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The city of a Thousand Temples Ancient Kancheepuram, the city of thousand temples, is one of the most sacred pilgrim centres for the Hindus. There now remain 126 temples in Kanchi and a few more in the outskirts. This city was under the control of the Cholas as far back as the 2nd Century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Kanchi is also a well known centre of the finest silk sarees made in the country. Kanchi has magnificent temples of unique architectural beauty bearing eloquent testimony to its glorious Dravidian heritage. Adi Sankara established his episcopal seat (Kamakotipeetam). Kancheepuram is the birth place of C.N. Annadurai, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu affectionately called as "Anna" by the people of Tamil Nadu.

Festivals :

Brahmothsavam: January, March, April, May and June.
Garudothsavam: May.
Can Festival: January, April and May.

Places of Worship :

Churches: Protestant Church near Railway Station, Roman Catholic Church at Konerikuppam.
Mosques: Jamma Masjid, Hajarathsa Burthan, Avullia, Dargah

General Info. :

Area : 11.6 sq.kms.
Population : 1,69,813 (1991 census)
Altitude : sea level
Climate :
Summer: Max. 36.6°c; Min.21.1°c :
Winter: Max.28.7 °c; Min. 19.8°c
Rainfall : 87 cms. (35")
Average Season : Throughout the year
Clothing : Tropical
Language Known : Tamil, Telugu and English
STD Code : 04112

Getting there :

Just 75 km from Chennai, you can drive up in 3 hrs time. You could also take a bus from Chennai or Bangalore. Chennai - the nearest airport is 60 km away.

Kancheepuram City Guide