Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
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One of the holiest cities in India, Kanchipuram was ruled by all the major dynasties of South India, as is evident from the rich cultural lineage they have left behind. Also known as Kanchi, it was a large and famous education centre, with students from all over South India attending the university here. Even the founder and great king of the Kadamba dynasty, Mayura Verma, studied here during the 4th century. The city looks deceptive by nature, but its history and the names of the great kings who lived and ruled from here would raise eyebrows. It is believed that there were over a thousand temples here, but hardly a hundred remain now in the erstwhile kingdom. Once a great learning centre, a great cultural centre and a great civilizational centre, Kanchipuram is now left with the rumblings of the fantastic past through about ten outstanding temples in the city and many around the rural areas. August to March is the best time to visit the city of a thousand pillars, Kanchipuram. It is located approximately 70 kilometres from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. It is well connected by rail routes. Chennai is the nearest airport.
Nearby Places to See
Kamakshi Amman Temple
Built in Dravidian style in a large area, it is the most famous temple in Kanchi. Dedicated to goddess Parvati, the temple’s origin has been traced back to the 7th century, with successive rulers contributing with additions over a period of time. It is the most visited temple in the city.
Built in Dravidian style in a large area, it is the most famous temple in Kanchi. Dedicated to goddess Parvati, the temple’s origin has been traced back to the 7th century, with successive rulers contributing with additions over a period of time. It is the most visited temple in the city.
Varadarajan Perumal Temple
Built during the 11th century by the Chola rulers, it is another magnificent temple dotting the landscape in Kanchi. Dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu, nearly 350 inscriptions are found related to 9 dynasties over a period of 8 centuries. Probably it is the only temple to have such a large number of exclusive inscriptions. The pillars lining up the outer circle of the temple have beautiful designs and sculptural work.
Built during the 11th century by the Chola rulers, it is another magnificent temple dotting the landscape in Kanchi. Dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu, nearly 350 inscriptions are found related to 9 dynasties over a period of 8 centuries. Probably it is the only temple to have such a large number of exclusive inscriptions. The pillars lining up the outer circle of the temple have beautiful designs and sculptural work.
Ekambareshwara Temple
Built by the Cholas and then improved by later rulers, mainly the Vijayanagara rulers, the origin of the temple is dated to the 9th or 10th century. The temple, built with attractive architecture and a beautiful pond, is considered the ‘must visit trio’ of Kanchipuram, along with the above-mentioned 2 temples.
Built by the Cholas and then improved by later rulers, mainly the Vijayanagara rulers, the origin of the temple is dated to the 9th or 10th century. The temple, built with attractive architecture and a beautiful pond, is considered the ‘must visit trio’ of Kanchipuram, along with the above-mentioned 2 temples.
Kanchi Kudil
It is a house that is over a century old and is now used as a museum to showcase the lives of people back then. The rooms, furniture, accessories, and many other items are preserved and showcased. A large number of tourists visit this place.
It is a house that is over a century old and is now used as a museum to showcase the lives of people back then. The rooms, furniture, accessories, and many other items are preserved and showcased. A large number of tourists visit this place.
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