Go beyond Madurai: Make a quick stop to pick up souvenirs, before heading out of the city to explore Jain caves and discover a French-style cathedral.
Gift your loved ones a replica of a bronze statue from the Chola period, or wood craft as seen in the temples around the city. At Poompuhar Handicrafts Emporium, you can also pick up mementos like papier-mâché dolls and objets d'art made of sandalwood.
Take an easy hike up Samanar Hills, an important Jain site, where beautiful figures are carved into the hillside. Explore the caves and you’ll find graceful sculptures, and inscriptions on the walls telling you about the Jain monks who fasted unto death here.
Drive to Idaikattur village near Madurai to find a marvellous Gothic church tucked away in a tiny lane. Be astounded by the architecture of this church, built as a (much smaller) replica of the Reims Cathedral in France. Gaze up at the vaulted roof and admire the lovely stained glass on the windows.
