Kanchipuram is a beautiful city in the state of Tamilnadu. This city is also called the city of thousand temples because of the vast array of temples in Kanchipuram. It is considered as one of the seven holy cities in the country.
Kanchipuram is home to some of the most magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty which are extravagantly crafted thus making this city an important pilgrimage site in India. Today Kancheepuram is left only with 126 temples and most of them are in Kanchi and a few more on the outskirts. Kanchipuram today owns 108 temples dedicated to Shiva and 18 to lord Vishnu.
Kanchipuram had served as royal capital of the Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar dynasties. Many of the temples situated in the city are the contributions of the Pallavas and Cholas.
Kanchipuram has been an important centre for Tamil learning and culture. It is also important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Jains and Shaivite as well as Vaishnavite Hindus. Besides scores of temples, Kanchipuram also has many mosques, churches and Adi Shankara Mutt. Adi Sankara established his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam) in Kanchipuram.
Kancheepuram is also known as Silk City. Kanchipuram today is well known for its finest silk sarees and thriving handloom industry. Weavers of Kanchi who have settled in the temple town more than 400 years ago produce the beautifully crafted best silk sarees in the world . These sarees woven from pure mulberry silk are considered to be the best in quality, luster and durability.
Kanchipuram is a town rich in culture and heritage and has to offer something or the other for people from all walks of life be it historians, pilgrims or shoppers. Today Kanchipuram has gained great importance as a tourist destination and a pilgrimage centre. The best time to visit Kanchipuram is from September to February.
Top Tourist Places in Kanchipuram
There are many places of tourists’ attractions in Kanchipuram.
Kailasanathar Temple
This is one of most remarkable temples that are found in the Kanchipuram area. Considered to be one of the oldest temples it was built in the 7th century by the Pallava king Raja Rajasimha. This temple has a 16-sided Shiva lingam that is made out of black granite at the main shrine. The temple is famous for exquisite carvings and has a beautiful panel of sculptures which depict a dance competition between Lord Shiva and Parvati.
Sri Ekambareswarar Temple
Sri Ekambareswar Temple is considered as one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and he is worshipped here in the form of Prithvi Lingam. The main attraction here is the tall south Gopuram, which stands 58.5 m tall. There is an intricately carved one thousand pillared hall within the temple. A 3,500 years old mango tree is located in the courtyard and tradition has it that the fruit from four different limbs of the tree tastes different.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
The Varadaraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and presiding deity is Varadaraja Swamy. Vijaynagar kings built this temple. The 100 pillar hall which was sculpted out of single rock and the ornamental rings in the four corners carved out of a single stone depict the great workmanship of the sculptors. The sculptures of the Sun and the Moon can be found here beside sculptures of a pair of golden & silver lizards which is present at the exit point from the core of the temple.
Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvathi who is worshiped here in the form of Kamakshi or the goddess of Love. It is known as one of the three holy places of Shakti worship. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Adi Sankaracharya. The car festival held here February-March on the 9th Lunar Day is very famous.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
This Vaishnavite temple dedicated to lord Vishnu was built by the Pallava king Nandivarma II. Here Lord Vishnu's image can be seen in standing, sitting and reclining forms. The temple also has a 1000-pillared hall. The walls of the temple have battle scenes depicting the Pallava Valour. Its inner walls are decorated with lion shaped pillars.
Sri Subramanya Swami Temple
This temple is of great significance to Hindus due to its location. The temple is in "Soma Skandha" posture where Lord Shiva seated with the Goddess Shakti to his left, with his son, Lord Subramanya seated between them. In Kanchipuram this temple is located right in between Sri Ekambaranathar and Kamakshi Amman temple dedicated to lord Shiva and goddess Parvathi respectively.
Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple
It is believed that lord Rama performed the last rites of the giant bird Jatayu which sacrificed its life trying to stop Ravana from abducting Sita. The main deities here are Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal and Maragathavalli.
Jain Temples
There are two temples of Jain tirthankaras located at Tirupparuthikkundram. These temples remain mostly inaccessible to the public. The temples contain several fresco paintings and a grand image of Bhagwan Mahaveer.
Kanchi Mutt
The Kanchi Mutt is one of peetams established by Adi Sankara. This is located at Enathur which is 5 kms from Kanchi. There is wealthy collection of old books in this place.
Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary
It is one of the major Water Bird Sanctuaries in India. These sanctuaries are full of Babool and Barringtonia trees. One can find wide varieties of birds like Storks, Egrets, Cormorants, Darter, Flamingos, Pelicans, moor hens, herons, kingfishers, sandpipers, white ibis, spoonbills, swans and grey wagtails. The period between October-February is the best time to visit Vedanthangal.
There are many other places worth visiting like Kanchi Kudhil , Kalpakkam, Rajiv Gandhi Memorial, Muttukkadu, Anna memorial, crocodile bank etc.
How To Reach Kanchipuram
The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport which is around 75 km away. All major flight operators have their flights operating here to all major cities of India and some important cities abroad. Kanchipuram has its own railhead and trains come here from important cities like Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore. Kanchipuram is 75 kms away from Chennai and is well connected by a good network of roads. There are frequent bus services from Kanchi to Chennai, Bangalore and other places.
Accommodation
Kanchipuram has limited accommodation options. There are a few decent budget hotels in the town. Most of the lodges are situated near the city bus stand.