Kanchipuram, the Golden City of a thousand temples, and one of the seven sacred cities of India, is 71 km from Madras. It was, successively, the capital of the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Rayas of Vijayanagar. During the 6th and 7th centuries, some of the best temples in the city were built by the Pallavas. The city was also a great seat of learning. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Budddhist Bhikku lived, and worked here. Today, it is known not only for its temples, but also for its handwoven silk fabrics.

What to See

Sakkiswarar Temple: Built by the Cholas, this temple is located near the Kamakshi Amman Temple.

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: An important Vishnu temple built by the Pallava King Nandivarman Pallavamalla, in the 7th century AD. Numerous inscriptions are found in the temple, relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.

Kailasanatha Temple: Built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra the 3rd, in the 8th centuryAD.

Ekambareswarar Temple: Another ancient temple, renovated by the Pallavas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. The 57 metre high Rajagopuram, is one of the tallest towers in South India.

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.

Kamakshi Amman Temple: This is one of the three holy places of Shakti worship in India. The other two are in Madurai and Varanasi. The temple in its present form was built by the Cholas, during the 14th century AD.

Festivals

The festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and show, are the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam and the Chariot festival.

How to get there

Connected by road to Madras (71km). Connected by rail to Madras. The nearest airport is Madras.