Key hubs
Kanchipuram airport and railway station
- Airport
- Chennai International Airport (MAA), about 72 km away; roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road, traffic dependent
- Railway station
- Kanchipuram (CJ), on the Chengalpattu–Arakkonam line; most visitors find road transfers from Chennai simpler
- Getting around
- Auto-rickshaws and a hired car with driver; temples cluster in two areas, so one car covers most of the day
How to reach Kanchipuram by air
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the nearest major airport, about 72 km away. Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by road to Kanchipuram, depending on traffic.
How to reach Kanchipuram by train
Kanchipuram station (CJ) is on the Chengalpattu–Arakkonam line. Most visitors from Chennai find a road transfer simpler; check train timings if you prefer to travel by rail.
How to reach Kanchipuram by road
Kanchipuram lies about 72 km south-west of Chennai and connects by road to Chennai, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam. Government and private buses run from Chennai; a hired car and driver is the easiest option.
Getting around Kanchipuram
Auto-rickshaws and app taxis work for short trips, and a car with driver is easiest for a full day. The main temples sit in two clusters, so a single car covers most of the route.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Kanchipuram
- Temple floors are barefoot. Carry thin socks only where the temple allows them, and wear clothes you can walk in comfortably.
- Varadharaja Perumal Temple is the most demanding because of its size and a flight of steps to the hill shrine. Kailasanathar, Vaikunta Perumal and Ulagalantha Perumal are the easiest.
- Hire a car and driver for the day rather than switching between autos. It gives you a cool place to rest and a waiting point at each temple.
- Carry water, a hat and any medicine you need. Midday closures at temples are normal, so plan lunch and a rest around them.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.