: Malayalam Lake Resort, New Seaside Residency, Nightstay Houseboat, Shalom Villa, La Riva Heritage Villa

Things To Do: Experience Village Life, Nightwalk, Explore Beaches

Ideal Duration: 1-2 days

Suggested Read: Top 51 National Parks In India In 2022: A List You Just Can’t Ignore!

14. Ooty: Queen Of Nilgiris

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If you are looking for an adventure yet also love nature, then you should plan a visit to Ooty which is known as the “Queen of Nilgiris.” The spellbound beauty of Blue Mountains shall take you to this heaven which is one of the best places to visit near Madurai. It is a perfect picturesque place that nestles between Nilgiri Hills at an altitude of 2,240 meters above the sea level.

Distance from Madurai: 304.2 km via NH44

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year

Famous for: Tea plantations

Places To Stay: Ooty White House, Delightz Inn, Paradise Perfect, Greenwood Bungalow, Ooty Castle

Things To Do: Visit Toda Huts And Dolphin’s Nose

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Suggested Read: 30 Budget Honeymoon Destinations In India To Sweep You Off Your Feet In 2022

15. Pondicherry: Nature Lovers’ Paradise

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Commonly known as Puducherry or simply Pondy, it is a place full of grandeur and is one of the 7 Union Territories of India. Also known as the French Riviera of the East, it holds the dazzling sights and is regarded as the most endearing beauty of India worth exploring. If you are planning a vacation to South India then you must visit Ponsicherry as it is one of the best places to visit near Madurai.

Distance from Madurai: 333.9 km via NH38

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Famous for: Auroville and water activities

Places To Stay: Royal Grand Residency, Hotel White, White Pearl Residency , King park, Lee Serrnity Apartment

Things To Do: Boat Ride, Bird Watching, Scuba Diving

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Further Read: 10 Vegan Indian Food Items That Will Turn You Into A Vegan Overnight In 2022

There is something beautiful about Madurai – it is a spiritual and magical destination. Hover around to all the beautiful places to visit near Madurai to complete a peaceful, divine yet adventurous trip. Experience lots of nature, quiet towns and capture whole load of beautiful memories. It’s time to pack your bags today and head to Madurai!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Madurai

What is the best time to trek Kolli Hills?

The Best Time to trek Kolli Hills is post monsoon – October to February.

How far is the Echo point located from Munnar?

Echo Point is located at a height of 600 ft. and is about 15 km from Munnar. You can enjoy several adventurous sports there.

What is the best time to visit Adam’s Bridge?

Although the weather is stable throughout the year, still you can enjoy the perfect view from November to March months.

Which are the famous beaches in Alleppey?

1. Alappuzha Beach – Venice of the East 2. Andhakaranazhi Beach 3. Marari Beach 4. Thottappally Beach 5. Thumpoly Beach 6. Punnapra Beach

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