Considered as one of the holiest cities in the country, Kanchipuram attracts a lot of pilgrims from all over the world. It is a major tourist place in Tamil Nadu. It is also famous for its silk textiles, made famous by the very popular kanjivaram sarees- which is a rage in India and abroad.
History:
Kanchipuram is one of the oldest cities in South India, and was a city of learning for both Tamil and Sanskrit, and was believed to be visited by Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang). It was during the reign of Pallava dynasty, from the 4th to the 9th centuries that Kanchipuram attained its limelight. The city served as the Pallava capital, and many of the known temples were built during their reign.
From the 3rd to the 9th century CE Kanchi was the capital of the Pallavas who ruled over the territory extending from the river Krishna in the north to the river Kaveri in the south. The Pallavas fortified the city with ramparts, moats, etc., with wide and well laid out roads and fine temples. They were a great maritime power with contacts with far-off China, Siam, Fiji, etc., through their chief Port Mamallapuram, the modern Mahabalipuram. The Cholas ruled this town from 10th century to 13th century. Kings of Vijayanagara dynasty ruled from 14th century to 17th century
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Ancient Temples
Silk Textiles and Sarees
In summer, the temperature goes to a maximum of 36ºC and in winter, it touches about 19ºC. The rainfall is heavy. The best time to visit this place is any time between October and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here. Banking and money changing facilities are limited. None of the banks will change travellers cheques. ATM's are also few. There for it is advisable to change money at larger cities like Chennai.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) will be sufficient.
A flight to Chennai [60 kms] and a southward drive all the way to Kanchipuram through the NH 4 is the most convenient option.
-Domestic Flights
The airport is located at Chennai [60 kms]. One can drive till Kanchipuram via the NH 4.
International Flight:
The Chennai at airport is the nearest airport with international connections. It is about 60 kms away from Kanchipuram.
Road Travel
Exploring Kanchipuram by road is a pleasant journey. One can find the buzz of textile industry and at the same time the sanctity of religious temples can be felt.
Train Travel
There are railway stations at Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati and Bangalore, which connect to Kanchipuram.
·Kailashanathar Temple: This temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is one of the earliest temples built by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha Pallava and was completed by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava in the 8th century AD. It is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture in South India.
·EkambareshwarTemple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the largest temples in Kanchipuram spreading over an area of 12.14 hectares. This ancient temple is surrounded by a huge stone wall built in the early 16th century during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire.
·VaradarajaTemple: This temple has a beautiful artistic element to boast. Many miracles are said to have occurred. It was with his ministry that the temple, then already several centuries old, began to gain fame.
·UlahalandaPerumalTemple: This temple represents the "Vamana Roopam", an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram.
· Kanchi Kudhil The ancient culture and stuctural heritage of Hinduism is proclaimed in a small house, open to visitors.
· Kanchi Kamakoti Matha. The Seat of Jagadguru Sankaracharya in direct lineage of Sri Adi Sankaracharya.
Try the South Indian cuisine here. One can find many food joints serving authentic south Indian fare.
Kancheepuram : Famous for its delicious idly also known as 'kancheepuram idly'.
Hotel Saravana Bhavan on Gandhi road and near bus station serves excellent South Indian cuisine.
Where To Stay:
The accommodation options are not the best. Most of the lodges are in the noisy town centre and the rooms are basic.
There are lot of local shops from where great quality of silk sarees, scarves and other textile materials can be bought. The streets and markets leading to the temples have a lot of shops from where souvenirs can be bought.
Some of the important festivals celebrated in Kanchipuram are the Brahmotsavam -Varadaraja temple that is celebrated during summer in May. There is the Garuda Sevai- Varadaraja temple celebration in June; Float festival -Varadaraja temple in February and November; Kamakshi Ammam Festival - February; Mahashivaratri festival - Kailashanatha temple in February; and the Panguni Uthiram -Ekambareshwara temple celebration in March-April.
Chennai: [60 kms] This is the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It is the most vibrant and developed city in the entire state. A commercial hub and a trading center, this is one of the most important cities inIndia.
Mahabalipuram: This is a scenic and a peaceful place that attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. The ancient temples here again reflect the taste and style of the Pallavas.
Pondicherry: [102 kms] The element of the French culture is very prevalent here. The city makes for an excellent study of the combination of the French town planning that is very elegant and the touch of Indian-ness.
