Kanchipuram One-Day Itinerary

  1. 9:00AM: Kailasanathar Temple
    10 minutes (1.3 km) from Kanchipuram Bus Stand

    The oldest temple in Kanchipuram dating back to the Pallava dynasty. This is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and has intricate sculptures on its walls.

  2. 11:00AM: Varadharaja Perumal Temple
    15 minutes (2 km) from Kailasanathar Temple

    Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple has seven prakarams or enclosures and is one of the Divya Desams (108 Vishnu temples) in India. It has a magnificent Rajagopuram or temple tower over 200 feet high.

  3. 1:00PM: Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple
    10 minutes (1.2 km) from Varadharaja Perumal Temple

    This is a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati. It has a golden chariot and a Garuda vimanam and is considered one of the most powerful Shakthi peethams in India.

  4. 2:30PM: Kanchi Kudhil
    15 minutes (2.5 km) from Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple

    A restored traditional house with a wonderful collection of ancient artifacts, art and photographs of Kanchipuram dating back to the 18th century. This place is also great to shop for traditional Kanchipuram silk sarees.

  5. 4:00 PM: Ekambareswarar Temple
    20 minutes (3 km) from Kanchi Kudhil

    Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the earth element. The temple has a sacred mango tree that is over 3500 years old and still bears fruit.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kailasanathar Temple (1 hour, Free)
  • Varadharaja Perumal Temple (2 hours, Free)
  • Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Kanchi Kudhil (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Ekambareswarar Temple (1.5 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (7.5 hours, Free)
Restaurants
  • Saravana Bhavan: A famous South Indian vegetarian restaurant known for its delicious dosas and filter coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
  • Rayalaseema Ruchulu: A popular restaurant offering traditional Andhra cuisine, including biryani and spicy curries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
  • Amma Mess: A small mess-style restaurant serving authentic Tamil Nadu dishes like sambar rice and fish curry. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you could visit the other ancient temples in and around Kanchipuram, including the Kumarakottam Temple, the Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, and the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple.

If you have less time, you could skip the Kanchi Kudhil or the Ekambareswarar Temple or both.

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