SrivilliputhurThe historic birthplace of Andal and the land of the GI-tagged Palkova, famous for its 192-foot temple tower.
Updated November 2026
Local businesses in Srivilliputhur
Paid placements — every card below is labelled sponsored. Advertise here →
Step Ahead — IELTS & Study Abroad Coaching
Certified trainer, small batches and honest band-score guidance — the Bharat Digital Network’s founding sponsor. Online + classroom cohorts, Mon–Sat.
Srivilliputhur in one minute
Srivilliputhur — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
Srivilliputhur is a historic town in the Virudhunagar district, legendary as the birthplace of the poet-saint Andal and Periyalvar. The architectural centerpiece is the Vatapatrasayi Temple, whose eleven-tiered Rajagopuram stands 192 feet tall and serves as the official emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The town sits at the foothills of the Western Ghats, surrounded by fertile agricultural lands and cotton plantations.
The cultural identity of the town is deeply tied to its Vaishnavite heritage and its world-famous dairy industry. Beyond the spiritual significance, it serves as a gateway to the Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. The local economy thrives on cotton ginning, spinning mills, and the production of Palkova, a traditional milk sweet that has earned a Geographical Indication tag for its unique preparation method using local milk and sugar.
Fast facts
| Status | Selection Grade Municipality |
| District | Virudhunagar |
| Division | Srivilliputhur |
| District population (2011) | ≈1942288—pending |
| City population (2011) | ≈75396—pending |
| Urban agglomeration | Srivilliputhur Municipality |
| Density | ≈4900 per sq km—pending |
| Languages | Tamil, English |
| Main stations | Srivilliputhur (SVPR) |
| Nearest airport | Madurai (IXM) |
| River | Gundar tributary systems |
| Sub-divisions | Srivilliputhur Revenue Division |
| District literacy | ≈80.15%—pending |
| Famous for | Andal Temple and Palkova Sweet |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
75,396 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈8,294 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Srivilliputhur
Srivilliputhur beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Andal Temple
This Dravidian masterpiece features a massive 11-tier tower and intricate woodwork. It is the spiritual heart of the town, housing the shrines of Vatapatrasayi and Andal, attracting thousands during the annual car festival.
Directions ↗Grizzled Squirrel Sanctuary
Established to protect the endangered grizzled giant squirrel, this sanctuary spans the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. It offers a dense canopy of deciduous forests and is home to elephants, leopards, and diverse birdlife.
Directions ↗Madavar Vilasur Reservoir
A scenic water body located near the forest fringes, providing essential irrigation to the surrounding paddy fields. It is a quiet spot for observing local migratory birds during the post-monsoon months.
Directions ↗Shenbaga Thoppu
A forest grove and trekking destination known for its perennial waterfalls and the ancient Shenbaga Thoppu Meenakshi Amman Temple. It serves as a popular weekend retreat for locals seeking nature and spiritual solace.
Directions ↗Thiruvannamalai Hill
A small hillock housing a temple dedicated to Lord Srinivasa. Pilgrims climb the steps for a panoramic view of the Srivilliputhur skyline and the vast agricultural plains of the Virudhunagar district.
Directions ↗Kattalagar Koil
Located deep within the mountain ranges, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The trek to the temple involves navigating forest paths and crossing small streams, offering a rugged pilgrimage experience.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Srivilliputhur
Approximate road distances from Srivilliputhur.
Cost of living in Srivilliputhur
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Srivilliputhur's economy
What actually runs Srivilliputhur.
Milk Sweets
The town is synonymous with Palkova, a slow-cooked milk reduction. Numerous small-scale units and the local cooperative society produce tons of this GI-tagged delicacy daily for export.
Palkova Units ↗Cotton Ginning
Surrounded by cotton-growing tracts, the town hosts several ginning factories and spinning mills that process raw cotton into yarn for the garment hubs of South India.
Spinning Mills ↗Paddy and Sugarcane
The fertile plains at the foot of the hills support intensive cultivation of rice and sugarcane, supported by the local reservoir systems and traditional irrigation tanks.
Farming ↗Temple Jewelry
Local artisans specialize in creating traditional jewelry and ornaments used for temple deities, maintaining a craft passed down through generations of goldsmiths.
Artisans ↗Minor Forest Produce
The proximity to the Western Ghats allows for the regulated collection of forest honey and medicinal herbs, which are traded in the local markets.
Forest Trade ↗Temple Tourism Services
The massive influx of pilgrims supports a robust service economy including lodging, religious paraphernalia shops, and transport services catering to the temple circuit.
Tourism ↗Famous food & restaurants in Srivilliputhur
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
Lala Sweet Stall
The most iconic destination for authentic Srivilliputhur Palkova. This establishment has maintained the traditional wood-fired cooking method for decades, drawing visitors from across the state.
Directions ↗Sri Venkateswara Bhavan
A popular vegetarian eatery serving traditional Tamil meals, idli, and dosa. It is a preferred stop for pilgrims visiting the Andal Temple during morning hours.
Directions ↗Srivilliputhur Milk Cooperative
The official cooperative outlet offering high-quality milk products, including fresh Palkova, ghee, and flavored milk, ensuring standardized quality and fair prices for farmers.
Directions ↗Hotel Arasan
A reliable multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant offering South Indian thalis and tiffin items, known for its quick service and proximity to the town center.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
Municipal Market
A bustling hub for fresh vegetables, local fruits like mangoes and guavas, and essential household goods serving the entire revenue division.
Directions ↗Poo Market
Located near the temple, this market specializes in fresh garlands made of jasmine and tulsi, primarily used for temple offerings and daily rituals.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Aadi Pooram
The grandest festival celebrating the birth star of Andal, featuring a massive car procession that draws lakhs of devotees.
Margazhi Utsavam
A month-long spiritual festival with early morning chants of Tiruppavai and special cultural performances at the temple.
Navaratri
Ten days of festivities with elaborate Golu displays and special alankaram for the goddess Andal in the temple complex.
Panguni Uthiram
A significant festival celebrating the celestial wedding of the deities, marked by traditional rituals and community feasts.
From the Bharat Digital Network
Everything this city needs, on the network's own hubs.
FAQ
What is Srivilliputhur famous for?
It is world-renowned for the Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, which is the state emblem of Tamil Nadu, and its GI-tagged milk sweet called Palkova.
How can I reach the Squirrel Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is about 8 km from the town center. You can hire local autos or taxis to reach the forest check-post at Shenbaga Thoppu.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Visiting during the Aadi Pooram festival offers a deep cultural experience.
Is Srivilliputhur Palkova available everywhere?
While many shops sell it, the authentic wood-fired versions are found in traditional stalls near the temple and the local milk cooperative society.