Chennai to Kanchipuram Day Trip: Temples, Sarees & Taxi Tips

Chennai to Kanchipuram Day Trip: The Complete Guide

There's a reason people call Kanchipuram the "City of a Thousand Temples." Kanchi — as it's commonly known — has been a sacred city for over 1,500 years. Even today, within the town and surrounding areas, there are well over 100 functioning temples including some of the most architecturally magnificent in South India.

At 75 km from Chennai, it's a comfortable day trip. Go early, take your time, and you can cover the main temples, buy a silk saree, and be home by evening.

The Route from Chennai

Route: Chennai → Tambaram → Chengalpattu (or direct via GST Road) → Kanchipuram Distance: ~75 km | Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Cab fare: ₹1,400 – ₹1,800 one-way. For a full-day charter (car + driver waits for your return): ₹2,800 – ₹3,800.

A full-day charter is the recommended way — your driver knows Kanchi, can navigate between temples efficiently, and you don't need to negotiate autos at every stop.

The Main Temples of Kanchipuram

1. Ekambareswarar Temple (Shiva Temple) — 1.5 hours The largest temple in Kanchipuram, with a 59-meter rajagopuram (main tower). Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Ekambareswarar (Lord of the Mango Tree). The central sanctum houses a mango tree said to be 3,500 years old.

Temple hours: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM Dress code: Dhoti or full trousers for men; saree or full-length dress for women

2. Kailasanathar Temple — 1 hour The oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built by Pallava king Rajasimha in the 8th century. Unlike most functioning temples, this one is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and doesn't have active puja — which means you can take your time, explore the passageways within the outer wall, and look at the Pallava sculptures without rush.

Considered one of the finest examples of early Dravidian architecture. Not to be missed even if you skip others.

Entry fee: ₹40 per person | Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed Fridays)

3. Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Vishnu Temple) — 1.5 hours One of the 108 Divya Desams — sacred Vishnu temples. The temple complex is large, with impressive corridors and the famous 100-pillared mandapam inside. The deity Varadharaja is highly revered.

Temple hours: 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

4. Kamakshi Amman Temple — 1 hour Dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, one of the Shakti Peethas of South India. The deity here is considered especially powerful and the temple draws devotees from across the country.

Temple hours: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Silk Sarees: The Other Reason to Visit Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram silk sarees (Kanjivaram sarees) are among the finest handwoven sarees in India. The town has hundreds of silk weaving workshops, and buying directly from the source (rather than through Chennai showrooms) can save 15–30%.

The main shopping areas are near the bus stand and along the streets around the main temples. Reputable shops will show you the silk mark certification — a hallmark of genuine Kanjivaram silk.

Budget: Pure silk sarees with zari work start from ₹5,000 and go into lakhs for bridal-quality pieces. Semi-silk options are available from ₹2,000.

Avoid: Street vendors outside temples selling sarees — quality is unreliable.

A One-Day Kanchipuram Itinerary

6:30 AM — Depart Chennai

8:00 AM — Arrive Kanchipuram. Begin at Ekambareswarar Temple (opens 6 AM; beat the morning crowds).

10:00 AM — Kailasanathar Temple. Leisurely exploration of the ASI-maintained site.

11:30 AM — Varadharaja Perumal Temple.

1:00 PM — Lunch. Kanchipuram has several vegetarian hotels near the main temples. The meals (thali) are excellent and inexpensive.

2:30 PM — Kamakshi Amman Temple.

4:00 PM — Silk saree shopping (allow 60–90 minutes for serious shopping).

5:30 PM — Depart for Chennai.

7:00 PM — Arrive Chennai.

Combining with Nearby Destinations

Kanchipuram is sometimes combined with:

• Vellore (75 km from Kanchi): Vellore Fort and the Golden Temple (BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir at Sripuram) are worth adding if you have a second day.
• Mahabalipuram (85 km from Kanchi): Create a multi-site South Chennai loop — Kanchi in the morning, ECR south to Mahabalipuram in the afternoon, return via Kovalam.

Book Your Kanchipuram Day Trip

Call +91 9360622373 for a full-day charter. Our drivers know Kanchipuram well — they can navigate between temples and silk shops efficiently and know which temple corridors have step-free access for senior travelers.

One day in the City of Thousand Temples is always worth the drive.