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The unassuming city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is popular world over for the grand Kanchipuram silk sarees made here. Every South Indian bride's family makes a trip to the city to shop for the occasion. But Kanchipuram has a lot more to offer than just silk sarees, the place is among the key temple hotspots in the country. These temples constructed during varying periods, showcase exquisite architecture that is signature Dravidian style.
The temples and the culture of the city, attract devotees as well as travellers who seek to step into the past grandeur of Tamil Nadu. Visit Kanchipuram to seek the gods' blessings or to admire the beauty of the locales or to be simply reborn in this place of tranquility. Explore our Kanchipuram travel guide to know the places and key tourist attractions you must visit.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Kanchipuram is famous for two things; the beautiful temples and the lovely Kanchipuram silk sarees. Among the temples to visit in Kanchipuram is the famous temple of Vardharaja Perumal. Dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple is among the 108 Divya Desams. The temple located in a large complex has classic Dravidian temple architecture and prominent symbols such as the Yali depicted on most pillars. The Rajagopuram is 130 ft tall. The temple is home to 32 shrines and among the most popular features are the Hall of 100 Pillars depicting scenes from the epics Mahabaratha and Ramayan.
Photo Courtesy: Rathishkrishnan
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Among the places to visit in Kanchipuram is the oldest temple structure of Kanchi Kailasanathar. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and was built during the Pallava reign using sandstone. An interesting feature of the temple is the granite foundation built to support the sandstone structures. The main shrine is that of an 18-sided Shivalinga made from black granite. There are beautiful sculptures across the temple, and you can see more of the half-animal creatures that are popular in Dravidian temple architecture.
Photo Courtesy: Keshav Mukund Kandhadai
Kamakshi Amman Temple
The beautiful temple of Kamakshi Amman is another must-visit place in Kanchipuram. Built in the worship of the Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, the temple is considered to be built during the Pallava dynasty. The most breathtaking feature of the temple is the main shrine of Goddess Kamakshi, who is seated gracefully in the yogic posture of Padmasana. The deity with her four arms is beautifully sculpted, creating a sense of awe among the devotees. The temple hosts many festivals throughout the year.
Photo Courtesy: Will De Freitas
Ekambareswarar Temple
A popular temple in Kanchipuram is the one dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god Shiva or the Ekambareswarar. It is the city's largest temple and boasts of a Rajagopuram that is nearly 194 ft tall. The temple representing earth is among the Pancha Bootha Sthalams, which represent the different elements of nature. A noteworthy feature of the temple is its Aayiram Kaal Mandapam or the hall of 1000 pillars. Another fascinating element in the temple complex is the supposedly 3,500 year old temple mango tree or Sthala-Virutcham.
Photo Courtesy: Ssriram mt
Kanchi Kudil
Kanchipuram is a city of immense cultural and historical importance. In order to help tourists understand the place and its people better, the Kanchi Kudil or Kanchi Home has been re-created in an existing house that is more than 90 years old. Enjoy the cultural activities that are conducted here as well as the delicious and authentic food that is served. The Kanchi Kudil has become a popular tourist attraction in Kanchipuram.
Photo Courtesy: Destination8infinity
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
A popular sightseeing place in Kanchipuram is the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. Situated 48 km from the city, this nature hotspot is popular in the country for the large variety of bird-life found here. Among the oldest sanctuaries in India, it is spread across an area of 74 acres. A bird watcher's haven, make sure you visit the place with your camera in hand.
Photo Courtesy: Shravantamaskar
Kachapeshwarar Temple
This small temple in Kanchipuram can be found on the way to the Ekambareswarar temple and is a hidden gem that is worth exploring. The temple belies its small size with its beautiful water tank and trees growing around. The temple is popular for its calm environment without too many tourists.
Photo Courtesy: Giles Clark
Silk Tourism
A trip to Kanchipuram is incomplete without exploring the silk tourism in the city. People from across the world travel to Kanchipuram to admire and purchase the famous Kanchipuram Silk sarees. If you are interested in more than shopping, then make sure you head to the city in the month of October when the Silk Tourism Festival is held every year.
Photo Courtesy: Kamal Venkit
Food and Shopping
Kanchipuram offers travellers excellent South Indian delicacies ranging from the simple iddli to the ever-popular masala dosa and the elaborate meals. Ensure you also get a taste of the popular 'kovil iddlis' that only few restaurants serve.
A shopping trip to Kanchipuram usually means just one thing, Kanchipuram silk sarees! Head to Gandhi Road for a variety of stores selling pure silk sarees in a dazzling range of colours and patterns. You can also buy various handicrafts, god figurines and other items in the city.
Photo Courtesy: McKay Savage
How to Reach Kanchipuram
By Road: If you are driving down from Chennai, you can take the NH-4 and the city is located as a comfortable distance of 72 km. The city is well-connected by roads and both state as well as private buses are available from major destinations to the city.
By Rail: The Kanchipuram Railway Station has regular and direct trains connecting to Chennai, Tirupati, Nagarcoil, Chengalpattu, Bangalore, etc.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Chennai International airport located 75 km from Kanchipuram. Regular flights are available from here to all major domestic and international destinations.
Photo Courtesy: Simply CVR
