Kanchipuram

India

Kanchipuram, sometimes called Kanjeevaram or Kanchi, is a small town in Tamil Nadu. One of the most important spiritual centres of Hinduism, and a major pilgrim destination; Kanchipuram has several medieval temples with spectacular architecture. It used to be the capital of the Pallava kingdom from the 4th to the 10th century, and was a centre of learning for all the major religions of South India. Hindu temples are still present and in use today, and there are archaeological remains of Jain temples. Unfortunately, although Kanchipuram was reputed to be the centre of Buddhism in South India, and was visited by Chinese Buddhist monks, there are no remains of the Buddhist presence today.

Modern Kanchipuram is a major weaving centre and visitors will be able to buy handwoven silk at wholesale rates.

  • Ekambeshwarar Temple, Northwest of town (Look for the huge stone tower dominating the skyline!. The highest, largest and most impressive temple in town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period. Represents the earth form of the five form-element abodes of Lord Shiva. Featuring huge quantities of carved stonework, it is one of the most important Shiva temples. The inner sanctum protects a mango tree said to be 3500 years old, embodying the four Vedas and bearing fruits of four different tastes each season. Much of the 40 acres of the temple seems to be closed to visitors, but the central building is impressive enough. Also known as Ekambaranatha Temple.
  • International Library situated in Enathur, 3.5 KM from kanchipuram town, this library contains a treasure of ancient manuscripts written on Palm Leaves. Infront of the library is a 60 ft high statue of Adi Shankaracharya. The library is a part of the Kanchipuram Shankara University.
  • Kachapeshwarar Temple
  • Kailasanathar Temple must see high point in architecture.The architecture of this temple is more alike that of Mahabalipuram temple.
  • Kanchi Kamakshi Temple abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) - consort of Lord Shiva.
  • Kanchi Kudil The ancient culture and scultural heritage of Hinduism is proclaimed in a small house, open to visitors.
  • Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Sri Sankara Matam.
  • Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Neervalur.
  • Vaikunta Perumal Temple has beautiful pillared corridors around the sanctum. One of the most ancient temples with 3 tier Sannathi cum Gopuram.
  • Varadaraja Perumal Temple The gopuram of this temple, is particularly impressive when viewed across the lush green fields from the road leading from Kanchi.

Ekambeshwarar Temple, Northwest of town (Look for the huge stone tower dominating the skyline!. The highest, largest and most impressive temple in town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period. Represents the earth form of the five form-element abodes of Lord Shiva. Featuring huge quantities of carved stonework, it is one of the most important Shiva temples. The inner sanctum protects a mango tree said to be 3500 years old, embodying the four Vedas and bearing fruits of four different tastes each season. Much of the 40 acres of the temple seems to be closed to visitors, but the central building is impressive enough. Also known as Ekambaranatha Temple.

International Library situated in Enathur, 3.5 KM from kanchipuram town, this library contains a treasure of ancient manuscripts written on Palm Leaves. Infront of the library is a 60 ft high statue of Adi Shankaracharya. The library is a part of the Kanchipuram Shankara University.

Kachapeshwarar Temple

Kailasanathar Temple must see high point in architecture.The architecture of this temple is more alike that of Mahabalipuram temple.

Kanchi Kamakshi Temple abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) - consort of Lord Shiva.

Kanchi Kudil The ancient culture and scultural heritage of Hinduism is proclaimed in a small house, open to visitors.

Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Sri Sankara Matam.

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Neervalur.

Vaikunta Perumal Temple has beautiful pillared corridors around the sanctum. One of the most ancient temples with 3 tier Sannathi cum Gopuram.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple The gopuram of this temple, is particularly impressive when viewed across the lush green fields from the road leading from Kanchi.

The Kanchi Mutt holds kutcheris, or South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings. Head there to see if something is on and you can attend.

Kanchipuram is a famous silk weaving centre, and you can find wonderful bargains if you shop around for sarees, scarves and stoles, or fabric to take home. If you are led by a taxi/auto driver to a shop, the price you pay will include his commission - so do explore shops independently before you decide to buy. Most silk shops are on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

  • Sakthi Ganapathy has 3 branches in the city and has best value for money.
  • Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant, Near Bus Stand.
  • Saravana Bhavan, North side of Gandhi road, west a little from the main roundabout by the bus station (Next to a hotel. This chain is known for good south Indian food with branches all over. You have the choice of self service, a lunch room with fans, or an a/c room that is nicely cool. Food is consistently good and particularly good for westerners because of high standards for cleanliness. Extensive menu in English. Try the 'fourteen idli' (sambar idli), which is idli swimming in sambar sauce. Roughly ₹40-60 per dish.
  • Sri Rama Cafe, Next to the similarly named Sri Rama hotel (South side of Gandhi Rd. (Hospital Rd.), near the main roundabout (Kancheepuram-Chengalpat intersection) by the bus station. Very long established pure vegetarian restaurant in South Indian style. Sit down, watch a banana leaf get spread in front of you and loaded up with rice, curry and breads. Drinking water is also served. Extra curry and rice were offered to me at no charge, so a meal here is basically "all you can eat". A bargain at ₹40..

Sakthi Ganapathy has 3 branches in the city and has best value for money.

Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant, Near Bus Stand.

Saravana Bhavan, North side of Gandhi road, west a little from the main roundabout by the bus station (Next to a hotel. This chain is known for good south Indian food with branches all over. You have the choice of self service, a lunch room with fans, or an a/c room that is nicely cool. Food is consistently good and particularly good for westerners because of high standards for cleanliness. Extensive menu in English. Try the 'fourteen idli' (sambar idli), which is idli swimming in sambar sauce. Roughly ₹40-60 per dish.

Sri Rama Cafe, Next to the similarly named Sri Rama hotel (South side of Gandhi Rd. (Hospital Rd.), near the main roundabout (Kancheepuram-Chengalpat intersection) by the bus station. Very long established pure vegetarian restaurant in South Indian style. Sit down, watch a banana leaf get spread in front of you and loaded up with rice, curry and breads. Drinking water is also served. Extra curry and rice were offered to me at no charge, so a meal here is basically "all you can eat". A bargain at ₹40..

  • Bar Soorya, 487 Gandhi Road (Walk east from the Hospital Rd. intersection near the bus station, turn north, it's on your right. Evening. Basically this place is tiny. It could be better called 'a restaurant that serves alcohol' but is full by 9PM even on a Sunday. Tiny spot. If you go, then go early...but take my advice and opt elsewhere if possible.
  • Government grog shop, Opposite and slightly south of the entrance to the bus station on Kancheepuram-Chengalpat (Cross the road from the bus station exit, turn left and walk down a hundred meters. You can buy your booze here and then drink it in your hotel. Note that many hotels forbid drinking, so either check first or hide the evidence!
  • Hotel Tamilnadu, Old train station street (Opposite the old train station, or there abouts (there's a big 'BAR' sign). (was it 7?) 'till 11PM. Nice little spot with no hassle, old school bartender dude who's apparently been there 20 years. Relatively spacious. Must smoke outside but there's space and it's only a doorway away. As close to heaven as a visiting alcoholic is going to get. 135 per beer, but they round off a little after 3 or so.

Bar Soorya, 487 Gandhi Road (Walk east from the Hospital Rd. intersection near the bus station, turn north, it's on your right. Evening. Basically this place is tiny. It could be better called 'a restaurant that serves alcohol' but is full by 9PM even on a Sunday. Tiny spot. If you go, then go early...but take my advice and opt elsewhere if possible.

Government grog shop, Opposite and slightly south of the entrance to the bus station on Kancheepuram-Chengalpat (Cross the road from the bus station exit, turn left and walk down a hundred meters. You can buy your booze here and then drink it in your hotel. Note that many hotels forbid drinking, so either check first or hide the evidence!

Hotel Tamilnadu, Old train station street (Opposite the old train station, or there abouts (there's a big 'BAR' sign). (was it 7?) 'till 11PM. Nice little spot with no hassle, old school bartender dude who's apparently been there 20 years. Relatively spacious. Must smoke outside but there's space and it's only a doorway away. As close to heaven as a visiting alcoholic is going to get. 135 per beer, but they round off a little after 3 or so.