The City of a Thousand Temples

Kancheepuram is the crucible of Tamil tradition and culture. The city is world famous for its silk weaving, with Kanchipuram Silk being a recognizable brand. Many people have left their mark on the city from the Pallavas to the British.

Architectural Exhibits of Kanchipuram

1. Kailasanathar Temple
2. Ekambareswarar Temple
3. Varadaraja Perumal Temple
4. Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
5. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

Kailasanathar Temple: Kailasanathar Temple is the only temple in Kanchipuram that has retained its original architectural style and there are no additions to the complex by the Cholas or Vijayanagar rulers. The kanchi Kailasanathar temple is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram. Located in Tamil Nadu, it is a Hindu temple in the Dravidian architectural style. It is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and is known for its historical importance

Ekambareswarar Temple: Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the five major Shiva temples called Pancha Bootha Kshetrams, (five elements temples) each representing a natural element. In this shrine, the element represented is Earth. This vast temple is one of the most ancient in India having been in existence since at least 600 AD. Second century AD Tamil poetry speaks of Kama kottam, and the Kumara kottam (currently the Kamakashi Amman temple and the Subramanya temple). The existing structure then, was pulled down and rebuilt by the Pallava Kings. The Cholas, who came later, also made several contributions to the temple. No separate shrine for Parvati exists here (as in other Shiva temples in Kanchipuram). There is a small shrine for Lord Vishnu named Thiru Nilaaththingal Thundathan. Here, the Lord Vishnu is prayed as Vamana Murthy.

Varadaraja Perumal Temple: Varadharaja Perumal Temple or Hastagiri or Attiyuran is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The 100-pillared mandapam (hall) in Varadaraja Perumal Temple is carved out of a single rock and is a real masterpiece. Many pillars are embellished with minute carvings. Among the Divya Desams, Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple is known as the ‘Perumal Koil’

Vaikuntha Perumal Temple: An interesting feature of the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple is the ingenuous designing of the two flights of steps leading from the ground floor to the first floor for ascending and descending. They are constructed in such a way that they are not visible from the outside. Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram or Vaikunta Perumal Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a must visit if you are love nature and birds; the sight of thousands of graceful birds flapping around is bound to send you into raptures!