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Kanchipuram has earned the name "The City of a Thousand Temples", but it does not have a thousand temples located within the city today. But in whichever way you move in this city, you'll end up at one of the many ancient temples.

In the Hindu tradition, there are seven places that are held as sacred - called Sapta Puri - Kanchipuram is one among the Sapta Puri.

It's widely accepted Kanchipuram as an Early Chola capital ( 6th century AD). However the antiquity of Kanchi is many more centuries older. The classical Tamil Sangam literature dated 300 BCE has mentions of Kanchi. So is in the books of Patanjali, the Sanskrit grammarian, who lived between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.

Kanchi's temples showcase some of the best in class ancient south indian architecture, an amalgam of styles introduced by the city's many  rulers over the centuries - the Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagara Kings and Nayakas.

The northern part of Kanchi - called Shiva Kanchi - is filled with temples dedicated to Shiva & Shakti.

The southern part of Kanch , Vishnu Kanchi, is home to many Vishnu temples like the Vaikunda Perumal Temple.

In its grandeur and extravagance the Siva Kanchi steals the show with Kamakshi Temple at its central attraction.

Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (Kanchi Mutt) set up by Adi Shankaracharya is in 500 BCE is in Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is the hub of looms that makes the fabled Kanchipuram Sari.

Why Kanchipuram?

Kanchipuram is easily a spiritual and heritage destination rolled into one.

This is an ideal place to soak in the age old Tamil traditions and lifestyles.

Kanchi makes a fantastic place for shopping destination when it comes to the Kanchipuram Sari.

From a tourism circuit standpoint, Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram),the World Heritage Center is 70km east of Kanchi. Puducherry (Pondicherry), the erstwhile French colony & now a popular weekend destination, is 100km south of Mamallapuram. The trio of Kanchipuram-Mamallapuram-Pondicherry makes a pleasant triangular road trip.

[#road]Kanchipuram is 70km southwest of Chennai and 280 km east of Bangalore.

Major Attractions in Kanchipuram:
Kamakshi Temple This living temple is dedicated to Kamakshi, the ultimate form of Goddess Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari (Parvati). Believed to be built by Pallava kings.

Much of the Kamakshi Temple's architectural features you will see today dates to the 14th-century when an older shrine was extensively rebuilt.

Vaikunta Perumal Temple
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
Kailasanathar Temple : The oldest temple in Kanchi, Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (700-728 CE) built this temple.
Ekambareswarar Temple : Both Pallavas and Cholas built this temple during their periods ( about 5th century to 14th century) . Here Lord Shiva is worshipped in  the form of the earth element. [More...]
Kachapeshwarar Temple
Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
Kanchi Kudil A 100 plus years old home located in the heart of Kanchipuram city. This old home is converted into a tiny museum. Good place to see up close, for those unfamiliar with South Indian household traditions.
Kanchipuram silk Looms Many silk shops in Kanchi city have a showpiece loom inside their shop, to show how the sari is made. The weavers villages are in and around the area. More on Kanchipuram Silk...