Kanchipuram Travel Guide - The City of Thousand Temples
Kanchipuram is a city in Tamil Nadu renowned for its Kanchipuram Sarees. It is also known as the golden city of a thousand temples.
Due to this and many more reasons, Kanchipuram attracts a lot of tourist attention annually. Apart from its cultural significance, which includes music, folk dance, and several other things, you can also visit Kanchipuram for its history, the impact of Hinduism, and its impeccable architectural marvels, like Kamakshi Temple and Kailasanathar Temple. Want to know more about Kanchipuram? Read it out!
History of Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram has repeatedly been referred to as the Banaras of the South by the renowned poet Kalidasa (AD 366 - AD 446).
Historically, various events associated with Kanchipuram can be traced back to the 2nd century BCE
Kanchipuram was also believed to have been an integral part of the Dravida Kingdom at one point. Since then, it has been ruled over by several dynasties. For instance, when it was part of the Pallava Kingdom, Kanchipuram saw a great rise and improvement in terms of architectural activities, which included the building of roads, temples, and so on.
Pallava's reign was followed by the Chola reign, which began in about 890 AD. During those times, Kanchipuram also served as the capital of the Chola dynasty. Due to all this and many such incidents wrapped in the quilt of history, it won't be wrong to say that Kanchipuram holds great historical prominence.
Did you know that Kanchipuram also served as a strategic battleground for the East India Company in wars against the French and in the Anglo-Mysore wars in the 18th century?
Places To Visit In Kanchipuram
If someone asks, "where is Kanchipuram?" the answer is that this ancient city is located in Tamil Nadu, renowned as the city of a thousand temples. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Let's check out the following places-
1. Kamakshi Amman Temple
It won't be wrong to say that this temple is considered one of the historical gems from our illustrious past. This place is also known for the divine presence of Goddess Kamakshi, the incarnation of Maa Parvati herself. Thus, amongst the devotees, this place carries great significance.
2. Devarajaswami Temple
The kings of Vijaynagar had created this temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. The ornamented engraved pillars inside the temple are a thing to watch and cherish. Interestingly, according to our mythology, this temple also has a marriage hall, which was built to commemorate the marriage between Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. If you have a keen interest in Hindu architecture, visiting the Devarajaswami temple will be greatly insightful. Devarajaswami temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu.The Devarajaswami temple is one of the most popular places to go sightseeing in Kanchipuram. Understanding Kanchipuram's history can enhance your visit here.
3. Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Situated in Kanchipuram, this is one of the PanchaBhuta Sthalas, which essentially represents five materials needed for our very existence on this plain. These elements are fire, earth, sky, water, and air. And out of these five, Kanchipuram represents Earth. Devotees come here mainly in search of peace and liberation. You will also get to see traditional aartis and pooja rituals being conducted. If you're planning a visit, the best time to go to Kanchipuram is between October and March when the weather is pleasant enough to explore.
Things to Do in Kanchipuram
- Explore ancient temples with stunning Dravidian architecture.
- Shop for Kanchipuram silk sarees at government-approved stores or local weavers' markets.
- Attend temple festivals like Brahmotsavam at Ekambareswarar Temple.
- Enjoy authentic South Indian cuisine, especially Kanchipuram idli and filter coffee.
- Take a heritage walk to understand the city’s history and culture.
Best Time to Visit Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram experiences hot summers and moderate monsoons, so the best time to visit is:
- Winter (November to February) - Ideal for sightseeing with pleasant weather (15°C to 30°C).
- Summer (March to June) - Very hot (35°C to 40°C), making travel uncomfortable.
- Monsoon (July to October) - Moderate rainfall, but still a good time for temple visits.
How to Reach Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is an amazing city with India's cultural heritage and incredible history. It is located about 477, 1,079, 1,195, and 1,685 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively. You can travel to Kanchipuram by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
Chennai has fairly good flight connectivity with other Indian cities. The nearest airport from Kanchipuram is the Chennai Airport (MAA), situated 60-70 km away. It is considered to be the third busiest airport in the country and is fairly well-connected with other cities and towns. You will need to take a cab or some other means of public transportation to get there from the airport.
By Train
If you plan to visit Kanchipuram by train, then deboard at Kanchipuram Station (CJ). It is an important part of the Chennai Railway division of the Southern Railway Zone. It receives trains' to and fro' from nearby regions with good connectivity. You will need to book a taxi or some other means of local transportation from the station.
By Road
If you are planning a trip by road, you shouldn't have any problems. Kanchipuram is well connected with other Indian cities by motorable roadways and national highways. If you reside in nearby regions like Tindivanam, Vellore, or Chittoor, you can easily book interstate/private buses or taxis, or if it suits you, take your own vehicle here.
- From Vellore - 70 km via Vellore-Chennai Road
- From Tiruvannamalai - 123 km via NH77
- From Puducherry - 110 km via NH32
Conclusion
Kanchipuram is a special city filled with beautiful temples and rich history. You can visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple to see the divine Goddess Kamakshi, explore the stunning pillars at Devarajaswami Temple, and find peace at Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. This city shows the amazing culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu. Visiting Kanchipuram can be a wonderful experience where you learn a lot and feel a deep connection to India's heritage. It's a place that everyone should see once in a lifetime!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kanchipuram
Q. Where is Kanchipuram located?
A. Kanchipuram is a city located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
Q. What are the popular tourist destinations in Kanchipuram?
A. Some popular tourist destinations in Kanchipuram include the Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Vaikunta Perumal Temple.
Q. What is Kanchipuram famous for?
A. Kanchipuram, known as the City of Thousand Temples, is well-renowned for its temple architecture, 1000-pillared halls, massive temple towers, and silk saris. It is one of the most important tourist spots in India and a popular destination for overseas tourists.
Q. Which temple should I visit in Kanchipuram?
A. The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple in Kancheepuram's oldest edifice devoted to Lord Shiva. The Shiva lingam at this temple is ten feet tall. The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple was established in the seventh century AD by a Pallava king named Rajasimha, also known as Narasimhavarman II.
Q. Which is the ideal time to visit Kanchipuram?
A. Many travelers visit Kanchipuram between September and March, the winter season when the temperature drops.
