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kanchipuram · day trip · temple · silk saree
Chennai to Kanchipuram Day Trip: Temples, Sarees & Taxi Tips
Combine spiritual darshan with legendary silk shopping
Sigivahan Day Trips TeamCultural Tourism SpecialistSunday, 22 February 20267 min read
Kanchipuram: Where spirituality meets silk
Just 75 km from Chennai, Kanchipuram offers two experiences in one day—ancient temple darshans and the legendary silk saree shopping that Tamil Nadu is famous for.
Day trip overview
- Distance: 75 km from Chennai
- Driving time: 1.5-2 hours
- Ideal duration: Full day (8 AM - 6 PM)
- Best months: Avoid April-June (extreme heat)
Must-visit temples
Ekambareswarar Temple - One of five Pancha Bhoota Stalams - 3,500-year-old mango tree inside - Timing: 6 AM - 12:30 PM, 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Kamakshi Amman Temple - Main deity: Goddess Kamakshi - Famous for Brahmotsavam in Feb-March - Timing: 5:30 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 8 PM
Varadharaja Perumal Temple - Stunning Lizard sculptures - 100-pillar mandapam - Timing: 6 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 8 PM
Silk saree shopping guide
Government Silk Emporium (Co-optex) - Fixed prices, no bargaining - Authentic guarantee certificates - Location: Gandhi Road
Private stores worth visiting - Nalli Silks (flagship) - Kanchipuram Silk Palace - Srinivas Silk House - Kumaran Silks
Saree price guide (2026) - Pure silk (wedding grade): ₹15,000 - ₹80,000 - Soft silk (daily wear): ₹3,000 - ₹12,000 - Cotton silk blend: ₹1,500 - ₹5,000
Taxi fare structure
| Package | Sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Half day (5 hours) | ₹2,200 | ₹3,000 |
| Full day (10 hours) | ₹3,200 | ₹4,200 |
| Temple + Shopping combo | ₹3,500 | ₹4,500 |
*Includes: Unlimited stops, driver breakfast/lunch break*
Suggested itinerary
- 7:30 AM: Leave Chennai
- 9:30 AM: Ekambareswarar Temple
- 11:30 AM: Kamakshi Amman Temple
- 1 PM: Lunch at Saravana Bhavan
- 2:30 PM: Saree shopping (3 hours)
- 5:30 PM: Return to Chennai
Pro tips
- Carry cash for smaller shops
- Temple dress code: Full-length, covered shoulders
- Bargain 20-30% at private shops
- Ask driver for parking near markets
Ready to book a ride?
Sigivahan offers 24x7 chauffeur-driven airport transfers, corporate shuttles, and curated outstation trips across Tamil Nadu. Plan your next journey with a ride expert on standby.