Vilachery Pottery Village

A 30-minute drive from Madurai will take you to the fantastic and quaint village of Vilachery, best known as a pottery village where almost every single one of the 200 homes belongs to pottery artisans.

Vilachery Pottery Village

You will be welcomed by the sight of scattered dolls, figurines and clay pots painted in bright dazzling colours. The clay for the art done here is locally obtained from a temple tank, and the artisans mould and paint each piece carefully and delicately, by hand.

While artisans have been living here since the 1940s, it is only in the last 3 decades that Vilachery has shot up in popularity for the unique style of art that is seen only here. The artisans here receive orders from around the world, and the festival seasons are usually the busiest times.

Initially, the village only made clay pots, but more recently, the artisans have tweaked their craft to cater to a wide variety of requirements, including mythological figures, figures from popular TV serials and movies, scenes from a traditional middle class Tamil life and more. Want a souvenir like no other to take home with you? Make sure you visit the Vilachery Pottery Village when you visit Madurai.

 

Good to Know:

Location: 16km from Sterling V Grand Madurai

Time Required: 2-3 hrs

 

Other Attractions

Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Madurai Meenakshi Temple

1 hr

Dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi – a form of Parvati – the Madurai Meenakshi Temple is the outstanding feature of the ancient temple city of Madurai.

Jallikattu

Jallikattu

1 hr

The traditional and radically different Indian alternative to the famous Spanish sport of bull fighting, Jallikattu is a sport played as a part of the celebrations during the harvest festival of Pongal.

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal

2 hrs

Built in 1635, by the King Thirumalai Nayak who had the vision of creating a masterpiece of a royal residence, it was designed for the king by an Italian architect.

Saint Mary’s Cathedral

Saint Mary’s Cathedral

2 hrs

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Madurai, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Dolours, is one of the most popular churches not only in Madurai but also in Tamil Nadu.

Kazimar Big Mosque

Kazimar Big Mosque

2 hrs

Said to be the first Islamic place of worship in Madurai city, Kazimar Big Mosque was built in 13th century by a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin who had visited the city from Yemen.

Wholesale Banana Market

Wholesale Banana Market

1 hr

Are you bananas for bananas? Then you must visit the Wholesale Banana Market in Madurai.

Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Temple

Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Temple

2 hr

One of the 6 temples of the ‘Arupadaiveedu’, dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Temple is one of the most prominent religious shrines in south India.

Meghamalai

Meghamalai

2 hrs

Looking for a gorgeous day-trip from Madurai? Look no further than Meghamalai!

Gandhi Memorial Museum

Gandhi Memorial Museum

2 hrs

Not many people know this, but the city of Madurai has played quite a role in the life of the Nation’s Father Mahatma Gandhi.

Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple

Pazhamudhircholai Murugan Temple

2 hrs

One of the six important abodes of Lord Murugan – otherwise known as the ‘Arupadaiveedu’ - the Arulmigu Solaimalai Murugan Temple is located on the Pazhamudhircholai hill, north of Madurai.

Vaigai Dam

Vaigai Dam

2 hrs

Built across the river Vaigai, the Vaigai dam is one of the premier picnic spots in the area. The Vaigai dam itself is a lifeline for the people of Madurai, Theni and Dindgul.

Chettinad Maharaja’s Palace

Chettinad Maharaja’s Palace

2hrs

Also known as the Kanadukathan Palace, this architectural wonder is a perfect example of traditional Chettinad Architecture.

Samanar Hills

Samanar Hills

2hrs

Samanar hills are a beautiful blend of nature with history. Declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, these hills are associated with Jainism and Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions depict various facets of the religion.

Athisayam Theme Park

Athisayam Theme Park

4hrs

If you’re looking for a fun day out with family or friends, head to the Athisayam Theme Park in Madurai.

The Madurai Food Experience

The Madurai Food Experience

2hrs

Food and Madurai are so synonymous that it draws foodies from around the globe. The food in Madurai has evolved over centuries.