India · Religious & Spiritual

Temple Trails: A Day Tour of Kanchipuram from Chennai

9 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Chennai. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day excursion from Chennai to Kanchipuram
  • 02 Visit Kamakshi Amman Temple, a major Sakthi worship site
  • 03 Explore Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams
  • 04 See the 8th-century Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
  • 05 Visit a traditional Kanchipuram silk saree weaving center
  • 06 Enjoy time for shopping in local markets
  • 07 Travel in a private AC car or van
  • 08 Optional local guide, entrance fees, and lunch available

Discover the sacred city of Kanchipuram on a full-day journey from Chennai, exploring some of South India’s most revered temple sites and cultural traditions. Visit the Kamakshi Amman Temple, the vast Ekambareswarar Temple, and the historic Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, each offering its own architectural character and spiritual significance.

Alongside its temple heritage, Kanchipuram is also celebrated for its silk weaving. During the day, you’ll visit a traditional silk saree weaving center and have time to browse local markets for sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. With private transport from Chennai and a full day of sightseeing, this tour combines spirituality, history, and local craftsmanship in one memorable experience.

At the weaving center, you can see skilled weavers creating beautiful sarees using traditional techniques.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Chennai, Kanchipuram
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

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

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Chennai. 2 cities · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private AC car/van for pick up and drop off from/to your hotel.
  • English speaking local guide, if option selected.
  • Entrance fees to monuments, if option selected.
  • Lunch, if option selected.
  • Bottled water in the car.
  • Government Taxes.

What's Not Included

  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Please provide up pick up information at least one day before the tour
  • 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. Details will be shared one day prior to the tour.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Chennai.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Chennai.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Chennai..

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