Here are some of the best places in the city that you can include in your Kanchipuram tour package:
• Kailasanathar Temple:
The Kailasanathar Temple translates to “The Temple of the Lord of Mt. Kailash”. It is the oldest temple to be built in the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has more than 50 small shrines within the complex. The construction of this ancient temple began under the rulership of Pallava King, Rajsimha, and was completed in the 8th century under the kingship of Mahendraverman III. The temple is a must-visit and you should include the place in your Kanchipuram tourism checklist. The temple is managed by Kanchipuram Tourism and there is no entry cost, but there is a small price to be paid for your footwear to be housed outside the temple.
• Varadaraja Perumal Temple:
The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is one of the 108 Desams and spans an area of 23 acres. There are around 400 pillared walls dedicated to Varadraja Swami in the complex. The architecture is a fine example of traditional Dravidian workmanship. If one decides to visit this temple during the months of May or June, they can experience the Bhramotsavam, which is the main festival of the temple. You can book your Kanchipuram trip online with Veena World to witness this once a year carnival.
• Vaikunta Perumal Temple:
Located in the Vishnu Kanchi, the Vaikunta Perumal is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was built in the 8th century and is currently under the care of the Archaeology Department of the Government of India. If you plan your vacation for a Kanchipuram trip right, you can even witness the temples in full grandeur during the festival of Vaikunta Ekadasi. This temple is also managed by the Kanchipuram Tourism board and there is no entry cost.
• Ulagalanda Perumal:
The Ulagalanda Perumal temple was built in the honour of an ‘Avtaram’ of Lord Vishnu. Located in Vishnu Kanchi, the temple was built during the Chola period under the kingship of Jayam Konda Cholan. Ulagalanda Perumal translates to ‘The God Who Conquered Earth”. The tale speaks of Lord Vishnu measuring the entire universe in a single step, in his ‘Vaman Avtaram’. The temple is beautifully built with typical Chola architecture and brilliantly carved statues adorn the pillars of the temple. The Ulagalanda Perumal must not be missed in a Kanchipuram tour package, as it houses a 45-foot-tall statue of Lord Vishnu.
• Kamakshi Temple:
The Kamakshi Temple is a hard-to-miss destination when you tour the city as it is located in the heart of the town. The temple was built in the honour of Kamakshi Devi in the 12th Century. During the period of Navratri, the temple really comes alive, with thousands of devotees flocking to celebrate the occasion. The temple is managed by Kanchipuram Tourism and there is no entry cost, but a small price for your footwear to be housed outside the temple.
• Shop for Silk:
Kanchipuram Silk is world-famous for its quality and craftsmanship. In Kanchipuram, you wouldn't have to go very far to find shops that offer authentic varieties of Kanchipuram silk. Pure Mulberry Silk with Zari work is the hallmark among the finest varieties of Kanchipuram silk. While on a tour of Kanchipuram, you can visit the markets in town to find your choice of silk work or you could plan it as a one-day trip/ vacation to Kanchipuram for shopping and exploring the markets of the town.