A Traditional Getaway with a Stay at Hotel Madurai by GRT
Madurai – the “Athens of the East” welcomes every traveler with its ancient temples, vibrant bazaars, fragrant jasmine flowers, and traditional Tamil charm.
My 2‑day trip was short but absolutely soul‑filling, with a comfortable stay at Hotel Madurai by GRT, just minutes away from the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Stay: Hotel Madurai by GRT
My home for two days was | Best Hotel in Madurai, a perfect blend of heritage-inspired decor and modern luxury.
- Spacious rooms
- Excellent South Indian breakfast spread
- Rooftop pool with a temple-view skyline
- Warm Tamil hospitality
Distance from hotel to Meenakshi Temple:
Approximately 3.5 km (10–15 minutes by car/auto rickshaw)
Day 1: Immersing in the Temple City
🌄 Morning: Meenakshi Amman Temple Darshan
I started my trip with an early morning visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple – the heart of Madurai.
Walking under the towering gopurams (temple towers) covered with 33,000+ colorful sculptures felt like stepping into another era.
Helpful tips:
- The temple opens early, perfect to avoid crowds
- Photography isn’t allowed in most areas—so this is a “soak everything in” moment
Traditional Attire for Visiting
Madurai is traditional, and I embraced it:
- Women: Saree or salwar-kameez
- Men: Veshti (dhoti) or casual trousers
Comfortable cottons are best for the heat!
Lunch: True Flavors of Madurai
For lunch, I headed to Meenakshi Bhavan, a classic vegetarian restaurant.
The highlights?
- Ghee dosa
- Traditional thali meals
- Filter coffee (a must!)
If you prefer non‑veg specialties, Kumar Mess is popular for:
- Mutton chukka
- Chicken biryani
- Kari dosa
Evening: Exploring Madurai Markets
Madurai’s markets are lively, colorful, and irresistible.
Must‑visit spots:
- Puthu Mandapam Market → cotton sarees, temple jewelry, handicrafts
- Chithirai Street → bangles, toys, religious artifacts
- Flower Market (near Mattuthavani) → fresh jasmine garlands and lotus flowers
I picked up beautiful Madurai Sungudi sarees – light, vibrant, and traditionally hand‑tied.
Day 2: Culture, Food & Local Life
🌅 Morning: Breakfast at the Hotel
GRT’s breakfast buffet was delightful:
- Idli with sambar
- Medu vada
- Pongal
- Fresh coconut chutney
Fuel for a full day of exploring!
Mid‑Day: Food Trail
Madurai, famously called the City That Never Sleeps, is renowned for its vibrant late‑night food scene.
Some unmissable food spots:
- Murugan Idli Shop → soft idlis, jigarthanda
- Famous Jigarthanda Stall (near temple) → Madurai’s iconic cold dessert
- Simmakal Konar Kadai → authentic kari dosa
Afternoon: Cultural Walk & Museum
I visited the Gandhi Memorial Museum to understand the region’s history and freedom movement highlights.
Later, a slow walk along the temple corridors helped me capture the essence of Madurai’s rhythm- the priests’ chants, bells ringing, artisans carving, flower-sellers laughing.
Evening: Sunset & Chill
Returned to the hotel and relaxed at the rooftop. Watching the city lights and hearing distant temple bells was the perfect way to close the trip.
Final Thoughts
My 2‑day Madurai trip was a blend of spirituality, culture, flavors, and warm hospitality.
From the majestic Meenakshi Temple to the bustling markets and iconic food spots, every moment felt vibrant and authentic.
If you love heritage cities, timeless traditions, and soulful food, Madurai should absolutely be on your travel list.