Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai is one of the most beautiful palaces. It is being restored and it can only look better once it is complete. I only hope the Thanjavur Palace gets the same attention.
We just returned from a 4 day trip of Tamil Nadu in India. We went to Madurai, Karaikudi, Thanjavur, Kumbakkonam and Trichy.
Day 1: Madurai photos are at - http://www.pbase.com/yardbird/india_tamilnadu_madurai