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Explore
Kanchipuram |
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| Ask any Tamil what Kanchipuram (aka "Kanchi") is famous for, and they'll probably say silk saris, shrines and saints - in that order. A dynastic capital throughout the medieval era, it remains one of the seven holiest cities in the subcontinent, sacred to both Shaivites and Vaishnavites, and among the few surviving centres of goddess worship in the south. Year round, pilgrims pour through for a quick puja stop on the Tirupati tour circuit and, if they can afford it, a spot of shopping in the sari emporia. The temples in Kanchipuram are undeniably impressive. | ||||||||||
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Facts and Figures |
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History |
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| Established by the Pallava kings in the fourth century AD, Kanchipuram served as their capital for five hundred years, and continued to flourish throughout the Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagar eras. Under the Pallavas, it was an important scholastic forum, and a meeting point for Jain, Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Its temples dramatically reflect this enduring political prominence, spanning the years from the peak of Pallava construction to the seventeenth century, when the ornamentation of the gopuras and pillared halls was at its most elaborate. | ||||||||||
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How to Reach Kanchipuram |
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Air :
Chennai is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram. One can take flights for most
of the important Indian cities and important cities abroad from Chennai.
Road : Kanchipuram is 75 km away from Chennai and is well connected by a network of roads. There are frequent buses from the city to Chennai, Bangalore and other places. Rail : Trains for Kanchipuram are available from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore. Trains for Chengalpattu do not run on national holidays. |
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| The best time to visit Kanchipuram is from January to March when the climate is pleasantly cool. | ||||||||||
