Kanchipuram, also spelled Kancheepuram and once known as Conjeevaram, sits on the Vegavathi river about 72 km south-west of Chennai. The Pallavas made it their capital from about the 6th century, and it stayed a major religious and learning centre under the Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers and later dynasties. The town is said to hold more than a thousand temples, and fifteen of the 108 Divya Desams, the sacred Vishnu sites of Sri Vaishnavism, are here.
For a visitor, the town divides loosely in two. Shiva Kanchi, the larger half, holds Ekambareswarar and Kamakshi Amman. Vishnu Kanchi, a little to the east, holds Varadharaja Perumal and several other Divya Desams. Kailasanathar and Vaikunta Perumal, the two early Pallava temples, add a quieter, older layer of carved stone. The temples are working shrines, so expect barefoot walking, modest dress and short midday closures.
The other thing Kanchipuram is known for is silk. Kanchipuram silk sarees were the first product in India to receive a Geographical Indication tag, in 2005, and the weavers still work through co-operative societies and private looms. Seeing a loom or buying from a society is an easy indoor break for older travellers.
Most people visit as a long day trip from Chennai, which works, but a night in town lets you reach the temples at opening time, when it is cool and quiet. Plan one big sight in the morning, a long break in the afternoon, and a gentle second visit before the temples close for the day.
Before you plan
Kanchipuram at a glance
- Best months
- November to FebruaryNovember to February. April to June is very hot, and October to December brings northeast-monsoon showers.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 long day from Chennai1 long day from Chennai, or 2 days for a relaxed temple pace
- Airport
- Chennai International AirportChennai International Airport (MAA), about 72 km away; roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road, traffic dependent
- Railway station
- KanchipuramKanchipuram (CJ), on the Chengalpattu–Arakkonam line; most visitors find road transfers from Chennai simpler
- Getting around
- Auto-rickshaws and a hired car with…Auto-rickshaws and a hired car with driver; temples cluster in two areas, so one car covers most of the day
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹1,500–₹3,500 per person per…Roughly ₹1,500–₹3,500 per person per day excluding hotel, for food, local transport and any special-darshan tickets; varies with car hire
- Senior comfort
- Good with planning: most temples are…Good with planning: most temples are level, but barefoot walking, queues and heat are the issues; go early and rest at midday
- Language
- TamilTamil; English is understood at hotels and showrooms, less so at small temples
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Kanchipuram: January, February, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Kanchipuram itinerary
One good day
1 day in Kanchipuram
Reach town by 8 am. Start at Kailasanathar Temple while it is quiet, then see Vaikunta Perumal Temple for its carved cloister. Go to Ekambareswarar Temple before the heat builds and spend about an hour and a half there. Have an early lunch and rest. In the afternoon, visit Varadharaja Perumal Temple if you can manage the walking, or Ulagalantha Perumal Temple if you want something shorter, and finish at a silk society showroom before the drive back to Chennai.
Two days
2 days in Kanchipuram
Begin at Kailasanathar Temple at opening time, then see Vaikunta Perumal Temple. After a break, visit Ekambareswarar Temple in the late morning, then rest through the afternoon. In the evening go to Kamakshi Amman Temple when it is cooler, and walk the nearby streets for flowers and sweets.
Three unhurried days
3 days in Kanchipuram
Start at Kailasanathar Temple, then Vaikunta Perumal Temple. Rest, then spend the late afternoon at Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple, one of the oldest Vishnu temples in town.
