DAY 1
Departure from Chennai
Start early from Chennai (approximately 75 km or 2 hours drive). The best route to take is via NH 16, which is well-maintained and direct.
Arrive in Kanchipuram
Upon reaching Kanchipuram, begin your tour with a visit to one of the city's most famous temples.
Visit Famous Temples
Kailasanathar Temple: Start your day by visiting the Kailasanathar Temple, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Kanchipuram. This 8th-century temple, built by the Pallava kings, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its exquisite architecture and stone carvings.
Spend around 30–45 minutes exploring the temple's stunning sculptures and inscriptions.
Ekambareswarar Temple: Next, head to Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the earth element. This massive temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has a 58-meter-high tower and a huge mango tree within its precincts, believed to be more than 3,000 years old.
The temple complex is very big, so allocate around 45 minutes to an hour to explore it.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple: The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is another important temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Known for its magnificent architecture, intricate carvings, and large halls, it is an essential part of Kanchipuram’s religious and architectural heritage.
Spend 30–40 minutes here, admiring the grandeur of the temple and its spiritual significance.
Ekambareswarar Temple: Next, head to Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the earth element. This massive temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has a 58-meter-high tower and a huge mango tree within its precincts, believed to be more than 3,000 years old.
The temple complex is very big, so allocate around 45 minutes to an hour to explore it.
Lunch:
After a morning filled with spiritual exploration, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Some good options include:
- Hotel Saravana Bhavan (serving authentic South Indian vegetarian meals)
- Aasai Vegetarian Restaurant (known for traditional Tamil food)
- Sangeetha Restaurant (serving delicious South Indian thalis)
Afternoon:
Visit Kanchipuram Silk Weaving Centers
Kanchipuram is renowned for its silk sarees, so after lunch, take some time to visit a few of the silk weaving centers. You can see the traditional methods of weaving these famous sarees, which are renowned for their quality and vibrant colors.
You can buy authentic Kanchipuram silk sarees here as souvenirs. Several shops and weaving centers offer a variety of sarees, including the famed Pattu Sarees.
Kamakshi Amman Temple
The Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati, and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. This temple is a prominent spiritual site for pilgrims.
The temple’s serene ambiance and the beautiful idol of Kamakshi make it an important stop on your trip. Spend around 30–45 minutes here.
Evening
Devarajaswami Temple
The Devarajaswami Temple is another historical temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is known for its beautifully sculpted towers and intricately carved stone pillars. This temple offers a quieter, more peaceful visit compared to the more crowded ones.
Shiva Vishnu Temple (optional)
If you have extra time and energy, you can visit the Shiva Vishnu Temple, a smaller but beautiful temple located in the heart of Kanchipuram. It is known for its peaceful atmosphere and historic significance.
Depart from Kanchipuram
After a full day of exploration, depart for Chennai. The return drive will take approximately 2 hours, so you should be back in Chennai by 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM.
This itinerary gives you a glimpse of Kanchipuram’s rich spiritual heritage, its iconic temples, and the famous silk weaving industry, all within a one-day trip.
