Kanchipuram

Also known as Kanchi, this town is sometimes called temple city because of its large number of temples. It is also referred to as Silk City because of its famous silk saris.

Sightseeing

Kailasnath Temple

5:30am-12pm; 4pm-9pm. This is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram this was built by the same Pallava king who built Mamallapuram Shore Temple. It has incredible carvings and influences of early Dravidian architecture.

Kamakshi Amman Temple

5:30am-12pm This temple is situated in about 5 acres of land and has 4 entrances.Much of the temple dates back to 14 CE when a shrine was extensively rebuilt. Kamakshi sits inside a sanctum with 4 hands. This temple has an elephant and will let you climb up on the elephant if you want a nice picture!

Kanchi Kudhil

9am-7pm This is essentially a traditionally structured house taking one back to the way Kanchi was a century ago.

Vaikunta Perumal Temple

Has beautiful pillared corridors around the sanctum. One of the most ancient temples with 3 tier Sannathi cum Gopuram.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The gopuram of this temple, is particularly impressive when viewed across the lush green fields from the road leading from Kanchi.

Kachapeshwarar Temple

Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Sri Sankara Matam.

International Library situated in Enathur, 3.5 km from kanchipuram town, this library contains a treasure of ancient manuscripts written on Palm Leaves. In front of the library is a 60 ft high statue of Adi Shankaracharya. The library is a part of the Kanchipuram Shankara University.

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Neervalur.

Ekambeshwarar Temple

Northwest of town (Look for the huge stone tower dominating the skyline!).The highest, largest and most impressive temple in town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period. Represents the earth form of the five form-element abodes of Lord Shiva. Featuring huge quantities of carved stonework, it is one of the most important Shiva temples. The inner sanctum protects a mango tree said to be 3500 years old, embodying the four Vedas and bearing fruits of four different tastes each season. Much of the 40 acres of the temple seems to be closed to visitors, but the central building is impressive enough. Also known as Ekambaranatha Temple

Festivals

Brahmothsavam and Pongal

Festivals in Kanchipuram are celebrated with much merry making and joy. There are several feasts that the people commemorate throughout the year. In January they have two main events that rejoice them with gaiety. They are Brahmothsavam and Pongal. During the occasion of Pongal, there is a custom of a delectable banquet accompanied with prayers and marches

Maha Shivaratri

As the place is crammed with lots of religious spots and temples, Maha Shivaratri is one of the biggest celebration they use to have. The event happens during the months of February or March

Garudothsavam and Chariot

These events are celebrated in the month of April and May in this sacred city

Saris

Kanchipuram is famous for its saris. There are 3 qualities saris: cotton (cheapest), polyester (normal) and silk (expensive). Buying a silk sari in Kanchipuram is part of the procedure for marriage by the groom in most parts Tamil Nadu. The sari selection is quite a big deal...expect to be offered coffee or tea. If you are a foreigner you will need instructions on how to wear a sari (got from the web).

Travel Information

By Air

Chennai International airport is close Kanchipuram at the distance of 75 km

By Rail

Kanchipuram has very limited rail connectivity

By Bus

Direct buses are not possible from most places. Eg from Chennai one should get a bus to Tambaram, thereafter to Kanchi

Weather

Summer: April to July average maximum 37 °C; Winter: Average Minimum 20 °C December to February. Rain August to December