One of the revered place of the Hindus, Kachipuram lies 70 kms south of Chennai. An important destination it is considered an integral part of the Golden triangle of South India that consists of Chennai and Mahabalipuiram with it. The place is alo remembered as a seat of learning of the great Shankaracharya, the famous Advaita philosopher. In present context the city is counted among the seven holiest sacred cities and is next in line in to Varanasi in popularity and importance among the devotees.


Kachipuram remained the capital of different successive dynasties starting from the Pallavas to the Cholas and the Rajas of Vijayanagar. It was during the period of the Pallavas some where between 6th and 7th century that the magnificent temples were erected. The city is prominent in present times for the hand-woven silk fabrics and is regularly visited by tourists from all over India and abroad.


Major Attractions
» Ekambareswarar Temple
The Temple list among the 1st of the 32 Tevara Stalam constructed in the Tondai region of Southern India. Meant special and considered one of the sacred temple, it is the largest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Kanchipuram.The temple is referred to as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind, water,Fire,Earth and space. The temple once dominated the historical capital of the Pallava rulers

A significant portion of the temple was built the Pallava rulers while the rest of the temple complex was erected in the 17th century. The temple prides of its towering 60 meters high gopuram built by Krishna Deva Raja of the Vijaya Nagara Kingdomin about 1509. No two towers can be found opposite each other nor are the walls of the temple parallel to each other. The premise of the temple has a 540 pillar hall with intricate decorations.The pillared hall was built by the Vijayanagara Monarch.

» Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Abundant with trees surrounding the entire locality, the Bird Sanctuary is near the village tank. Different variety can be spotted including the migratory ones . The wild species includes sandpiper, spoonbill, swan and grey wagtail. The lovely picture of the birds can be taken in the months of October to February.
» Kailashnatha Temple
One of the oldest temple in Kachipuram, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shivaand reflects the simplicity of the Dravidian architecture. It was constructed by the Pallava Kings Rayasimha and can be bet described as the successor of the rock temples at Mahabalipuram.The base of the temple has portrait of lions standing on their hind legs. Created in the later part of the 7th century, King Ramasimha’s son later restructured the front side of the temple. Nearby smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha along with Murugan can be seen.

» Kamakshi Amman Temple
Goddess Parvati in the form of Kamakshi is worshipped in the temple.The temple is more commonly called Goddess of Love. The inner shrine or the sanctum sanctorum of the elusive temple can be reached by passing through a narrow mandapam. The mandapam is a large hall intricately decorated and designed.

» Vaikuntha Perumal Temple
The temple built shortly after the creation of the Kailashnatha temple is considered an abode of Lord Vishnu, The path to the outer walls of the temples are supported by pillars and decorated with lion paintings. The intricate designs inside the temple demonstrate the first phase of the architectural make over to built the grand thousand pillared mandaps of temples in south Indian. The shrine devoted to Lord Vishnu is on three different strata containing the images of Lord Vishnu in standing posture as well as sitting and reclining forms.


Nearby Attractions
» Tiruttani
Considered as one of the six places of worship of Lord Subramanya,the temple in Tiruttani is placed on a hilltop and has 365 steps which symbolises the 365 days of the year. Visitors have to climb the steps on their feet to reach the temple erected on a higher altitude.. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Subramanya had married the beautiful Valli, one of his consorts at this very place. The Karthigai festival held in the month of December is celebrated with great pomp and festivity.


Shopping
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees are famous all over India and popular in all parts of the world. They can be bought from the cooperative societies under the control of the government and are cheap in price. There are a lot of variety available at the private merchant outlets.

Accommodation
TM Hotel Kanchipuram offers a relaxed atmosphere to the visitors coming to the sacred palace. Centrally air-conditioned rooms with guest facility are available to the tourists with hot and cold water and satellite television. The hotel has been tastefully furnished along with clean environment and better hospitality. Other important hotel found there is the 2 star hotel Crystal Inn.


How to Reach
» By Air
Chennai is the nearest airport to reach Kanchipuram. There are flights available to major destinations in India and abroad from there.

» By Rail
There is a railway station in Kachipuram. Trains are available to Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, and Bangalore.

» By Road
Kanchipuram is 75 km away from Chennai and is well connected by a network of roads. Regular bus services operate to and fro from Kachipuram to other cities like Mysore and Bangalore and Chennai.

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Mahabalipuram

An integral Part of the golden triangle tourist destinations covering South India, Mahabalipuram is referred to as the City of temples. In the ancient days it was known as Mamallapuram and was given the term the Land of Bali. Situated at a distance of just 55 kms from Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, the famous tourist destination and pilgrimage center was once the capital of the mighty Pallava Dynasty. It possesses a major attraction in the form of a basilica meant to be the largest one by the side of a sea shore. Named as Arjuna’s penance the mandapams or the large halls are really eye catching .The architectures of the place gives ample proof of the artistry of the period between 5th and 8 th century.

A greater majority of the temples and rock carvings that are built in Mahabalipuram belongs to the reign of Narasimha Varman between 630-668 AD. The conversion of king Mahendra Varman to Shiavism led to the creation of the monuments devoted to the Hindu Gods Lord Shiva and Vishnu.


Major Attractions
» Shore Temple
One of the oldest temples of South India the sacred shrine dates back to the early 8th century. The temple exemplifies a fine creativity of the structural architecture of the Dravidian style. The monuments placed inside comes alive in the glittering of the floodlights at night. The three in one abode of the Trimurtis, one temple of lord Vishnu between the two great Shiva temples are of special interest to the pilgrims visiting Mahabalipuram.

» Arjuna's Penance
The pride of Mahabalipuram, Arjuna’s Penance is the world's largest bas-relief creation measuring up to 27m in height and 9m in width. It brings the name of the place to the limelight of the tourists fond of architectural greatness. Cut out in a whale shape the rock contains the figure of Gods and demigods, beasts, birds and in fact represents the entire creation of the almighty.

» Five Rathas
The Pancha Pandava Rathas are the five Monolithic temples built in different style and forms. Among them four are believed to be created out from a large single rock and named after the Five brothers of the Panvadas of the epic Mahabharata.

» Tiger's Cave
4 km to the north and nearby the main monument complex the Tiger’s cave used to be an open air theatre where cultural programs were held. The caves are very near to the beach but serene and peaceful atmosphere prevails there.

» Beach Temples
Another strong reason why thousands of tourists throng the city of Mahabalipuram is the lovely beaches nearby the temple. The monolithic rock cuttings, small shrines ravaged by the wars and historical significance of the place attracts tourists to the pilgrim place. Some of the nearby temples meant sacred and of foremost importance are the Kailasanatha temple, Sri Varadaraja temple and Sri Vaikuntaperumal temple which depicts the patience, hard work and the skills of the artist greatness of the times.

Nearby Attractions
» Muttukadu
21 kms far from the city of Mahabalipuram, Muttukadu is a great tourist destination abundant with houseboats with the initiative taken by the Tamil Nadu Development Corporation. Travellers and visitors have the pleasure of activities like boating, swimming,canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing. There is also situated the replica of the kachipuram weavers house and the dakshini chitra of the madras craft foundation which gives a clear picture of the way of life at the ancient South Indian city.


Shopping
Mahabalipuram offers stone sculpture and a variety of wood crafts to its visitors. Jewellery of the ancient forms are also available. But the most important are the decorative items built from the sea shells which are good to take home.


Accommodation
Mahabalipuram offers a relaxed stay to its visitors with furnished rooms, attached bath, 24 hr service and laundry facilities. The place also serves food to the taste of the visitors. Some of the prominent hotels around are Fisherman’s Cove, GRT Temple Bay Beach Resort ,Ideal Beach Resort, Hotel Sea Breeze, Quality Inn MGM Beach Resort . The garden facilities along with the swimming pools adds colour to the comfort.


How to Reach
» By Air
Chennai 58-km away is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus.

» By Rail
The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From these stations one has to take the roads to reach Mahabalipuram.

» By Road
There are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram regularly. The road to Mahabalipuram is well connected to other major roads. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai to reach Mahabalipuram.