Kanchipuram: The City of Thousand Temples
Kanchipuram, often called “The City of Thousand Temples,” is one of Tamil Nadu’s most culturally rich destinations. Known for its ancient architecture, divine energy, and world-famous silk sarees, this historic town offers the perfect mix of spirituality, tradition, and heritage.
If you’re looking to spend a peaceful day away from the city chaos, Kanchipuram makes a beautiful weekend escape from Chennai, just 70 km away.
How I Reached
A smooth drive from Chennai via NH48, surrounded by fields, small villages, and temple gopurams slowly appearing as you enter the city. The roads are good, traffic is manageable, and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Top Temples to Visit in Kanchipuram
1. Ekambareswarar Temple – One of the largest Shiva temples in India, known for:
- The 3,500-year-old mango tree
- Beautifully carved pillars
- Massive gopuram towering over the city
The energy here is grounding and powerful—perfect for starting your spiritual day.
2. Kailasanathar Temple – A masterpiece built in the 7th century by the Pallavas.
Highlights:
- Sandstone structure
- Peaceful ambience
- Ancient small shrines that feel like stepping back in time
Photography lovers will enjoy this temple’s stunning architecture.
3. Kamakshi Amman Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Parvati in her peaceful form.
This temple is always vibrant, filled with prayers, colors, and positive divine vibes. A must-visit for anyone seeking blessings for new beginnings.
4. Varadharaja Perumal Temple – A huge Vishnu temple known for:
- 100-pillar hall
- Beautiful sculptures
- Sacred elephant blessings
The architecture here is mesmerizing and grand.
Beyond Temples – What Else to Do
Silk Saree Shopping
Kanchipuram = Kanjeevaram sarees!
Visit local weavers and co-ops to see how the magic is woven.
You’ll find:
- Pure zari sarees
- Bridal collections
- Lightweight soft silks
Even if you don’t buy, watching the weaving process is fascinating.
Best Places to Eat
Kanchipuram is known for simple, delicious South Indian food.
Try:
- Ghee roast dosa
- Kanchipuram idli
- Filter coffee
Local eateries and traditional mess-style hotels serve authentic flavours.
Staying options in Kanchipuram
LUXURY / PREMIUM HOTELS
1. Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels
A comfortable premium stay with modern rooms, great service, and close access to major temples.
📍 Address: 487, Gandhi Road, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Regency+Kanchipuram+by+GRT+Hotels
2. MM Legacy – A Bergamont Hotel
A stylish, well-maintained hotel offering spacious rooms and good dining options. Great for families and couples.
📍 Address: No. 78/2, Chennai Bengaluru Highway, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=MM+Legacy+Kanchipuram
3. Pine Tree Kanchipuram
A modern, comfortable stay with neat interiors and easy access to temples and shopping areas.
📍 Address: 71, Annai Indira Gandhi Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Pine+Tree+Kanchipuram
MID-RANGE / COMFORT HOTELS
1. Sree Sakthi Residency
A clean, centrally located property with good amenities — ideal for temple visits and family stays.
📍 Address: No. 9/64, East Raja Street, Near Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sree+Sakthi+Residency+Kanchipuram
2. Heritage Inn
Spacious rooms, peaceful ambience, and close to major attractions — a great value-for-money stay.
📍 Address: 44, Annai Indira Gandhi Road, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Heritage+Inn+Kanchipuram
3. Sri Hari Residency
Comfortable rooms and a convenient location near Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar Temples.
📍 Address: 27, Ayyampettai Main Road, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sri+Hari+Residency+Kanchipuram
BUDGET-FRIENDLY HOTELS
1. Hotel SSK Grand
Simple, decent rooms perfect for short stays and quick temple visits.
📍 Address: 29, Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Hotel+SSK+Grand+Kanchipuram
2. KNR Residency
A basic, no-frills budget stay suitable for solo travellers and pilgrims.
📍 Address: 18A, Pillaiyar Koil Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=KNR+Residency+Kanchipuram
3. Sri Mahalakshmi Lodge
Affordable, clean accommodation located close to Ekambareswarar Temple.
📍 Address: 46, Big Kanchipuram Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
🔗 View on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Sri+Mahalakshmi+Lodge+Kanchipuram
How to Travel to Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is one of Tamil Nadu’s most accessible temple towns—well connected by road, rail, and nearby airports. Whether you are coming from Chennai, Bangalore, Kerala, or North India, here’s the easiest way to reach.
By Flight (Nearest Airport: Chennai – 70 km)
Kanchipuram does not have its own airport.
The nearest is Chennai International Airport (MAA), around 1.5 to 2 hours away by road.
Direct Flights to Chennai Are Available From:
- Delhi (2.5 hrs)
- Mumbai (1 hr 45 mins)
- Bengaluru (1 hr)
- Hyderabad (1 hr 10 mins)
- Kolkata (2.5 hrs)
- Pune, Goa, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, etc.
Airport to Kanchipuram
You can reach by:
- Taxi (INR 1,500 – 2,200)
- Ola/Uber Outstation
- Private cab service
By Train (Budget & Convenient)
Kanchipuram has two stations:
- Kanchipuram East (CJ)
- Kanchipuram (CJM)
Trains Available From:
- Chennai (1.5–2 hrs)
- Tirupati
- Bengaluru (via Arakkonam connection)
- Vellore / Katpadi
- Madurai / Tirunelveli (via Tambaram links)
Note: Direct long-distance trains may be limited, but connections via Chennai, Chengalpattu, or Arakkonam are easy.
By Road (Most Popular Option)
From Chennai (70 km | 1.5 hrs)
Fastest route:
Chennai → Porur → Sriperumbudur → Kanchipuram
Highway is excellent (NH48).
From Bengaluru (280 km | 4.5 – 5 hrs)
Route:
Bengaluru → Hosur → Krishnagiri → Vellore → Kanchipuram
Perfect for a weekend road trip.
From Vellore (70 km | 1 hr)
Straight drive on NH48.
From Pondicherry (120 km | 2.5 hrs)
Route via Tindivanam.
From Tirupati (110 km | 2.5 hrs)
Route via Uthukottai / Arcot.
By Bus (Frequent & Affordable)
Tamil Nadu government buses (TNSTC) and private buses operate frequently from:
- Chennai (every 15–20 mins)
- Vellore
- Tirupati
- Pondicherry
- Bengaluru (limited but available at night)
Major boarding points:
Koyambedu CMBT, T. Nagar, Tambaram, Sriperumbudur
Local Travel in Kanchipuram
Temple-hopping is easy using:
- Auto rickshaws
- Local buses
- Cycle rickshaws near temple areas
- Walkable lanes around Kamakshi Amman & Varadharaja Perumal temples
One-Day Itinerary
7:00 AM – Start from Chennai
9:00 AM – Ekambareswarar Temple
11:00 AM – Kailasanathar Temple
12:30 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Kamakshi Amman Temple
4:00 PM – Varadharaja Perumal Temple
5:30 PM – Silk saree shopping
7:00 PM – Return to Chennai
Kanchipuram Trip Budget (1 Day – Per Person)
| Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel (from Chennai) | INR150 – 300 (bus) | INR1,500 – 2,200 (cab) | One-way |
| Local Transport | INR150 – 300 (auto) | INR300 – 600 | Depends on number of temples |
| Breakfast | INR60 – 120 | INR150 – 250 | Idli, dosa, pongal |
| Lunch | INR120 – 250 | INR300 – 500 | Veg meals / local restaurants |
| Snacks & Coffee | INR50 – 100 | INR100 – 150 | Filter coffee + snacks |
| Temple Entry | Free | Free | All major temples have no entry fee |
| Shopping (optional) | INR0 – 500 | INR2,000 – 10,000+ | Kanchipuram silk sarees vary widely |
Total Estimated Budget
Budget Traveller: INR600 – 1,000
(Perfect for solo travellers or students)
Mid-Range Traveller: INR2,000 – 3,500
(Including cab + better meals + small shopping)
If Buying a Silk Saree:
Add INR2,500 to 80,000+ depending on type, zari purity, and weaving style.
Travel Tips (List Format)
- Start early to avoid heat and crowds.
- Wear modest clothing suitable for temple visits.
- Check temple timings—most close from 12:30 PM to 4 PM.
- Carry small cash for autos, prasadam, and local shops.
- Stay hydrated; Kanchipuram can be very hot.
- Remove footwear before entering temples.
- Avoid photography where prohibited.
- Keep a small bag; avoid big backpacks due to security checks.
- Try local specialities like Kanchipuram Idli and filter coffee.
- Buy silk sarees from government co-ops or trusted weavers.
- Fix a budget before entering saree shops to avoid overspending.
- Use autos for temple hopping—parking is limited near some temples.
- Avoid festival peak hours if you prefer peaceful darshan.
- Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella in summer.
- Combine Kanchipuram with nearby places like Vellore or Thiruthani for a cluster trip.
- Respect temple customs and maintain silence inside sanctum areas.
- Download offline maps—network can be patchy near inner streets.
- Keep some snacks or fruits if you’re doing a full-day temple tour.
- Choose footwear that’s easy to remove and wear multiple times.
- Be mindful of elderly travellers as many temples have steps and long corridors.
Kanchipuram is not just a city, it’s an experience filled with devotion, heritage, culture, and beauty. Whether you’re a spiritual traveller, a history lover, or someone who appreciates traditional handloom art, this town leaves a lasting impression.
TRAVEL AND HEAL 