Srivilliputhur sits at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Virudhunagar district, about 77 km south-west of Madurai. Its identity rests on the Andal temple, a Vishnu shrine and one of the 108 Divya Desams, whose 192-foot gateway tower is the official emblem of the Tamil Nadu government.
The town is the traditional birthplace of Andal, the only woman among the twelve Alvar poet-saints, and of her foster father Periyalvar. Her verses are recited each year in the month of Margazhi, and her birthday in July-August is the temple's biggest festival.
Beyond the main temple the town offers quieter experiences: the large Madavar Vilagam Vaidyanathar Shiva temple a kilometre south, the Kattalagar hill temple, and the Sathuragiri pilgrimage trek. Behind the town the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary protects a large stretch of Western Ghats forest, and it is now part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve.
Srivilliputhur is also known for palkova, a thick milk sweet registered with a Geographical Indication. It suits unhurried travellers who want temple culture and a taste of the hills without big-city crowds, and it makes an easy base from Madurai.
Before you plan
Srivilliputhur at a glance
- Best months
- November to February for comfortNovember to February for comfort; the northeast monsoon from October to December brings most of the town's rain, while April to May is hot.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 to 2 days1 to 2 days; add more if you plan treks into the hills
- Airport
- Madurai International AirportMadurai International Airport, about 74 km away
- Railway station
- Srivilliputtur station is on the…Srivilliputtur station is on the Madurai-Tenkasi-Sengottai line; Virudhunagar is another railhead
- Getting around
- The Andal temple is in the middle of…The Andal temple is in the middle of town and walkable; hire a car or auto for the Vaidyanathar temple, the sanctuary and the hill temples
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per person…Roughly ₹1,500 to ₹3,500 per person per day including a modest hotel and a car share; varies widely
- Senior comfort
- The town temples are level but stone…The town temples are level but stone floors are hot; the hill temples and the sanctuary involve long walks and steps and are best skipped by older visitors.
- Language
- TamilTamil; limited English outside hotels
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Srivilliputhur: January, February, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Srivilliputhur itinerary
One good day
1 day in Srivilliputhur
Start at the Andal temple early, spending about two hours among its shrines and corridors. Walk or drive to the Madavar Vilagam Vaidyanathar temple, about a kilometre south. Have lunch in town and buy palkova from shops near the temple before you leave.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Srivilliputhur
The Andal temple and Vaidyanathar temple.
Day-by-day plan →
