Attractions

Places to See in Kanchipuram :

Kailasanathar Temple : This is the oldest and perhaps the most beautiful temple in Kanchipuram. The architecture reflects the simple early Dravidian style. King Rajasimha built this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the 7th century. There are 58 small shrines around the main shrine those honor Shiva, Parvati, Murugan and Ganesh.

Ekambaranathar Temple : This is one of the largest temples in Kanchi. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and covers approximately 12 hectares. The Pallavas built this thousand-pillared temple in the 7th century. Later the Cholas and the Vijayanagara kings improved it. Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagar dynasty built the 59m tall gopuram and the massive outer stone wall in 1509. The mango tree in the temple yard, believed to be 3500 years old, has four branches representing four Vedas. The tree still bears fruits.

Vaikuntaperumal Temple : This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is built shortly after the Kailasqnathar temple. Pallava king Nandivarman Pallavamalla built the temple. The main shrine, on three levels, has images of Vishnu in standing, sitting and reclining positions. Numerous inscriptions relating to the wars between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas are found here.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple : Located on Hastagiri rock at the end of Kanchipuram town, the temple is dedicated to Vishnu. The temple provides glimpses of 16th century pillared pavilion with exuberant workmanship.

Kamakshi Amman Temple : This 14th century Chola temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the guise of Kamakshi, the presiding deity of Kanchi. This is one of the three holiest places of Shakti worship in India. The other two is being Madurai and Varanasi. The temple car festival is in Feb. - Mar.

Devarajaswamy Temple : Vijayanagara kings built this temple dedicated to Vishnu. It has a beautifully sculptured pillared hall and a marriage hall. Within the large temple tank a 10m statue of Vishnu is immersed. Once in every 40 years the tank will be drained so that the statue could be viewed. It was viewed last in 1979 and said to have had visitors over 10 million.

Excursion sites :- Thiruthani (42 km): Situated on a hill-top, it is one of the six abodes of Lord Subrahmanya. Vedanthangal (48 km): A big water bird sanctuary. Season is Oct-March. Sriperumbudur (29 km): Former prime minister and son of Indira gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in a bomb blast here. A memorial has been built for him.