[rrahul_2778]

I am planning to visit Madurai on Aug 15 enroute to Munnar (mainly to visit the Meenakshi Amman temple). We will start at 5 AM from Chennai.

Any recent updates on the road conditions? And places for breakfast enroute.

Can you please suggest a decent place to stay for family? Would I get any good ones in 1000 bucks?

Also, best places for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And any suggestions on things to do? I guess it shouldnt take long at the meenakshi temple.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by rrahul_2778

Any recent updates on the road conditions? And places for breakfast enroute.

Road conditions remain as good as ever. Nice 4-lane all the way.

Can you please suggest a decent place to stay for family? Would I get any good ones in 1000 bucks?

This is for Munnar or Madurai

Also, best places for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And any suggestions on things to do? I guess it shouldnt take long at the meenakshi temple.

There is an Adyar Anand Bhavan (A2B) at Ulundurpet bypass.

[rrahul_2778]

Thanks Ampere. Am the above info I am looking for Madurai.

Also, places to eat in Madurai, I was told that the food is amazing there and I would love to dig into authentic south indian food

[ampere]

Originally Posted by rrahul_2778

Also, places to eat in Madurai, I was told that the food is amazing there and I would love to dig into authentic south indian food

In Madurai I know about Aarathy and College being very good.


Arathy has the following location:
https://maps.google.co.in/maps?q=9.9...num=1&t=m&z=19

The places nearby has many hotels where you can chose to stay.
Supreme, Park Plaza are some of them. But do note, many of these places dont have parking.
Thats the only issue

[narayans80]

College House, Murugan Idly Shop are couple of good places to eat near the temple. Supreme looks good to easily get towards Munnar.

[rrahul_2778]

Thanks folks, noted down your pointers. I called up New College House and they said no need to book in advance and I can directly turn up there.

Apart from Meenakshi temple, any other attractions in Madurai?

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by rrahul_2778

Apart from Meenakshi temple, any other attractions in Madurai?

More temples Azhagarkoil, Pazhamudhirsolai, Tiruparankundram

[ampere]

Not to mention Pillayarpatti. Beautiful temple. But its about 80km from Madurai on the way to Karaikudi, If you are staying in Madurai, and want to cover
major temples. this one should not be missed.

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by ampere

Not to mention Pillayarpatti. Beautiful temple. But its about 80km from Madurai on the way to Karaikudi

Doing Pillayarpatti would be tricky. Its slightly more than a half day trip from Madurai. Staying close to temple like College House, it would be a PITA getting in and out of Madurai alone.

Would be an ideal fit, if it was a Rameswaram trip.

[manim]

Originally Posted by rrahul_2778

places for breakfast enroute.

Also, best places for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

And any suggestions on things to do?

In December 2011, I had lunch at Trichy enroute at Hotel Grand Gardenia, just off the 4-lane, air-conditioned with clean toilets. (It is a popular 'biriyani' hotel and was very crowded).
GPS-coordinates: 10.78545, 78.68899.

Here are some interesting GPS-coordinates at Madurai:
9.93799, 78.13625 - Vishaal Mall, a new shopping mall at Madurai.
9.92803, 78.14298 - Milan-em Mall, a smaller one.
9.93122, 78.14372 - Dominos Pizza
9.93280, 78.13451 - Amma-mess (small and messy place but great biriyani and non-veg items).

[rrahul_2778]

Originally Posted by narayans80

More temples Azhagarkoil, Pazhamudhirsolai, Tiruparankundram

Thanks Narayans80, I dont mind temples, the architecture always fascinates me. And if it washes away a bit of sins, then all the more better

Is Pillayarpatti too much out of the way? 80 kms doesnt look like a lot, but I have no clue on traffic situation in Madurai and the kind of highways. I have never travelled to those parts so far.

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by rrahul_2778

Thanks Narayans80, I dont mind temples, the architecture always fascinates me. And if it washes away a bit of sins, then all the more better

Is Pillayarpatti too much out of the way? 80 kms doesnt look like a lot, but I have no clue on traffic situation in Madurai and the kind of highways. I have never travelled to those parts so far.

If you are doing, do Pillayarpatti first and then head to Madurai. Take the Madurai route all the way to Kottampatti and turn towards Tirupattur, Karaikudi. Whatever happens don't take the Pudukottai-Karaikudi route from Trichy. I know of 2 people who've taken regardless of the warnings given and regretted it. This way you won't have to get in and out Madurai 3 times.

When getting to Madurai, you have turn to Melur from Tirupattur.

Its not 80 km of 4-laned bliss. Melur-Tirupattur is pretty narrow 2-laned from memories. SH35 from Kottampatti is pretty good though (from Fauji's Karaikudi travelogue).

[rrahul_2778]

Reached Madurai . Couldn't do pillayarpatti coz I started late from chennai . Excellent roads . But got caught in very heavy rains after Trichy. But fun drive.

In some post above , someone recommended New College House hotel. I checked it out , but me n wifey just came out in 1 min. It looks a depilated rundown lodge kind of place best suited for bachelors on a budget. Finally got into Rathana Residency. The guy gave me a deluxe ac room at economy price and I am a happy man now :-)

[ampere]

Originally Posted by rrahul_2778

Finally got into Rathana Residency. The guy gave me a deluxe ac room at economy price and I am a happy man now :-)

Rathna is a good place as per what I know. Do they have parking?
Next time you can also check Park Plaza. But my only lament is the parking aspect.

[rrahul_2778]

Ya they have parking. Sure will check Park Plaza next time. I really recommend this hotel to anyone , rooms are clean and decent sized.

Any suggestions for good veg hotels nearby for dinner?