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Kanchipuram is one of the most sacred Hindu
pilgrimage sites in India and the seat of the Shankaracharya. The
temple city of Kanchipuram extends from latitude 12° 50' in the
north to longitude 79° 45' in the east. The city is situated around
70 km from Chennai in the south Indian state of Tamil
Nadu.Kanchipuram is a Spectacular Temple city known as city of
thousand templeswhich reflects the Glorious Traditions of South
India with its noted temples. Kanchipuram or the Golden City of
Temples is one of the most important centers of Hindu religion and
also one of thmost picturesque. The place is one of India's seven
sacred cities and the second holiest after Varanasi.The city was
once the capital of the Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar
rulers. It was under the Pallavas from 6th to 8th century AD but,
during that period, was also briefly occupied by the Chalukyas, and
the Rashtrakutas. Many of the temples situated here are the work of
the Pallavas and later Cholas.
How to Reach Kanchipuram
By Road - Kanchipuram is 75 kms away from Chennai and is well
connected by a good network of roads. There are frequent bus
services from Kanchi to Chennai, Bangalore and other places.
By Air - The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, just
a 2 hours drive away.
By Rail - Can be reached from Chennai central railway station and Arakkonam railway station.
History of Kanchipuram
The remains of a few Buddhist stupas are indication that Buddhism
also prevailed here for a little while. One of the four seats of Sri
Adi Shankaracharya (a great Hindu sage), the Kanchi Kamakotti
Peetham is situated here. It has been a center for Tamil learning
and culture for centuries and presents the glorious Dravidian
heritage of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) and Shaivites
(worshippers of Shiva).
Places to visit in Kanchipuram
Ananthasayanam - It was a flourishing port town during the time of
Pallavas.This is one of the main tourist place in kanchipuram. The
monuments of Mamallapuram are excellent specimen of Dravidian temple
architecture and Pallava art.
Covelong -The Beach - This is a small fishing village 40 kms from
Chennai on the Mahabalipuram road. There are the remains of a fort
which now functions as a luxury beach resort. Facilities for
windsurfing and swimming are available here. A dargah and an ancient
church are located here.
Daksha Chitrad - Daksha Chitrad has relocated 18th, 19th and early
20th century houses and re-created village streets and work places
providing authentic insights into the domestic architecture, spatial
organisation, life-styles and character of the essential Tamilian or
Keralite or Andhrite or Kannadiga.
Sriperumpudur - It is 29 kms from Chennai on the way to Kanchipuram.
It is the birth place of Saint Ramanujar, the Father of
Visishtadvaida philosophy of Vaishnavism and hence an important
pilgirim centre for the Vaishnavites.
The Crocodile Bank - Just 14 kms from Mamallapuram is a crocodile
breeding center. At this center about 5000 crocodiles of 6 different
species,alligators & other reptiles are bred in captivity, kept in
open, marshy enclosures. There is also a snake farm where anti venom
is produced and there is a regular venoem extraction show.
Attractions near by Kanchipuram
Tour to Kanchipuram The Ekambaranathar Temple in the city was built
by the Pallavas and was later reconstructed by the Chola and
Vijayanagar kings. Shiva is worshiped here as Prithvi (earth), one
of the five basic elements of the physical world. The dimensions of
the temple are reflected in its 20-acre spread and its tall south
Gopuram, which soars to a height of 58.5 m. The temple has 11
stories and one of the tallest temple towers in South India. The
structure is decorated with beautiful sculptures.The Vaikunta
Perumal Temple dates back to the 8th century and was built by
Nandivarma Pallava. Battle scenes depicting Pallava valor are carved
on the panels surrounding the main parikrama of this Vaishnavite
temple.The Varadaraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is
worshipped as Devarajaswamy here. This temple, which has a
100-pillared hall, was built by the Vijayanagar kings and displays
the mastery of their artists. Among the best pieces are the severed
halves of a large chain carved out of a single stone, and the
figures of the God of Love and his consort astride a swan and a
parrot respectively.The Kailasanathar Temple was constructed by the
Pallava kings in the 8th century AD and has an attractive panel
depicting Shiva and Parvati in the midst of one of their innumerable
dance competitions. The architecture of this temple resembles the
Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.The Kamakshi Amman Temple has an
imposing structure and is dedicated to goddess Parvati in her
incarnation as Kamakshi, the goddess of Love.
Activities at Kanchipuram
Vedantangal - Birds Sanctuary - It is one of the major Water
Bird Sanctuaries in India.of 48 Kms from Kanchipuram . The birds
nest on the branches of submerged trees. Storks, Egrets, Cormorants,
Darter, Flamingos, Pelicans, moor hens,herons, kingfishers,
sandpipers, white ibis,spoonbills, swans and grey wagtails are some
of the birds which arrive here during season.The best season time is
between October and March, when a large number of migratory birds
visit. The birds can be viewed from the bank or from the watch
tower.
Where to Stay in Kanchipuram
Accommodation is available at the moderate class hotels,
lodges and choultries in Kanchipuram
Places to eat
in Kanchipuram
Hotel Abirami on Kamarazar Street and Hotel Sakthi Ganapathi
opposite the bus stand serve excellent breakfast. Sridhar Cafe on
Gandhi Road is as good. Also try the India Coffee House near Theradi.
Adayar Ananda Bhavan at Nellukkara Street serves great fast food
items, snacks and sweets.has separate veg and non-veg restaurants.
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