Kanchipuram

The City of a thousand temples, Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of India. This Golden City is situated at a distance of 71 kms from Madras. It has some of the finest temples built by the Pallavas. Today, this ancient city of learning is world famous for its handwoven silk fabrics.

Tamil Nadu, the southern most state of India, is known chiefly for its towering temples, magnificent Gopurams, silks and incense. The golden beaches of Tamil Nadu make sun-bathing while sipping coconut water, an unforgettable experience. This state has been the focal point of peace and knowledge since time immemorial.

How to Get There:

By Road Kanchipuram is 75 kms away from Chennai and is well connected by a good network of roads. There are frequent bus services from Kanchi to Chennai, Bangalore and other places.

By Air The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, just a 2 hours drive away.

By Rail Can be reached from Chennai central railway station and Arakkonam railway station.

What to See:

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple

The Vaikuntha Perumal Temple has numerous inscriptions of the Pallava-Chalukya wars. It is an important Vishnu temple.

Ekambareswarar Temple

This temple has a 57 metre high Rajagopuram, which is one of the tallest towers in South India.

Kamakshi Amman Temple

The Kamakshi Amman Temple was built by the Cholas. This temple one of the three holy places of Shakti worship in India, the other two being in Madurai and Varanasi.

Kailasanatha Temple

Built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra the 3rd, in the 8th century AD.

Devarajaswamy Temple

Also known as Varadarajar temple, it is a massive and impressive edifice. The shrine of Devarajaswamy is located on an elephant-shaped rock called Hastagiri.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctury

48 Kms from Kanchipuram. Here once can see Storks, Egrets, Cormorants, Darter, Flamingos, Pelicans, moor hens, herons, kingfishers, sandpipers, white ibis,spoonbills, swans and grey wagtails other migratory birds. The best time to visit the place is from October to March.

Muthukadu

80 Kms from Kanchipuram. This lake formed out of the backwaters, with boating and wind surfing facilities.

Covelong beach

40 kms from Chennai, this is a small fishing village.

Crocodile park

14 kms from Mamallapuram is a crocodile breeding center. There is also a snake farm where anti venom is produced and there is a regular venom extraction show.