Kanchipuram Tourism (2024) - Tamil Nadu > Top Places, Travel Guide

Kanchipuram Travel Essentials

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"Golden City of a Thousand Temples"

Kanchipuram Tourism

Widely known for its beautiful 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of a thousand temples', Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist attraction. Kanchipuram or Kanchi attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur.

It is particularly known for being a culture and philosophical hub. With such an association being made with the city, it is only natural that this destination has become such an influential centre in these avant-garde times. The city is home to the famous Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, which is the highly revered abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) - consort of Lord Shiva. The Kailasanathar Temple is also popular and is known for its magnificent architecture. The highest, largest and most impressive temple in the town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period is the Ekambeshwarar Temple. The Kanchi Mutt holds kutcheris or South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings.

Kamakshi Amman Temple

Varadharaja Perumal Temple

Devarajaswami Temple

Kailasanathar Temple

Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam

Kanchi Kudhil

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Kanchipuram Travel Packages

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9 Days / 8 Nights

Culture of Tamil Nadu Including Thanjavur Tour ...

Chennai(1N) → Kanchipuram(1N) → Mahabalipuram(1N) → Pondicherry(1N) → Kumbakonam(1N) → Thanjavur(1N) → Trichy(1N) → Madurai(1N)

$385/person

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History of Kanchipuram

The ancient town of Kanchipuram has been called 'The Benares of the South, by the famous poet Kalidasa. The city has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BCE and was believed to have been a part of the Dravida Kingdom of the Mahabharata. Kanchipuram has been ruled by many great and powerful dynasties. As a part of the Pallavas kingdom, they contributed immensely to the development and architecture of the city, building roads and many famous temples including the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple and the Varadharaja Perumal Temple. This was followed by the Chola reign in about 890, and the city was served as the capital of their kingdom. The Vijayanagaras defeated the Cholas in around 1361, and following their long reign which ended in the 1600s, the city witnessed a long period of turmoil. Many forces -like the Golcondas, the Bijapur, and the Marathas briefly captured the city before it went under the Mughal Empire under Aurungzeb. Kanchipuram has also served as a strategic battleground for the British East India company’s Carnatic Wars against the French, and also the Anglo Mysore wars of the 18th century.

Silk Sarees

Once believed to have been woven for the Gods themselves, the beautiful Kanchipuram silk sarees are extremely popular all across the country. Woven with pure mulberry silk, the zari for the saris comes from Gujarat and more than one weaver is required to work on the sari at a time to create its exquisite designs. The saris are available in many gorgeous colours, and the heavier ones with gold threads are generally worn for festive occasions. The pallus and borders are generally intricately patterned with images found in South Indian temples, and also paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and scenes from the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Culture of Kanchipuram

The city’s culture includes a mix of different religions like Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Muslim. Buddhism is believed to have laid its roots as early as back as the 1st century in the city, as was Jainism. In the Hindu religion, Kanchipuram is regarded as one of the seven holiest cities in India and is a pilgrim site for both Saivites and Vaishnavites. There are numerous beautiful temples dedicated to the Lords Shiva, Muruga and Vishnu in Kanchipuram. It is also home to the famous Hindu monasteries - the Kanchi Matha and the Upanishad Brahmai Mutt. As Kanchipuram was under the Mughals and the Nawabs of South India for a considerable period, the city also has a significant Muslim influence and has two mosques.

Etymology of Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram has also been known as Kanchi, Kanchipura or Kanchipuraka during the ancient times of the Maurya and the Pallava dynasties. According the legend, the name Kanchipuram is derived from the words Ka and Anchi. Ka refers to the Hindu God Brahma and Anchi refers to his worship of God Vishnu. During the British period, the town was known as Conjeevaram.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is where the typical South-Indian food gets all the more interesting and delicious, with the cities own take on the classics to make the state's platter richer and delicious. While here, you cannot miss the popular South-Indian platter with its delicacies like Rasam, Sweet Pongal, Payassam, Sambhar, Idli, Vada, Dosa. Other than these, do try the 'fourteen Idli', a dish with 14 idlis and sambhar as well as a local favorite called Kovil Idlis with dry garnishing of pepper, ginger and cumin.
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Suggested Itinerary for Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram can be covered within a day, except during the time of temple festivals when you may need to stay overnight. Reach Kanchipuram by morning. Sample the famous Kanchipuram idly for breakfast. Visit the Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple and the Kailasanathar Temple. Visit the Kumarakottam Temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. After lunch, visit the Varadaraja Perumal Temple in the afternoon. Later, check out the exclusive silk saree outlets to admire and purchase authentic silk sarees. The temples are highly crowded during weekends, so it is advisable to visit during the weekdays.

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How to Reach Kanchipuram

How to Reach Overview

Kanchipuram has a railway station and is well served by trains. The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu at regular intervals. Chennai-Bangalore expressway can be reached in about an hour and a half from the outskirts of Chennai, or four and a half hours from Bangalore. If you are traveling by car from Tirupati, it will take approximately three to four hours.

How to reach Kanchipuram by flight

The nearest airport is the Chennai airport. From there, you can reach Kanchipuram by car or bus.

How to reach Kanchipuram by road

Kanchipuram is easily accessible by road from many major south Indian cities. Bus services are also available.

How to reach Kanchipuram by train

Kanchipuram is well connected to most major south Indian cities by train. There are connecting trains available from Chennai as well.

Local transport in Kanchipuram

Three wheeler auto-rickshaws are available. There are a number of taxis that hang out just north of the bus station, east of the roundabout. If you are travelling in a large group, it is advisable to negotiate a driver for a day instead of dealing with auto rickshaws.

Most frequently searched routes to Kanchipuram

Route Name	Distance	Time	More Information
Chennai to Kanchipuram	73.9 km	1 hour 51 mins	View Details
Bangalore to Kanchipuram	279 km	4 hours 25 mins	View Details
Hyderabad to Kanchipuram	644 km	11 hours 28 mins	View Details
Ernakulam to Kanchipuram	635 km	10 hours 9 mins	View Details
Pune to Kanchipuram	1,122 km	15 hours 57 mins	View Details
Mumbai to Kanchipuram	1,265 km	17 hours 57 mins	View Details

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Kanchipuram Photos

Ekambareswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kanchipuram, India.

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FAQs on Kanchipuram

What is the local food in Kanchipuram?

What are the places near Kanchipuram?

The top places near to Kanchipuram are Pondicherry which is 103 km from Kanchipuram, Chennai which is located 64 km from Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram which is located 57 km from Kanchipuram, Vedanthangal which is located 37 km from Kanchipuram, Chittoor which is located 78 km from Kanchipuram

What are the things to do in Kanchipuram?

The top things to do in Kanchipuram are Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Kanchi Kudhil. You can see all the places to visit in Kanchipuram here

What is the best way to reach Kanchipuram?

What is the best time to visit Kanchipuram?

The festivals that are celebrated with much show and gaiety are Brahmothsavam (January), Garudothsavam (April) and the Chariot festival (May). Pongal during the January is an important festival which is celebrated with pomp and delicious feast and religious prayers and processions. Maha Shivaratri during February-March is another religious festival celebrated in Kanchipuram with devotion and enthusiasm. For sightseeing, Best season to visit Kanchipuram is October to March as the temperatures do not touch extremes and you can roam around freely.
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Who should visit Kanchipuram?

People who wish to go on a pilgrimage should visit Kanchipuram. Also perfect for those interested in mythology and architecture.

What is not so good about Kanchipuram?

Hot and slightly congested. Roads are not in a very good condition.

What is famous about Kanchipuram?

Lots of beautiful and ancient temples. Cheap and delicious food.

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Kanchipuram Reviews

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Kumar Kislay

6 years ago

- Kanchipuram's sidewalks are not ideal for walking! Many shops keep their merchandise on their sidewalks for free space, and cars and motorcycles park on the sidewalks as well. You'll often be pushe (Read More)d on to the road itself, where you'll have to negotiate with traffic.

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Kanchipuram

Top Hotel Collections

Kanchipuram Travel Essentials

"Golden City of a Thousand Temples"

Kanchipuram Tourism

Places To Visit In Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram Travel Packages

Culture of Tamil Nadu Including Thanjavur Tour ...

Top Hotels In Kanchipuram

More on Kanchipuram Travel

History of Kanchipuram

Silk Sarees

Culture of Kanchipuram

Etymology of Kanchipuram

Restaurants and Local Food in Kanchipuram

Suggested Itinerary for Kanchipuram

Best Time to Visit Kanchipuram

Top Stories about Kanchipuram Tourism

Nearby Places

How to Reach Kanchipuram

How to Reach Overview

How to reach Kanchipuram by flight

How to reach Kanchipuram by road

How to reach Kanchipuram by train

Local transport in Kanchipuram

Most frequently searched routes to Kanchipuram

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Kanchipuram Photos

FAQs on Kanchipuram

What is the local food in Kanchipuram?

What are the places near Kanchipuram?

What are the things to do in Kanchipuram?

What is the best way to reach Kanchipuram?

What is the best time to visit Kanchipuram?

Who should visit Kanchipuram?

What is not so good about Kanchipuram?

What is famous about Kanchipuram?

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Kanchipuram Reviews

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