Kanchipuram
is a fantasy in stone
Welcome to Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram, 80km southwest of Chennai, was capital of the Pallava dynasty during the 6th to 8th centuries, when the Pallavas created the great stone monuments of Mamallapuram. Today a typically hectic modern Indian town, it's famous for its numerous important and vibrant temples (and their colourful festivals), some dating from Pallava, Chola or Vijayanagar times. It's also known for its high-quality silk saris, woven on hand looms by thousands of families in the town and nearby villages. Silk and sari shops are strung along Gandhi Rd, southeast of the centre, though their wares are generally no cheaper than at Chennai silk shops.
Top experiences in Kanchipuram
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Travel guides
Starting at $45.49
Kanchipuram activities
Silk-Weaving and Organic Farm Motorcycle Day Trip from Chennai
Our guide will pick you from your hotel lobby and we will drive 75Km towards the ancient town of Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram was the capital of the medieval South Indian Kingdom of Pallavas. The Pallavas were instrumental in the transition from rock-cut architecture to stone temples. We visit Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar temple of Pallava dynasty to appreciate these architectural wonders built in 600 AD. Next in our agenda is to meet the legendary Silk Saree Weavers of Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is renowned for its magnificent Silk Sarees. Silk Sarees are a cultural icon in South India. Ranging in length from 6-9 yards, these Sarees are worn by women during auspicious occasions like a wedding or a birthday. There are more than 5000 families who are into the business of silk weaving. The sarees are weaved from pure mulberry silk thread. The traditional loom is an incredible machine used by the silk weavers to magically convert the silk threads into a beautiful Kanchipuram Silk Saree. We will visit one such Weaver and it will be a memorable experience. It will be a fascinating experience to see how the sarees are weaved from pure mulberry silk thread. The journey back to Chennai would take around 2.5 hrs. The tour ends after we drop you back to Chennai.
Chennai Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram Temples, Caves Private Tour
Your tour will begin with a pickup between 6:30-7:00 AM from your hotel in Chennai and proceed for full-day guided tour. To kick off the tour, your guide will brief you about the history of Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Chennai to Mahabalipuram is aproximately 36 miles. Mahabalipuram is the former capital of the Pallava Kings and is famous for its splendid 7th and 8th-century art and architecture, especially the stone carvings. You will start your tour by visiting the 7th-century magnificent Shore Temple which is surrounded by lush gardens. Next, you will visit Arjuna's Penance, a 1900-square-foot rock block and rock cut caves from the 6th and 7th centuries. Later visit the 7th- century Five Rathas Shrine which has the world's largest stone relief. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant at your own expense and then drive to Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram is known as the golden city of a thousand temples. It is one of seven sacred cities of India and has some of the most grand and majestic temples. With their striking architectural marvel, these temples reflect architectural experimentation, restructuring and refinement that was completed during different dynasties. Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallava, the Chola and the Vijayanagar kings. Visit historic temples like the Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Kamaskhi Amman Temple and Ekambareshvara Temple. All of these are excellent sites of the architectural splendor of the medieval period. When the tour ends, you will be driven back to Chennai and dropped off at your hotel. Imp Dress code for temple visit – Men and women must be fully covered. Jeans pants, sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Ladies must wear Dhupatta for their Salwar
Visit the Famous Temples of Kanchipuram from Chennai
Start your day with pickup from your hotel in Chennai at 8:30am by our experienced professional driver with well maintained air conditioned private vehicle, reach at Kanchipuram after roughly one-hour 30 minutes, you will be start visiting below temples one after another (not as per the order), Kailasanathar Temple is built by the Pallava Dynasty during the first quarter of eighth century with red sandstone and has innumerable carvings of Pallva art, of which the Urdhva Thandava dance of Siva and the laughing face of Parvathi are worth seeing. Varadharaja Perumal Temple is one of the most famous architectural pieces, The Ornamental rings carved out of single stone at the Four Corners of the mandapam in the form of a chain are a delightful spectacle.There is a 100 pillared hall which has sculptures depicting of ramayana and mahabaratha. Vaikunta Perumal Temple is considered the second oldest extant temples in Kanchipuram after the Kailasanthar temple, It has great sculptures and inscription which speak the history of the city itself. Its inner walls are decorated with lion shaped pillars, The temple is declared as a heritage monument and administered by the Archaeological Survey of India Ekambareswarar Temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period, the pillars sculpted with intricate figures indicating various legends and avatars of Shiva, Kamakshi Amman Temple was most probably built by the Pallava kings, It is sacred as one of the three Sakti peethas of India. Kamakshi is said to be the Supergoddess, Parasakti, having Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati as her eyes. After visits all the above temples return to Chennai drop-off at your hotel.
Private Tour: Day Trip to Kanchipuram Temple City from Chennai
After pickup from your hotel in the morning by air-conditioned vehicle, your private guide will take you to Kanchipuram, located about 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Chennai. Coined ‘The City of Thousand Temples,’ Kanchipuram is considered by the Hindus of India as one of the country’s seven holiest cities. With your guide, visit several temples and learn about the importance of the Hindu goddess Shiva. Explore Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, the city’s largest temple and one of the five major Shiva temples that each represents a natural element. Built around 600, this temple symbolizes Earth. Then, visit Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built in the early 8th century. Explore this sandstone compound and admire the fascinating carvings, including half-animal deities that were popular during the period of early Dravidian architecture. Next, head to Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the Divya Desams -- the 108 Vishnu temples believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints, or alwars. Built in 1053, this astounding temple complex contains 32 shrines and 389 pillared halls. After spending 30-45 minutes at each temple, stop by the nearby silk shop -- Kanchipuram is famous for its hand-woven silk sarees – to see a silk-weaving demonstration. Watch local artisans take pure mulberry silk of various dazzling colors and create beautiful sarees embellished with fine gold thread. In between sightseeing, you’ll enjoy an authentic Indian lunch in Kanchipuram at a restaurant carefully chosen by your guide. After your enlightening full-day tour, you’ll be taken back to your Chennai hotel.
Private Cultural Tour: Day Trip to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram from Chennai
Day 01: Arrive Chennai You will be welcomed by Travel XS Representative at Chennai airport. This metropolis is often called the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions and long heritage. More than any other city in India it is a true reflection of India’s diversity. In 1639 Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, agents for the English East India Company, acquired a strip of land on lease from the Vijayanagar King. They built the Fort St.George, which remains one of the city’s important landmarks and serves as the Government Secretariat today. The surrounding villages slowly merged with the new developments to form Chennapatnam. The city was called Madras until 1996 and then renamed Chennai. Today this buoyant metropolis is a blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Day 02: Visit Kanchipuram Easily accessible from Chennai. Kanchipuram was once famous for its thousand temples. Today only about a 100 temples remain and are worth a visit. Kanchipuram also has some notable churches and mosques. Apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Woven from pure mulberry silk, the sarees woven in dazzling colours are embellished with fine gold thread (zari) and are available in a wide variety. You will visit few temples in Kanchipuram, including the Ekambareshwarar Temple, in which a legendary 3,500 year-old mango tree still bears fruit of four different flavors on its four major branches, representing the four Vedas. Kailasanathar temple visit would be the highlight of the day, which is one of the oldest remaining structural stone temple in Tamil Nadu and has 58 small shrines dedicated to various forms of Shiva. Kanchipuram is also known as a major manufacturing center of some of India's highest quality hand-woven silk fabrics. Return to Chennai. Day 03: Visit Mahabalipuram Visit Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is one of the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators. Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled, conveying as they do, an impression of beauty and harmony. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. Enjoy the sightseeing tour of the famous World Heritage Monuments of Mamallapuram: the Shore Temple, built in the 7th century - the Arjuna’s Penance, a Bass Relief - the Five Rathas, which symbolizes equality of men and women and many cave temples. You can also visit a sculpture studio Return to Chennai. Day 04: Visit Chennai Airport After breakfast, checkout your hotel and drive to Chennai airport for your onward flight.
Private Cultural Tour Trip to Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai and Mahabalipuram
Day 01: Arrive Chennai to Kanchipuram Welcomed by our Representative at Chennai airport and drive to Kanchipuram. Easily accessible from Chennai. Kanchipuram was once famous for its thousand temples. Today only about a 100 temples remain and are worth a visit. Apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. Woven from pure mulberry silk, the sarees woven in dazzling colours are embellished with fine gold thread (zari) and are available in a wide variety. You will visit few temples in Kanchipuram, including the Ekambareshwarar Temple, in which a legendary 3,500 year-old mango tree still bears fruit of four different flavors on its four major branches, representing the four Vedas. Kailasanathar temple visit would be the highlight of the day, which is one of the oldest remaining structural stone temple in Tamil Nadu and has 58 small shrines dedicated to various forms of Shiva. Day 02: Tiruvannamalai Travel to Tiruvannamalai which is known for eternal peace and divine. The city is proud to possess the sacred shrine of Lord Arunachaleswara and many ashrams. It is a place of pilgrimage. Walking in the city, you meet a lot of sadhus and pilgrims from every corner of the country. Tiruvannamalai an important pilgrimage center that has an old temple of Lord Shiva .Tiruvannamalai is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water (Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai), earth (Kanchipuram) and space (Chidambaram). Evening visit Arunachaleshwara Temple Home to the largest Shiva temple in India dedicated to Lord Arunachaleshwara, the spectacular gopuram (tower) is 66m high and dates from 750 AD. Day 03: Tiruvannamalai Today you can visit Temple for morning prayer or you can experience the holiest feel by participating on Yoga Sessions. Enjoy the spiritual expereince by walking around the temple complex where you can witness the people offering prayers, doing meditations, and cultural influences. Day 04: Mahabalipuram Visit Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is one of the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators. Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled, conveying as they do, an impression of beauty and harmony. Enjoy the sightseeing tour of the famous World Heritage Monuments of Mamallapuram: the Shore Temple, built in the 7th century - the Arjuna’s Penance, a Bass Relief - the Five Rathas, which symbolizes equality of men and women and many cave temples. Day 05: Chennai Airport After breakfast, checkout your hotel and drive to Chennai airport for your onward flight.