Temple Trails: A Day Tour of Kanchipuram from Chennai

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8 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Embark on an enriching journey with the "Temple Trails: A Day Tour of Kanchipuram from Chennai." Commencing at 7:00 AM, your day begins with a scenic drive from Chennai to Kanchipuram, offering glimpses of local life along the countryside. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in divine spirituality at the Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, adorned with a majestic gopuram. Explore the Ekambareswarar Temple, representing the element of Earth, and marvel at the intricate carvings of the 8th-century Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple. Note that temples remain closed from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, allowing time for a traditional South Indian lunch and leisurely exploration of local markets for silk sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts. As the day concludes, relish the memories of Kanchipuram's cultural heritage during the drive back to Chennai, with a drop-off at 5:00 PM.

What's Included

English speaking local guide, if option selected.
Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
Lunch, if option selected.
Government Taxes.
Bottled water in the car.
Camera charges at monuments.
Gratuities and optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please provide your hotel name and address at the time of booking or at least 3 days prior to the trip date. Our guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the scheduled time. Contact details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    7:00 AM Pick up from your hotel for excursion visit to Kanchipuram.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Drive to Kanchipuram (2-3 hours): You will be picked up from your hotel in Chennai at 7:00 AM and driven to Kanchipuram, which is located about 70 km from Chennai. The drive will take around 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions. As you drive, you can enjoy the scenic countryside and see local life along the way.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Kamakshi Amman Temple (1-2 hours): On arrival in Kanchipuram, you will visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple, one of the three holy places of Sakthi worship in India. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple has a large gopuram (tower) at the entrance, and inside, you can see a sanctum sanctorum with the idol of the goddess.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Ekambareswarar Temple (1-2 hours): Next, you will visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the five elemental shrines or Pancha Bootha Sthalams, representing the element of Earth. The temple is spread over 25 acres and has a large gopuram at the entrance. Inside, you can see a sanctum sanctorum with the idol of Lord Shiva and many smaller shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple (1-2 hours): Your next stop will be the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built in the 8th century AD by the Pallava dynasty and is known for its intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. The temple has a pyramidal structure with a large gopuram at the entrance. Inside, you can see many shrines and sculptures depicting various mythological stories.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Kanchipuram Silk Saree Weaving Center (1-2 hours): After exploring the temples, you will visit a traditional silk saree weaving center. Kanchipuram is famous for its silk sarees, which are renowned for their rich colors and intricate designs. At the weaving center, you can see skilled weavers creating beautiful sarees using traditional techniques. You can also buy silk sarees and other traditional textiles here.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Lunch (1 hour): You will then stop for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional South Indian cuisine. Shopping (1-2 hours): After lunch, you will have time to explore the local markets and shops. You can buy silk sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, and other souvenirs. Kanchipuram is known for its exquisite silk sarees, so make sure to pick up a few to take back home.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Drive back to Chennai (2-3 hours): Finally, you will start the journey back to Chennai. The drive will take around 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions. As you drive, you can relax and reflect on the rich cultural heritage of Kanchipuram. Drop-off time: 5:00 PM

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Agora Voyages Pvt. Ltd.

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Archaeology Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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