Madurai Experience: Madurai is a very nice city and the places near by are also equally good like Kodai Kanal and Rameshwaram. If you visit to rameshwaram do not miss Dahnushkoti. Its a palce to enjoy silence of sea with god Ram's memories.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Food is superb We enjoyed the food more than the place. Shopping of course is bit difficult. Peoples are very nice specially Travel Agents and Guide insite the temple.
Activities & things to do: One day Sata at Madurai, Next day go to Rameshwaram and one day for Kodaikanal.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: Its of your choice. Place is well conected with Chennai and any other part of India. But for all these near by places book a taxi.
For Dhanush koti you will have to share with local vechiles only.