Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is one of the most prominent tourist sites in South India, renowned as the Golden City of Thousand Temples. Kanchipuram offers a diverse range of attractions, including temples, forts, and sanctuaries for those with a wanderlust. The beautiful attractiveness of the city is enhanced even further by the Palar River running through its western outskirts. While pilgrims will most likely have the most fun in the temple city, nature enthusiasts and history buffs will enjoy touring forts and sanctuaries. Kanjivaram Sarees are another well-known product of the city. The locations to see in Kanchipuram are infinite, with architecture that dates back millennia. The city has been ruled by the Cholas and the Pallava Dynasty for over a thousand years, according to historical documents. The Vijaynagar Empire took over after it, before the British took over Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram, which is around 74 kilometers south of Chennai, is a popular weekend retreat for southerners. It is an ideal weekend resort for visitors from the south, particularly from Chennai, due to its strategic location.

History of Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is a 1000-year-old city in India. It is supposed to have existed during the Chola and Pallava kingdoms' periods. From the fourth until the ninth centuries, it served as Pallavas' capital. Kanchipuram was ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire and the Arcot rulers after the Cholas and Pallavas. Before the British conquered India, Kanchipuram was ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire and the Arcot rulers. It was begun by Rajasimha Pallava and finished by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava, who is credited with popularizing stone temple construction in the region. Kanchipuram is also mentioned in the works of fourth-century poet Kalidasa. The Kamakshi Kalyanam is a well-known celebration in the region because of the mythology of the place, which is based on the story of Goddess Kamakshi.

Culture of Kanchipuram

During temple festivals, Bommalattam (puppet shows) are popular. Mayilaattam, Poikaal Kuthirai, Kavadi Attam, Oyilattam, Karakattam, and other popular folk dance styles performed by Kanchipuram residents at festivals and other occasions include: Mayilattam, Poikaal Kuthirai, Kavadi Attam, Oyilattam, Karakattam etc. Traditional dance genres include Bharatanatyam and Villu Pattu, while traditional music includes Carnatic and Bharatanatyam. The region's principal art form, as well as a source of income, is weaving.

Famous food in Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is where traditional South Indian cuisine becomes even more interesting and delectable, with the city's unique twist on classics enriching and delectable the state's dish. Delicious idli, dosa, sambar, vada, and uthappam can be found there.

• Dosa - Rice and black gramme are combined in this shallow fried pancake delicacy. This food is made using a semi-liquid batter that is spread on a flat pan with a ladle and fried crisp. It's packed with boiled and sauteed potatoes and accompanied by sambar and coconut chutney.
• Sambar - Lentils, tamarind, and seasoned veggies are used in this classic South Indian stew. As a side dish, it's best served with boiling rice, idli, or Uttapam dosa. The flavor of the sambar complements the flavor of the accompanying foods. It goes well with rice as well.
• Kanchipuram Idli - Semolina or rice-based savory meal. These seem like white pancakes, but you may add vegetables and spices to give color and flavor. It's delicious when served with coconut chutney and sambar.
• Vada - A savory lentil-based deep-fried dish. Deep-fried golden brown, these delicacies are served with Sambar, a typical south Indian stew. It may be found anywhere from roadside eateries to large hotels and restaurants.
• Uttapam - Rice flour and lentils are used to make another savory dish. It's made using a semi-solid batter that's spread out on a flat pan and topped with crisp onions or veggies. It goes well with Sambar.

Places to visit in Kanchipuram

• Kamakshi Amman Temple - One of the nicest locations to visit in Kanchipuram is the Kamakshi Amman temple, which is also one of the city's oldest temples. This temple is devoted to Goddess Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari and attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world (a form of Goddess Parvati). Kamakshi Amman temple is a Dravidian architectural style temple that spans 2 hectares. The Kamakshi Amman temple, according to Hindu legend, is connected to the Meenakshi Shrine in Madurai and the Visalakshi Temple in Varanasi, making it a significant Hindu temple.
• Ekambareswarar Temple - Ekambareswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is deeply associated with Kanchipuram's land or Prithvi (earth). It is part of Hindu Mythology's Pancha Bhoota Stalam. One of the best locations to visit in Kanchipuram is Ekambareswarar Temple, which is one of India's largest temples. The Vijayanagara period is reflected in the temple's architecture. This temple is 25 acres in size and contains over 20 halls with over 1000 pillars.
• Tiru Parameswara - One of the best attractions to visit in Kanchipuram is Tiru Parameswara Vinnagaram, which is the city's second oldest temple. It was created during the time of Pallava King Narasimhavaraman II and is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. Sculptors of Narsimha and other monarchs may be found on the temple's walls. Lord Vishnu is honored at this temple, which dates back over 1000 years.
• Kumarakottam Temple - Kumarakottam Temple is a major Hindu temple and one of Kanchipuram's most popular tourist attractions. Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of War, is commemorated in this temple. Built in 1915, the temple is one of the city's most important temples. Lord Murugan, the temple's principal deity, is shown carrying a water container (kamandalu) and Rudraksha prayer beads, making him a popular deity in the city.
• Ulagalantha Temple - The Chola monarchy, the Vijayanagar kingdom, and the Madura Nayak kingdom all erected and reconstructed Ulagalantha Perumal Temple. The Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is one of Tamilnadu's most ancient temples. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, a medieval temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, is one of Kanchipuram's most popular tourist attractions. The temple is one of the 108 Divyadesam devoted to Lord Vishnu and is designed in the Dravidian style of architecture.

How to reach? 

• By Air - Chennai, which is 74 kilometers from Kanchipuram, has the nearest airport. All major airlines fly to and from Chennai, which connects it to all of India's major cities.
• By Rail - Chennai is the closest railhead, just like the airport. Tourists can take buses, cabs, or other forms of transportation to Kanchipuram once they arrive at the Chennai central station.
• By Road - Roads from Chennai, Madurai, and even Coimbatore reach Kanchipuram. The road conditions in this section of South India are excellent, and visitors can pick from a variety of public and private buses, both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned, that run on a daily basis.