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Municipal Corporation in Tamil Nadu, India
Photo: Ssriram mt, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kanchipuram or Kancheepuram (Tamil: காஞ்சிபுரம் Kānjiburam), formerly Conjeevaram, is a major pilgrimage site in northern Tamil Nadu. One of the most important spiritual centres of Hinduism, Kanchipuram has several medieval temples with spectacular architecture. It used to be the capital of the Pallava kingdom from the 4th to the 10th century, and was a centre of learning for all the major religions of South India. Hindu temples are still present and in use today, and there are archaeological remains of Jain temples. Unfortunately, although Kanchipuram was reputed to be the centre of Buddhism in South India, and was visited by Chinese Buddhist monks, there are no remains of the Buddhist presence today.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The highest, largest and most impressive temple in town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period. Represents the earth form of the five form-element abodes of Lord Shiva. Featuring huge quantities of carved stonework, it is one of the most important Shiva temples. The inner sanctum protects a mango tree said to be 3500 years old, embodying the four Vedas and bearing fruits of four different tastes each season. Much of the 40 acres of the temple seems to be closed to visitors, but the central building is impressive enough.
Abode of Kamakshi (Parvati), consort of Shiva.
This chain is known for good south Indian food with branches all over. You have the choice of self service, a lunch room with fans, or an a/c room that is nicely cool. Food is consistently good and particularly good for Westerners because of high standards for cleanliness. Extensive menu in English. Try the 'fourteen idli' (sambar idli), which is idli swimming in sambar sauce.
Very long established pure vegetarian restaurant in South Indian style. Sit down, watch a banana leaf get spread in front of you and loaded up with rice, curry and breads. Drinking water is also served. Extra curry and rice were offered to me at no charge, so a meal here is basically "all you can eat".
At Hotel Baboo Soorya
Basically this place is tiny. It could be better called 'a restaurant that serves alcohol' but is full by 9PM even on a Sunday. Tiny spot. If you go, then go early...but take my advice and opt elsewhere if possible.
You can buy your booze here and then drink it in your hotel. Note that many hotels forbid drinking, so either check first or hide the evidence!
Nice little spot with no hassle, old school bartender dude who's apparently been there 20 years. Relatively spacious. Must smoke outside but there's space and it's only a doorway away. As close to heaven as a visiting alcoholic is going to get.
A nice hotel with free wireless internet.
Spacious, marble-encrusted double rooms with VERY basic amenities and fan go for ₹600. They claimed to have no singles free. Definitely not a first-choice, but the location is very central and it beats walking about in the heat of the day searching! AC rooms were reportedly 900.
Modest but clean. Inexpensive, attentive staff.
By bus
The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu.
By car
Kanchipuram is 69 km from Chennai and about 280 km from Bangalore.
By auto-rickshaw
Three wheeler auto-rickshaws are also available. You need to fix the price before you start - you will find these all around the town.
By taxi
There are a large number of taxis that hang out just north of the bus station, east of the roundabout.
On foot
Kanchipuram's sidewalks are not ideal for walking! Many shops keep their merchandise on their sidewalks for free space, and cars and motorcycles park on the sidewalks as well.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Chennai · International · MAA
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