Private Once Upon A Madurai Trail Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us on an easy walk through the ancient city of Madurai and discover stories behind everyday sights. We'll tell you stories of Gods and their towering monuments, and of Kings and Queens who made Madurai. We'll also talk about many everyday customs and rituals you will see on the streets of Madurai even today.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Not recommended for child aged 6 and under
Dress conservatively keeping knees and shoulders covered for both men and women
What To Expect
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
We walk through the bylines around this prominent temple that is at the heart of Madurai city. This tour does not take you into the temple.
We walk past this 350 year old monument that is literally called the 'New Hall' in Tamil. We stop at the large Nandi statue, the Rayagopuram behind this hall, and walk up to the Vittavasal and the iconic Pattuthoon.
Options
OUAM Trail Evening
OUAM Trail PM: This trail departs at 4:00 PM
OUAM Trail Morning
OUAM Trail AM: This tour departs at 7:00 am
What‘s Included
Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Bottled water
Private tour
Snacks
Guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent walking tour
Liz K,Mar 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did an early morning walk in the lanes around the temple learning about the history, mythologies and religion. Swarna was a fascinating guide and took us at just the right pace, explaining everything clearly and with humour. Many memorable moments and little details that brought it all to life. Highly recommended.
Excellent Tales!
davidpollock1000,Mar 18, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent Tales! My charming storyteller was articulate, amusing and professional...she enlivened my visit to Madurai hugely and I commend this experience to anyone interested in the mythological roots of modern India
Once upon a time in Madurai
JrMf-L-2020,Mar 4, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a lovely way to see the city of Madurai in a different light, to understand a little of its history and culture through stories beautifully told by our guide, Priya, in the atmospheric streets around the temple. It was a really special evening, thanks.
Excellent trail!
Dashlife,Feb 20, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got off to a 7am start outside the North exit of the Meenakshi Temple when it was cooler and not busy. Our guide, Swarna, was an excellent storyteller for our small group of 3. She brought great context and understanding of Hinduism through the lens of Madurai culture and customs. And good humour! She also helped me get appropriate medical attention for a foot infection. Thanks again, Swarna!
Home cooking experience is great
88beverleys,Feb 18, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spice trails in Madurai was an interesting visit to a house to learn about cooking. We made a drink if ginger, green chilli, yogurt, salt, water (coriander and curry leaves churned) and garnished with coriander and curry leaves. Delicious. We loved doing the home cooking in the host’s own house. Such a good vibe for an authentic experience.
Not to miss!
Flyer661462,Feb 8, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Don't just visit the temple, when in Madurai, because this tour takes you into the small alleys around the famous monument. Lots of stories there, great tour, wonderful guide. I really enjoyed ist, thank you Swarna!
A really enjoyable and informative walk
grahamb771,Feb 7, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Swarna was our guide for the tour and was superb. It is all well planned and executed, from placing the booking, to having a sign at the meeting point so that you can be sure you are in the right place, to the earpieces they provide so that you can hear all that your guide says and breakfast at the end. The group was us and one other couple and we found that there was plenty of opportunity to ask questions, which Swarna was superb at answering. Really glad we chose to do this tour - highly recommended.
A different way to see an South-Indian temple city
gianugoturista,Jan 29, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A very entertaining visit to the surrounding area of the main Madurai temple, with a mix of local history, legends and the never-ending adventures of Hindu gods. Great to discover hidden corners, such as the Jain temple and the 11 pillars. The guide was very kind and used her voice skillfully to enhance the presentations.
A must do in Maduai - for foodies and everyone else!!!
Cate S,Jan 29, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great way to see Madurai and to find some excellent and safe food when there. We tried delicious foods that we would not normally have tried. Everywhere Praveena took us to was excellent and the food, snacks and drinks were delicious. There are lots of courses and snacks to try to pace yourself to fit it all in! Praveena gave us the background and ingredients to each dish which was fascinating. Super highly recommended. Praveena was a wonderful guide and host to her city
Entertaining and informative
826PaulS826,Jan 25, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed my tour with Swarna who bubbled with enthusiasm telling her tales about the history of Madurai, its myths and customs. Her stories helped put the temple in context when I visited the next day. I really enjoyed the pace and wit of the tour. Great value for money.
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Operated by Storytrails India