Kanchipuram, also known as the Golden City of Temples, is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the entire world. It is the crowning jewel of Tamil Nadu that offers the perfect respite to the spiritual souls with its beautiful temples that are known for their architectural splendor. It is known to be the second holiest city after Varanasi, and thousands of visitors flock into this city to seek solace and spiritual bliss. It has been an important center for Tamil learning and exhibits the glorious Dravidian heritage.
You can also find the remains of Buddhist stupas over here that indicate that Buddhism prevailed over here for a long time. This city is a unique amalgamation of culture, history, and traditions and woos the visitors with its unmatched charm.
There are many places to visit in Kanchipuram that create an impression to last forever on your senses. From bird sanctuary to scenic gardens and cascading lakes, Kanchipuram takes you closer to nature with its fresh burst of air, and soothing environment. This city is extremely renowned for its beautiful Kanchipuram Sarees that are woven from the thread of pure mulberry silk.
If you’re looking for some of the best accommodation options, then there are numerous luxurious hotels in Kanchipuram that offer you a royal stay. You can even explore the palatable local delights served by quirky cafes and swanky restaurants over here. If you’re a shopaholic, then there are both high end as well as local stores in Kanchipuram from where you can buy everything under the sun at great prices.
You can also witness festivals and fares all around the year in Kanchipuram, making it a gateway to happiness and delight. Steeped in tradition and drenched in spirituality, Kanchipuram is a city that offers a wealth of experiences to enrich the soul of the visitors.
People Also Ask About Kanchipuram
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What are the best places to visit in Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram is the celebration of spirituality, and there are many sites over here that offer countless memories to the travelers.
Muttukadu: This is an entertainment hub for the tourists who wish to spend some time in the lap of nature. It has a water sports zone where you can enjoy water surfing and boating. It’s enticing green backdrop and glittering blue sky make it seem like a wonderland of nature. It also has a food court where you can try the local as well as the international dishes. In February, the Annual Windsurfing Regatta is organized over here.
Kamakshi Amman Temple: This is one of the few temples in India where Shakti is worshipped, and a large number of devotees visit this temple every year to seek spiritual bliss. The main tower of this temple grabs the attention of the visitors as it is gold plated, and the chariots of the temple are also made of gold. This temple was built in the 7th century sprawls in an area of around five hectares. It houses a beautiful gallery, and the sculptures of the temple are extremely awe-inspiring.
Kailasanathar Temple: This is another renowned temple in Kanchipuram that was built in the 8th century AD and is touted to be one of the oldest structures in the city. Rajasimha Pallava built this temple, and it entices visitors with its architectural splendor. The temple has stone carvings and intricate and dedicated designs that allure the travellers to visit this temple. This temple is dedicated entirely to Lord Shiva, and Maha Shivratri is celebrated here with complete vigor and cheer.
Chitragupta Temple: This temple is dedicated to Chitragupta, who is a Hindu God who punishes or rewards the people according to their karmas. It is one of the rarest temples in India dedicated to Chitragupta, and it exhibits a traditional style of architecture. This temple was built by the Chola Dynasty in the 9th century, and you can witness here the idol of Chitragupta in a sitting position with a pen in his hand and few documents in his left hand. It has a three-tiered Rajagopuram, and intricate paintings have been made on its walls.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is an absolute paradise for bird lovers as it offers a delightful view of birds all across the world. It is also the favorite destination for the photographers and is considered to be one of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India. It is spread across a sprawling seventy-four acres of land, and you can also witness over here the migratory birds in Summers.
Kanchi Kudil: This is a ninety-year-old hut house in Kanchipuram that represents the simple lifestyle of the people of the city, and its architecture recites the tales of the bygone era. It was earlier an ancestral house, but now it has been transformed into a heritage inn. Some of the most interesting cultural programs are organized here in the evening to entertain the visitors. -
What is famous about Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram is known to be the land of temples. It has more than a thousand temples with beautiful architecture and divine allure. The city houses around one hundred eight Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This city is also known for the production of Kanchipuram sarees that are woven from the thread of pure mulberry silk. Most of the workforce of the city is involved in the weaving industry.
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How can I go to Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram is located at a distance of 280 kilometers from Bangalore and 69 kilometers from Chennai. It is well connected by air as well as railway to all the major cities in India.
By Air: Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to Kanchipuram. You can book a car or taxi outside the airport and it will drop you at Kanchipuram in around one hour and twenty-one minutes.
By Train: Kanchipuram has its railway station, and it is well-linked to all the major cities of India, including Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi.
By Road: You can avail of regular bus services from the central cities of the state to Kanchipuram from Tirupati (128km), Tiruchchirappalli (290km), and Tirupati(127km).
You can drive from Tirupati and reach Kanchipuram in three to four hours. -
How Kanchipuram got its name?
Kanchipuram was earlier known as Kachipedu or Kanchi, but it was later Sanskritized to Kanchipuram. The name Kanchi has been derived from Ka that refers to Hindu God Brahma, and anchi refers to his worship of Lord Vishnu over here.
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What is the history of Kanchipuram?
Kanchipuram is considered to be one of the oldest cities of Southern India; it traces its history to the second century. It was a Chola capital earlier, and from the third to the ninth century, it was the capital of Pallavas. It served as the headquarters of the Chola government from the tenth to the thirteenth century.
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How old is Kanchi Kamakshi temple?
Kanchi Kamakshi temple is around sixteen hundred years old, dating back to the era when the Pallava Dynasty ruled over this region.
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Who built Kanchipuram Kamakshi temple?
The Pallava Kings built Kanchipuram Kamakshi temple in the 14th century.
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What is the best time to visit Kanchipuram?
March-May and Mid September to October is considered to be the best time to visit Kanchipuram as the weather remains quite pleasant during this time of the year. You should avoid visiting this place between June to September(Monsoon) as this region receives heavy rainfall during this time.
Kanchipuram Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Kanchipuram
Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the best places to visit in Kanchipuram and is one of the most historic temples in the city. Visited by millions of pilgrims from all over the globe, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari (a form of Goddess Parvati). Spread over an area of 2 hectares Kamakshi Amman temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style. According to the Hindu legend, the Kamakshi Amman temple lies in line with the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and Visalakshi temple in Varanasi making it an important temple in the Hindu religion. Location: New No. 6, Old No. 144/A, Kamakshi Amman, Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502Price: There is no entry fee to visit the temple. Timings: Monday to Sunday from 5.30 AM to 12.15 PM & 4 PM to 8.15 PM. On Friday till 9 PM and on the day of Pournami 10.30 PM. Best time to visit: From Aarti to Puja, all the activities around the temple happen on a daily basis. Although the best time to visit the temple would be in mid-February or mid-March as the annual festival of the temple takes place during this period.
One of the finest places to see in Kanchipuram, Varadharaja Perumal Temple or popularly known as Attiyuran or Hastagiri is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located in the suburb of Vishnu Kanchi, which is home to many Vishnu temples. It is and is one of the 108 temples which were visited by the Alwars of Lord Vishnu. Varadharaja Perumal Temple is surrounded by old pillars which are made out of stone. Varadharaja Perumal Temple has been in existence from the times of the dynasties like Chola, Pandya, Cheras, Kakatiya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara and it is believed to be built in 1053 by the Chola dynasty. Location: Nethaji Nagar, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501Price: There is no entry fee to visit the temple. Timings: Monday to Sunday from 6 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 8 PMBest time to visit: The best time to visit the temple would be early in the morning or in late evenings as the routine ritual is performed during these hours of the day.""
Ekambareswarar Temple is associated with the Pancha Bhoota Stalam of the Hindu Mythology and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is deeply associated with the land or Prithvi (earth) of Kanchipuram.Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the biggest temples in India and is one of the best places to see in Kanchipuram. The architecture of this temple dates back to the Vijayanagara period. This Temple is spread over an area of 25 acres and is home to more than 20 halls with more than 1000 pillars in them. Location: Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502Price: There is no fee to visit the temple.Timings: Everyday 5.30 AM to 10 PMBest time to visit: The best time to visit Ekambareshwar Temple is in March and April as the annual Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated.
Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram is the second oldest temple in the city and is one of the best places to visit in Kanchipuram. It is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture and was built during the reign of the Pallava King Narasimhavaraman II. The walls of the temple are decorated with sculptors of Narsimha and other kings. The temple is more than 1000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Location: Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502Price: There is no entry fee in the templeTimings: Monday to Sunday from 7 AM to 8 PMBest time to visit: The best time to visit the temple is in May or June as the temple organises the annual Vaikunta Ekadashi festival. Also, one can visit the temple during the special aarti time i.e. at 7.30 AM, 8 AM, 12 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM and 7.30 PM.
Kailasanathar Temple or Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is the oldest temple in the city. The meaning of the name of the temple is Lord of the Cosmic Mountain. The temple was built during the reign of Rajasimha from the years 685 to 705.The temple is one of the top places to visit in Kanchipuram and a very popular temple as it is entirely made out of sandstone and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are around 58 small shrines of Lord Shiva around the temple.The architectural style of this temple is in the Tamil style and is one of the beautiful temples in the state.Location: Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501Price: There is no price or entry fee to the temple.Timings: Monday to Friday from 5.30 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM. Best time to visit: Maha Shivratri is the best time to visit the Kailasanathar Temple.
The Pandava Thoothar Perumal temple has its legend from the stories of Mahabharata and the walls of the temple have historic inscriptions from the Chola kingdom. There are two small water bodies around the temple which are considered holy places and it is considered to be one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Tamilnadu. Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple was built during the reign of the Pallavas in the 8th century. It is one of the oldest temples in the city and is a popular temple in Kanchipuram and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divyadesam of Lord Vishnu. Location: Pandavaperumal Koil St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502Price: There is no price to visit the temple. Timings: Monday to Sunday from 7 AM to 11 AM and 4 PM to 7.30 PMBest time to visit: The best time to visit the temple is in August and September as the temple hosts the annual Krishna Janmashtami festival which is attended by thousands of devotees.
Kumarakottam Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples and top places to see in Kanchipuram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is the Hindu God of War. The temple was built in the year 1915 and is one of the most important temples in the city. The main deity of the temple, Lord Murugan is depicted holding a water pot or kamandalu and the prayers beads of Rudraksha making the temple deity a very popular in the city. Location: Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502Price: There is no entry fee or any price to visit the temple.Timings: Monday to Sunday from 6 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM. Best time to visit : The best time to visit the temple is during November as the annual festival of Kandha Shashti is celebrated.
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple was built and reconstructed during the times of the Chola kingdom, the Vijayanagar kingdom and the Madura Nayak kingdom. The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in Tamilnadu. A historic temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is one of the top places to visit in Kanchipuram. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to the locals, the legend goes like Lord Vishnu descended to the place as Vamana to help Lord Indra get his power back from Mahabali.Location: Kamakshi Amman Sannidhi Street, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502Price: There is no price to visit the temple. Timings: Monday to Sunday from 6 AM to 6.30 PMBest time to visit: The best time to visit the temple is January or February and August to September when the annual festivals of Brahmotsavam and Vamana Jayanthi respectively.
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