Kanchipuram
The Golden City of Thousand Temples
Temples
The architecture of the temple is so grand that travellers remain awestruck by its beauty
Wildlife
The sanctuary is home to a large number of avifauna
Best Time to Visit
Ideal Duration
Visa
Not Required
There are ample places to visit in Kanchipuram and those with a wanderlust can explore a multitude of temples dotting the region along with forts as well as sanctuaries. With the Palar River flowing through its western fringes, the scenic beauty of the city is further enhanced. While pilgrims can probably have the best possible time in the temple city, nature lovers and history buffs can have their fair share of fun exploring forts and sanctuaries. The city is also well-known for the famous Kanjivaram Sarees. Boasting of an architecture spanning over a millennium, the places to visit in Kanchipuram are endless. Historical records reveal that the city is more than thousand years-old and was once reigned by the Cholas and the Pallava Dynasty. After which the Vijaynagar Empire took over before Kanchipuram was succeeded by the British. Today, lying at a distance of roughly 74 kilometres from Chennai, Kanchipuram happens to be a prominent weekend getaway for the people of the south. Owing to its strategic location, it makes for an ideal weekend destination for the people of south, especially Chennai. While it comes to the places to see in Kanchipuram, travellers and pilgrims can choose from ample options.
One of the most popular tourist attractions of Kanchipuram happens to be the Kamakshi Amman Temple.
Dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi (a form of Durga), the temple is believed to date back to the first millennium CE. The architecture of the temple is so grand that travellers remain awestruck by its beauty. Another major attraction of Kanchipuram happens to be the Vedanthangal Sanctuary, located in the outskirts of the city. The sanctuary is home to a large number of avifauna. Apart from that, the Alamparai Fort also makes for a major tourist attraction in Kanchipuram, which is flocked by culture and history buffs. The fort was built by the Mughals in the 17th century which was later taken over by French commander Dupleix and after that the British captured the citadel. Other than these, places of worship and other must visit places in Kanchipuram include the Varadaraja Temple, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Vaikunda Perumal Temple, the Chitragupta Swami Temple and others. Our Kanchipuram Travel Guide provides every detail about the best places to visit and things to do in Kanchipuram.
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Best Time to Visit Kanchipuram
Summers here start in the month of March and end in the month of May. The temperature during this season ranges between 21°C to 37°C turning this place a little hot. Numerous festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Garudothsavam and Chariot are celebrated here in the summer months with utmost fervor by the locals. So, if you are traveling across Kanchipuram in the summer season, don’t miss to be a part of all round festivity and merriment.
Monsoon season sets in the month of June and lasts till the month of September. This season features heavy rains accompanied by the cool breeze. Tourists, who love the rain, journey to this town during the monsoons to enjoy the beauty of the rain and the rain-drenched natural surroundings.
Winter season in Kanchipuram starts in the month of October and ends in the month of February. During this season the temperature hovers between 19°C to 29°C. The winters are cold here in comparison with other parts of Southern India. Brahmothsavam and Pongal are the two festivals which are celebrated in this season with lots of enthusiasm and vigor. If you happen to be in this town during winters, do indulge yourself in some festive fun.
Popular Attractions Kanchipuram
KAILASANATHA TEMPLE
The temple was built by the King Rajasimha of the Pallava Dynasty.
VARADHARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE
The temple is famous for its 1000 pillared-hall known as Kalyanamandapam.
KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE
Adi Sankaracharya is also associated with the temple, whose portrait is placed inside the shrine.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu
A visit to Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary can let you catch the sights of as many 4000 migratory birds including endangered ones.
SHRI KANCHI KAMAKOTI PEETHAM
The temple's presiding deity happens to be Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Durga.
SRI ULAGALANDAR TEMPLE
The presiding deity, Lord Vishnu is projected in Vamana form in the temple.
VAIKUNTHA PERUMAL TEMPLE
The temple was built in the 7th century by the Pallava King Nandivarman II and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
CHITRAGUPTA SWAMY TEMPLE
The idol here is seen in a sitting posture holding a pen in the right hand and palm leaf on the other.
THENNANGUR PANDURANGA TEMPLE
The statue is 12 feet tall and has standing posture. It magnificence often make travellers and pilgrims stare at it in awe.
DEVARAJASWAMI TEMPLE
One of the older temples in the region, the shrine was built during the Vijaynagar Empire.
KACHAPESHWARAR TEMPLE
It is where one can find Lord Vishnu worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of a tortoise.
SRI SUBRAMANIYA SWAMI TEMPLE
A revered place of worship, this temple is a must visit while on a tour of Kanchipuram.
ALAMPARAI FORT
The dockyard of the fort once measured 100 metres in length, stretching literally into the sea.
