day trip
The "City of Thousand Temples" and one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, also famous for handwoven silk sarees.
72 km from Chennai (approx. 2 hours via NH48)
Best time: October to March
How to Get There
Drive via NH48 (Poonamallee–Sriperumbudur–Kanchipuram). Government buses run frequently from Koyambedu bus terminus. Suburban trains run to Chengalpattu, from where buses connect to Kanchipuram.
Things to See & Do
- 1Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest Pallava temple in Kanchipuram
- 2Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas
- 3Kamakshi Amman Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas
- 4Varadharaja Perumal Temple, a Divya Desam
- 5Kanchipuram silk weaving centres
Travel Tips
- Start early, as there are at least 5 major temples to cover
- Wear modest clothing suitable for temple visits
- Buy silk sarees directly from weaver cooperatives for authentic products
- Combine with Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (30 km further) during winter
Location
More Day Trips
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 7th-century Pallava rock-cut temples and sculptures along the Coromandel Coast.
Pulicat Lake
India's second largest brackish water lagoon, home to thousands of flamingos during winter migration.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
One of India's oldest bird sanctuaries, where thousands of migratory birds nest in a shallow lake from November to March.