Places of Interest
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is a district located on the coast of Bay of Bengal and adjacent to Chennai. Known as the silk city, Kanchipuram is famous for the handcrafted silk saris. The weavers use traditional and high quality silk and gold threads for weaving. This is a flourishing home industry. These silk saris are compulsory bridal wear for traditional South Indian weddings. Available in various unimaginable shades, these silk saris display intricate weaving designs and exquisite skill on behalf of the weaver.
Temples of Kanchipuram
Temples are a major attraction of Kanchipuram. In fact, known as a city of one thousand temples, Kanchipuram has temples dedicated to Hindu gods as well as Mahavir. This is considered as one of the seven pilgrim destinations in India.
Vedanthangal bird sanctuary
This Bird Sanctuary is located at 40 km from Kanchipuram. Vedanthangal is a 70 acres sanctuary that was recognized as a Bird Sanctuary under the Wild Life Protection Act in 1972. The best time to visit is during October to March when a large number of migratory birds like Storks, Egrets, Cormorants, Darter, Flamingos, Pelicans, Moor hens, Herons, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, White Ibis, Spoonbills, Swans and grey Wagtails etc visit. Various tours and packages are available during this time.
Kovalam Beach
Kovalam beach is a tourist attraction located en route to Mamallapuram. Visited by all, this small fishing hamlet is now a major destination promoting tourism. Windsurfing and swimming are some of the water activities that are organized for the tourists.
Kanchi Mutt
Kanchi Mutt is a religious Hindu monastery founded by Sri Adi Sankara. The Mutt is closely associated with propagating the life and works of its founder and the followers. Details about the life of the founder, the successors and their teachings can be found here.
How to reach Kanchipuram:
By Air:
Chennai International Airport is the closest airport. Kanchipuram can be reached by rail or road from Chennai.
By Road:
The distance from Chennai is roughly 75 km. Numerous buses ply to Kanchipuram from Chennai and other cities.
By Rail:
Kanchipuram can be reached through broad-gauge or meter-gauge trains from Chennai central and Chennai Egmore railway stations respectively. Arakkonam railway station also has regular trains to Kanchipuram.