| Location | 70kms south of Chennai |
| Also Known as | The City Of Thousand Temples |
| Prime attractions | The Ekambareswarar Temple |
| Temperature | Max 37°C to Min 20°C |
| Population | 30.38 lakh (2001 census) |
| Area | 11.6 Sq. Kms |
Kanchipuram Travel Information
Kanchipuram, 70kms south of Chennai is one of the most respected place of the Hindus. Considered sacred, the city forms an integral part of the Golden Triangle of South India consisting of Chennai and Mahabalipuram in addition. It was once the seat of learning of the great Shankaracharya, the famous Advaita philosopher. The city is counted among the seven holiest sacred cities and thought to be next to Varanasi in popularity among the devotees.
Kanchipuram was the capital of different Dynasties in succession from the Pallavas to the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. It was during the rule of the Pallavas some where between 6th and 7th century that the magnificent temples were erected. Prominent in present times for the hand-woven silk fabrics, tourists travel the city regularly from all over India and abroad.
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Major Travel Attractions of Kanchipuram
Ekambareswarar Temple: The Temple is the 1st of the 32 Tevara Stalam built in the Tondai region of Southern India, is the the major travel attraction of Kanchipuram. Considered as one of the revered temple, it is the largest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kanchipuram. It is referred to as being one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind, water, Fire, Earth and Space. The temple once dominated the historical capital of the Pallava rulers.
A portion of the main temple was built by the Pallava Kings while the rest of the temple complex was erected in the 17 th century. The temple stands proud of its towering 60 meter high Gopuram built by Krishna Deva Raja of the Vijayanagara kingdom in the year 1509. There can be found no two towers opposite each other nor are the wall of the temple parallel to each other. The temple premise has a 540 pillar hall all intricately decorated and beautifully carved. The pillared hall were built by the Vijayanagara Monarch.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary: The Bird Sanctuary that have sprung up in the vicinity of the village tank is abundant with trees surrounding its entire area. There are to be found different species of birds including the migratory ones such as sandpiper, spoonbill, swan and grey wagtail. The lovely picture of the birds can be taken in the months of October to February.
Kailashnatha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kailashnath temple is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram and one of the travel attractions of Kanchipuram. The temple reflects the simplicity of the Dravidian architecture. It was built by the Pallava King Rayasimha, it can be described as the successor of the rock temples at Mahabalipuram. The base of the temple has portrait of lions standing on their hind legs. Created in the later part of the 7th century, King Ramasimha’s son later restructured the front side of the temple. Few smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha along with Murugan can be seen.
Kamakshi Amman Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Kamakshi it is more commonly called Goddess of Love and many pilgrims travel here to worship the Goddess. The inner shrine or the sanctum sanctorum of the impressive temple can be reached by passing through a mandapam. The mandapam is a large hall intricately decorated and designed.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: Abode of Lord Vishnu, the temple was built shortly after the creation of the Kailashnatha temple. The narrow passages to the outer walls of this temple are supported by pillars are decorated with lion paintings. The intricate designs demonstrate the first phase of the architectural evolution to built the grand thousand pillared mandaps of temples in south Indian. The shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is on three different strata containing the images of Lord Vishnu in standing posture as well as sitting and reclining forms.
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Nearby Travel Attractions of Kanchipuram
Tiruttani: Regarded as one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya, the temple in Tiruttani is situated on a hilltop and has 365 steps symbolising the 365 days of the year. Visitors have be climbed the steps on their feet to reach the temple. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Subramanya had married the beautiful Valli, one of his consorts at the place. The Karthigai festival held in the month of December is celebrated with great pomp and festivity.
Shopping
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees are famous all over India and even in many parts of the world. They can be bought from the cooperative societies under the control of the government and are cheap in price. There are a lot of variety available at the private merchant outlets.
Accommodation at Kanchipuram
TM Hotel Kanchipuram offers a relaxed atmosphere to the visitors who travel to the sacred place. Centrally air-conditioned rooms with guest facility are available to the tourists with hot and cold water and satellite television. The hotel has been tastefully furnished along with clean environment and better hospitality. Other important hotel found there is the 2 star hotel Crystal inn.
How to Reach
By Air: Chennai is the nearest airport to reach Kanchipuram. There are flights available to major destinations in India and abroad from there.
By Rail: There is a railway station in Kanchipuram. Trains are available to Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore.
By Road: Kanchipuram is 75 km away from Chennai and is well connected by a network of roads. Regular bus services operate to and fro from Kanchipuram to other cities like Mysore and Bangalore and Chennai.