Sri Ekambareswarar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Prithvilingam, this is one the largest and most popular temple in Kanchipuram. Sprawling across a huge area, its striking features include the 57 metres high gopuram and the massive outer stone wall. The temple has five spacious corridors and an intricately carved 1000-pillared hall. The inner walls are adorned with 1008 Shiva lingams. The courtyard has a 3500 years old mango tree, whose branches are believed to yield four different varieties of mangoes!
Open from: 6.30 am-12.30 pm; 4.00 pm-8.30 pm
Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple: Dedicated to Parvati in the form of Kamakshi, this temple is the site of the famous annual Car Festival in February or March when the Goddess is taken out on a procession throughout the town. The sanctum is located beneath the gold-plated vimana, situated within the Gayatri Mandapam, and supported by 24 pillars coordinating with the 24 letters of the Gayatri Mantra. Within it sits the main deity holding a sugarcane bow, noose, staff and flower arrows in her hands. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Adi Sankaracharya, who placed a chakra before the main idol. Outside the main temple is a mango tree beneath which Kamakshi is believed to have worshipped a Shivalingam made of sand and gained Shiva's hand in marriage.
Open from: 6 am-12 noon; 4.00 pm-8.30 pm
Important - Men need to remove their shirts to enter the Gayatri Mandapam. Cameras and mobile phone are not permitted within the sanctum.
Sri Kailasanathar Temple: Another temple to Lord Shiva, it is noted for its unique construction in red sandstone. The main shrine is bound by 58 smaller shrines and its walls are adorned with sculptures and fresco-style paintings. This is undoubtedly one of the simplest temples and lacks ornamentation in any form. The only decoration you are likely to see is the sculpted walls with images of Shiva in various forms and postures, Parvati and lions.
Open from: 6.00 am-12.00 pm; 4.00 pm-7.00 pm
Important - Non-Hindus are not allowed beyond the first enclosure of the inner rooms
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple: This temple is another attraction in Kanchipuram. It is dedicated to Vishnu and is located atop the Hastigiri or Elephant Hill. The main deity is known as Varadaraja Perumal and stands atop the hill. The temple is sculpturally rich with carvings of riders on horsebacks and carved lizards plated in gold. In fact, don't miss the twin lizards crafted in gold and silver that promise to annul the sins of those who touch them. Its most striking features are the 100-pillared hall carved out of a monolith, complete with carvings of horse-riders and ornamental rings also carved out of a single stone at the four corners. The 16th century pillared pavilion is also found in this temple. The deity as Attivaradar is carved out of atti wood and enshrined within the temple tank. He is brought out once before the public once every 40 years for 48 days. Celebrated with great show and attended by thousands here is the annual Garudothsavam Festival between May and June.
Open from: 6.00 am-12.00 noon; 3.30 pm-8.00 pm
Camera Photography Rs 5; Videography Rs 100
Important - Non-Hindus are not allowed beyond the flagstaff
Sri Ulagalanda Perumal Temple: Dedicated to the Trivikrama form of Vishnu, the main idol is 35 feet high and 24 feet wide posing with one foot on the earth and the other on the sky.
Open from: 6.00 am-12.00 pm; 4.00 pm-8.00 pm
Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple: Another Vaishnava Temple, the temple is well-known for its sculptures and inscriptions. Its inner walls are completely decorated in lion-shaped pillars, which are believed to be forerunners of the 1000-pillared halls in later temples.
Open from: 6.00 am-11.00 am; 4.00 pm-6.30 pm
Sri Kacchapaeswarar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, a unique feature of this temple is the idol of Lord Shiva being worshipped by Vishnu in the form of a turtle.
Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple: This temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama performed the funeral rites for Jatayu, the bird.
Jain Temples: Located at Tirupparuthikkundram, these two 9th century shrines were built for the Jain Tirthankaras. Out of these, one remains inaccessible and the other is adorned with frescoes and a huge image of the Mahavira.
Open from: 9.00 am-6.00 pm
Entry fee - Rs 10
Sri Subramaniya Swami Temple: A must-visit temple for Hindus, the location of this temple within the city makes it extremely significant and is even mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. This temple is also known for the 'Soma Skandha' posture in which Lord Shiva has Goddess Shakthi to his left and their son Lord Subramanya seated between them.
Vedantangal Bird Sanctuary: One of the best and most renowned water bird sanctuaries in India, the nests are usually located on the branches of submerged trees. Most commonly sighted are storks, egrets, cormorants, darter, flamingos, pelicans, moor hens, herons, kingfishers, sandpipers, white ibis, spoonbills, swans and gray wagtails are some of the birds. Visit it between October and March, when a large number of migratory birds bring life to this sanctuary.
Muttukkadu Lake: Located almost 80 kms from Kanchipuram, this lake is created out of the backwaters and are abundant in boating and wind surfing facilities.
Kanchi Kudil: A perfect example to experience the life and times of the locals. Kanchi Kudil is a 90-year-old heritage house that has preserved its authentic old-world charm, typical of the ancient style of living. Also added here are descriptions on the Kanchipuram's history, traditional music and a range of handicrafts for tourists to buy as souvenirs.
Anna Memorial: Kanchipuram is the birthplace of Dr. C.N. Annadurai, a scholar statesman, who was affectionately called Anna (elder brother). His ancestral house today has been converted into a memorial.
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