Kanchipuram – The City of Thousand Temples | Top Tourist Attractions

Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi, is a historic temple town in Tamil Nadu and one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred pilgrimage sites) in Hinduism. Famous for its ancient temples, spiritual significance, and world-renowned silk sarees, Kanchipuram is a must-visit destination for history lovers, devotees, and cultural explorers.

As the capital of the Pallava dynasty, Kanchipuram is home to some of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture, with intricately carved temples, majestic gopurams, and sacred water tanks.

Why Visit Kanchipuram?

• Temple City of India – Houses over 1,000 ancient temples.
• Spiritual & Historical Significance – One of the oldest cities in South India.
• Dravidian Architecture – Magnificent sculptures and temple carvings.
• Kanchipuram Silk Sarees – Known for its handwoven silk sarees.
• Cultural & Heritage Destination – A blend of history, devotion, and tradition.

Best Time to Visit Kanchipuram

• November to February – Best time with cool weather for temple visits.
• June to September – Monsoon adds scenic beauty to the surroundings.
• March to May – Summer months can be hot, but early morning temple visits are ideal.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kanchipuram

1. Ekambareswarar Temple

• One of the largest temples in South India, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Features a 3,500-year-old mango tree that still bears four different varieties of mangoes.

2. Kailasanathar Temple

• The oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built by the Pallavas.
• A masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, known for its intricate stone carvings.

3. Kamakshi Amman Temple

• A famous Shakti Peetha, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi.
• One of the most important temples for Goddess Parvati worship.

4. Varadharaja Perumal Temple

• A Vishnu temple known for its massive 100-pillar hall and exquisite sculptures.
• Home to the wooden idol of Lord Vishnu, which is revealed once every 40 years.

5. Ulagalandha Perumal Temple

• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar.
• Features a gigantic idol of Lord Vishnu measuring 35 feet in height.

6. Kanchi Kudil – Heritage House

• A traditional Tamil heritage home, showcasing ancient lifestyle and traditions.
• Perfect for understanding the history and culture of Kanchipuram.

7. Chitragupta Temple

• One of the few temples dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant of Lord Yama (God of Death).
• Unique for its astrological significance.

8. Jain Temples in Kanchipuram

• Features ancient temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, showcasing Pallava-era Jain influence.

9. Kanchipuram Silk Weaving Centers

• Experience the art of silk saree weaving, a tradition dating back over 400 years.
• Buy authentic handwoven Kanchipuram silk sarees.

10. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (40 km)

• A beautiful bird sanctuary home to migratory birds like pelicans, storks, and herons.
• Ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

How to Reach Kanchipuram?

• By Air: Nearest airport – Chennai International Airport (72 km).
• By Train: Well-connected by rail, Kanchipuram Railway Station has trains from major cities.
• By Road: Accessible via buses and taxis from Chennai, Vellore, and Bangalore.