Our trip to Kanchipuram in January 2024 was part of a bigger journey through southern India. After spending a day in Chennai, we drove over to Mahabalipuram for a day trip, then continued on to Kanchipuram before heading to Vellore. From there, we made a stop in Kattarikupam, a peaceful spot off the beaten path, before heading back to Chennai.
We didn’t stop there, though—next, we flew to Vietnam and Malaysia, then finally returned home to New Zealand. More travel stories are coming soon!
Introduction
Kanchipuram, known as the city of a thousand temples, has a rich history and is a major spiritual center in southern India. After a short drive from Mahabalipuram, we arrived in this ancient city, famous for its temples and silk weaving industry. Kanchipuram is not only home to some of the oldest temples in India, but also to one of the most renowned silk weaving traditions in the country. Here’s a look at some of the key places we visited.
Itinerary
Click Here: Our South India Itinerary
- Arrival in Chennai – January 3, 2024 After a morning flight from Goa, we arrived in Chennai and settled in for the night. This was a brief stop before heading to our next destination.
- Trip to Mahabalipuram – January 4, 2024 After breakfast, we drove to Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient rock-cut temples and coastal charm. We spent the day exploring the famous monuments, including the Shore Temple and Arjuna’s Penance, before continuing our journey.
- Kanchipuram and Vellore – January 5, 2024 The next leg of our trip took us to Kanchipuram, a city famous for its temples and silk weaving. After sightseeing, we proceeded to Vellore, where we stayed overnight.
- Return to Chennai via Kattarikupam – January 6, 2024 On our way back to Chennai, we made a stop at Kattarikupam to spend some time before returning to the city for another overnight stay.
- Exploring Chennai – January 7, 2024 This was our main sightseeing day in Chennai. We visited key landmarks, including the famous Marina Beach and Kapaleeshwarar Temple. The afternoon was free for shopping, which gave us time to explore some of the local markets and pick up souvenirs.
- Departure from Chennai – January 8, 2024 After breakfast, we transferred to the airport for our departure, wrapping up our journey through this part of India.
Things We Did
Sri Ekambaranathar Temple
Our first stop in Kanchipuram was the Sri Ekambaranathar Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a huge 57-meter-high tower at the entrance. Inside, there’s a large courtyard with a 3,500-year-old mango tree, said to have four branches representing the four Vedas. It’s one of the largest temples in the city, and walking through it gives you a real sense of the history and size of Kanchipuram.
I enjoyed wandering around the temple admiring the architecture and beauty, though I wasn’t allowed into the inner sanctum. That was fine by me—I just used the time to soak up the atmosphere and practice sitting on the floor cross-legged while waiting for Nisha and Basker to visit the sanctum. When they came back, they were both excited and felt blessed, so it was a great experience for them. At first, Nisha wasn’t allowed in, she must have looked too foreign, but our guide intervened and they let her in, and I’m glad they did.
Kailasanatha Temple
Our next stop in Kanchipuram was the Kailasanatha Temple. This 7th-century temple is one of the oldest in the city, and it’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is well-known for its carved stone walls and its simple yet beautiful design. We took our time walking around the temple, admiring the craftsmanship and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. This is a must-see if you’re in Kanchipuram, especially if you enjoy history and architecture.
It was all outdoors, which is something I really enjoy, so the walk through the temple grounds was a real treat. The atmosphere was calm and serene, making it easy to relax and take in the surroundings. The whole place is steeped in history, with every corner offering something to marvel at—whether it was the intricate sculptures, the grand architecture, or the timeless beauty of the ancient stonework.
As we walked around, it felt like stepping back in time, surrounded by reminders of a culture and tradition that has lasted for centuries. There was so much to take in, and I found myself stopping every now and then to appreciate the level of craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these sculptures and buildings.
It’s not just about the spiritual significance; every stone seemed to have a story to tell, and the entire experience for me was a nice mix of history and culture.
Visit to a Silk Weaver and Sari Maker
One of the highlights of our visit was getting to see how Kanchipuram’s famous silk sarees are made. We visited a local silk weaver’s workshop, where we saw the entire process—from dyeing the silk to weaving it into intricate designs on traditional looms. The work that goes into these sarees is impressive, and it’s easy to see why Kanchipuram silk is so highly regarded. It was a fascinating experience, and we even got to watch the weavers at work.
We also visited a local silk sari maker to learn more about the tradition of Kanchipuram silk. This part of the trip gave us a closer look at the craftsmanship involved in making these beautiful sarees. The designs are often passed down from generation to generation, and it’s clear that a lot of time and skill goes into each piece.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Regency Kanchipuram by GRT Hotels, a nice place that gave us a comfortable base to explore. The resort had good amenities and a restaurant serving local food. After a busy day, we appreciated the peaceful environment and the chance to relax.
Getting Around
We got around Kanchipuram with the same driver who had taken us around other parts of southern India. He was very reliable and made sure we were always on time and comfortable. Having a local driver is a great way to see a place like Kanchipuram, especially when it comes to navigating the narrow streets and getting to the best spots.
Wrapping Up the Day
Our time in Kanchipuram was a great experience. The temples were impressive, and learning about the city’s silk weaving traditions was an eye-opener. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply want to see something unique, Kanchipuram is definitely worth a visit. If you find yourself in southern India, make sure to put it on your list.
Kanchipuram done – meet you in the next leg of our Indian journey! ♡ Janet
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