Samanar Jain Hills, Keelakuyilkudi

The place is not very popular, but it's a must visit! It's actually quite a rocky hill, where some Jain monks have carved steps on the rock many centuries back, so you could climb on top. There are some ancient statues etc on your way up. Lovely panoramic views of the city. Sunset is awesome!

Samanar Hills in Madurai is a serene and historically significant site. The Jain rock-cut sculptures and inscriptions on the hillocks provide a glimpse into the region's ancient Jain heritage. The natural surroundings add to the peaceful ambiance, making it a place for both historical exploration and quiet contemplation. However, accessibility might be a concern for some visitors, as the site is a bit off the beaten path. Overall, Samanar Hills offer a unique blend of history and tranquility for those interested in exploring lesser-known cultural gems.

A tad under-rated, beautiful and deserted. This being the closest Jain heritage site to the city, the place could really attract more people. However, the authorities could do well with adding more details of the history and background of the site. There is a small board at the bottom of the hill and that's about it. In a lot of other countries, a site like this would have been celebrated...

A quick 20-30 minute drive from Madurai for a brisk mid level hike and nature retreat on a weekend with friends and family.
Best time to visit: Early morning during sunrise and evening golden hour.

Ensure to bring sufficient water while hiking as there aren’t plenty shops/kirana stores in the vicinity.

Visited Samanar Hills in Madurai, an incredible historic site with deep roots in Jain religion. The serene surroundings and ancient rock-cut sculptures provide a captivating glimpse into the rich Jain heritage. The site's well-preserved beauty and the insightful information available make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The panoramic views from the hills add to the overall charm. A peaceful and enlightening experience that transports you to a bygone era. Highly recommended for those interested in exploring the cultural tapestry of Tamil Nadu.

Excellent place to visit. Short trekking experience. Temple was so spiritual. Lot of foreign tourists, good place to explore. Excellent view of Madurai from top of hill

Witness a historical site and the sculptures.

Gives you a good feeling to be on the site of the Jains who migrated to this place and practiced Jainism.

The sculptures carved on the rocks are very impressive. The footsteps carved on the rocks lead to the hill.

A nice view of the surroundings is waiting on top of the hill.

A temple on the bottom of the hill also gives some historical backgrounds.

ocated in Keelakuyilkudi village which is around 12 km away from Madurai, Samanar hills are beautiful blend of nature with history. Declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, this hill is an interesting site to visit when on Madurai Tourism, presenting a glimpse into the historical richness of southern India. These hills are associated to Jainism with Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions depicting various facets of the religion.
Also known as Samanar Malai as the Tamil word Malai means hills, it boasts of ancient caves with carvings dating back to 1st century A.D. Samanar hill has many prominent sculpture and ancient inscriptions giving an insight into the history and into the Jainism religion which flourished here during ancient times. The inscriptions on the hills are said to be more than 200 years old. These caves were the homes of many Jain monks during ancient era.
At the entrance of the caves, one can see various religiously significant sculptures of Gomateshwara, Mahavira, Yakshi and Yaksha. The two sculptures, Settipodavu and Pechipallam are the major attractions of this hill. Settipodavu presents an image of Lord Mahavira who was the last tirthankara of Jainism. Another sculpture, Pechipallam has eight different sculptures including those of Bahubali and Mahavira. These sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras are said to be built by Jain monks during the 9th century B.C.
As per archaeologists, these caves have more than 2000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions as well as Vatteluttu writings. Most of the inscriptions can be found around the entrance of the cave. According to these inscriptions, many of Jain monks took sallekhana here, which means fasting unto death. One can also see many flat stone or stone beds which were used by the monks to rest.

Beautiful temple with a small lake. Huge rock with a great view of city over it. Nice beautiful place.

It takes 1-2 hours to ascend, explore, reach atop, relax, and descend the hill.

The hill slopes are relatively safe yet thrilling.

Really nice hike up the hill. It took us about 1.5 hours to fully explore but could be done in less. Don't miss the Jain Caves which are just behind the temple, worth a visit as well.
We were requested to remove our shoes by the temple at the entrance so we walked up the hill barefoot, not sure that it's always like that but bare that in mind.

Best place to spend time with family and to enjoy nature's creation. Best time to visit is evening, because u can get a clear view of the city in the evening. Can visit this place even at afternoon. Please don't miss the caves which are located at the side of the mountain. Many miss this spot as it's way is not obvious.

Very beautiful place one of the iconic place in Madurai must go i would advise to go during early in the morning or by evening time.
Wear comfortable clothes.
Carry water bottles.
And if your tourist do not take cab or taxi don't listen to you hotel people they give wrong information to get money go out side on the road take a local auto rickshaw -300-400 one way charges will be don't give more than that.

A must visit place with breathtaking views .A relatively easy hike best enjoyed as a group . Steep rock faces ... caution if you are with kids .Start by 6am to avoid the harsh sun .A bottle of water , juice or a snack in a backpack will do .Pls don't litter the place .

> Best place for trekking in Madurai
> Ensure to visit this place in the early morning or early evening.
> Don't forget to grab your water bottle.
> There is also a small cave which is on the left side of the temple, make sure to visit there as well.
> I don't think there is public transport available to this place. Do always prefer your own transportation for visiting this place.
> Don't wear tight jeans, wear comfortable and loose clothes as it's easy for trekking.
> There is no entrance ticket.

Historical Place And a very good tourist attraction.The Place sits atop a hill where the 9th century Jains lived.This is a great place to take your kids.The road to this place is accessible through nagamalai Pudukkottai.

There is ample parking space for cars.You enter the foothills crossing a temple with a great Lilly pond filled with fish.
Then it's a small trek with stairs carved on the rocky floor.

There are railings to help you get through the places where there are no rocky steps.On top of the hills is the rock carvings form the 9th century which is really good, amazing part of the history of Madurai which used to be multicultural even back in those days.

This place is filled with lush green trees on the foothills and it has an amazing view at the top which makes its a fantastic picknic destination where you can take your kids and family for a wonderful evening experience of both history and atmosphere.

It has historic evidence of Jainism. It has few steps in starting trail and later slope walking. Good view from hilltop.

Good place to visit with friends on early morning. Its not too easy to climb as there are no steps so its good to plan early than noon or evening time. Best trekking place for first time climbers. Ladies please don't plan alone/solo as its not safe. If drinkers are prohibited then it ll b more good as we can see broken bottles in many place.

Samanar kills represent an old history of Jain's. Visit during morning avoid to visit in the afternoon. Bring enough water.
Totally 4 sites on this hill. 3 sites are above the Ayyanar temple and one is on the left side of the temple.
It took around 2 hours to complete.

Very beautiful and one of the iconic place in Madurai. Must go, i would advise to go during morning evening time.
Wear comfortable clothes.
Carry water bottles. View from hill is very beautiful.