Madurai, located in the core of Tamil Nadu is a city full of history. Its rich heritage, vibrant bazaars, and magnificent temples make this ‘Athens of the East’ attract tourists from around the world. There, the main attraction, the Meenakshi Amman Temple, is an architectural delight with its intricate carvings and colourful sculptures, capturing the cultural essence of South India. Apart from the temple’s imposing gopurams (gateway towers), Madurai also has a lot to offer in the form of tasty food, fine silk sarees and great hospitality to make your visit truly magical. So, are you prepared to adventure to this ancient city? We shall now see how to get to Madurai!
How to Get to Madurai: Your Route to the Best.
By Air
However, if you plan on traveling by air, this is your lucky day! There is an airport madurai international airport( IXM ) about 10 km from the city. The city is well-connected to the major cities in India.
— From Delhi: Indira Gandhi International Airport has direct flights to Madurai that last about 2.5 hours.
– From Mumbai: If you are coming from Mumbai, your flight will be roughly similar — 1.5 hours
– From Hyderabad: A non-stop flight will get you there in about 1.5 hours as well.
– From Bangalore: For all the Garden City folks, it’s just an hour’s flight away.
– If you are coming from Chennai: The fastest route, Approximately 1 hour.
– From Trivandrum: A short 1 hour flight will get you straight to Madurai.
– Kolkata: Flight time is around 2.5 hours.
– From Bhubaneswar: A connecting flight will take approximately 4-5 hours depending on the layover.
When you touch down, local taxis and auto-rickshaws will be on hand to ferry you into town. Booking the flights MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, and EaseMyTrip have some amazing deals!
By Train
As Madurai is well connected by rail, it is convenient for rail enthusiasts. Madurai Junction is an important railway station in Tamil Nadu.
– From Delhi: Travel via Hazrat Nizamuddin to Madurai via train, a journey of about 36 hours. It’s a long trek, but the vistas on the path are a delight!
– From Mumbai: Approximately 26 hours from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
– From Hyderabad: You can reach here in around 20 hours by train.
– From Bangalore: The train ride is a more bearable 9 hours.
– Chennai to Madurai: Numerous trains take around 8 hours to get to Madurai.
– From Trivandrum — The train journey takes about 5 hours.
– From Kolkata: About 28 hours on the train.
– From Bhubaneswar It’s about a 30-hour journey, an adventure in its own right.
Booking tickets is easy via IRCTC or via the mentioned booking platforms, plus train travel gives you a chance to see the scenic views of South India.
By Road
If the open road excites you, why not hit the road to Madurai? Thanks to a network of highways scattered around the city, the road trip can be quite enjoyable.
– From Chennai: Approximate 465 kilometers away, you can reach in around 7-8 hours through NH38.
– From Bangalore: Approximately 7 hours along the NH44 route, 435 kilometers.
– Thru Trivandrum: About 5-á-6 hrs scenic 270 km drive.
– Coimbatore — It can take about 3-4 hours of driving, which is around 210 kilometers.
– From Madurai to other local attractions: You could do a day trip to places like Kodaikanal or Thekkady, both of which are a few hours’ drive away from Madurai.
You can also hire a car or take a bus from major cities, and numerous private travel companies run comfortable coaches to Madurai. Websites such as Thrillophilia also list bus services and road journeys.
Making the Most of Your Trip: Pro Tips
- Make an Itinerary: Madurai has lots of attractions. In addition to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, you can visit the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal and the Gandhi Museum. Do try the local food, especially the famous Jigarthanda!
- Local Transport: You can move around in auto-rickshaws for short distances — they are an adventure in themselves! For long distances, the best option is to hire a car.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March is the best time to visit Madurai as the weather is pleasant, but it can be visited all year round.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples. It’s a gesture of respect in this culturally dynamic city.
- Stay Connected: Try to get a local SIM card, so you can easily navigate to places you want to visit and keep in contact with your travel companions.
Madurai, with its rich culture, history, and cuisine is indeed an experience to remember. Whether you take a flight, train or road trip, the actual travelling experience will be just as rewarding as the destination. So, pack your bags, take your camera and prepare to capture moments that will last a lifetime! Safe travels!
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