Discover a mix of India's religious culture and architectural heritage on this private tour to Kanchipuram, ‘The City of Thousand Temples,’ from Chennai. With your private guide, visit several historically important temples, including Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and learn about the history of Hinduism and the goddess Shiva in India. You’ll also witness an intricate silk-weaving demonstration and enjoy an authentic Indian lunch.
Highlights
- Private tour of Kanchipuram, ‘The City of Thousand Temples,’ from Chennai
- Visit several Hindu temples, including Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and Varadaraja Perumal Temple, with your private English-speaking guide
- Learn about the importance of Hinduism and the goddess Shiva in India
- Discover one of India's most lucrative and valuable products during a silk-weaving demonstration
- Enjoy a local Indian lunch
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup and drop-off included
Special Offer
Introductory offer! Book before September 30, 2013, and save up to 13% on the recommended retail rate
Useful Information
Shiva Bas Relief on Hindu Temple
After pickup from your hotel in the morning by air-conditioned vehicle, your private guide will take you to Kanchipuram, located about 45 miles (72 km) southwest of Chennai. Coined ‘The City of Thousand Temples,’ Kanchipuram is considered by the Hindus of India as one of the country’s seven holiest cities.
With your guide, visit several temples and learn about the importance of the Hindu goddess Shiva. Explore Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, the city’s largest temple and one of the five major Shiva temples that each represents a natural element. Built around 600, this temple symbolizes Earth.
Then, visit Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built in the early 8th century. Explore this sandstone compound and admire the fascinating carvings, including half-animal deities that were popular during the period of early Dravidian architecture.
Next, head to Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the Divya Desams -- the 108 Vishnu temples believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints, or alwars. Built in 1053, this astounding temple complex contains 32 shrines and 389 pillared halls.
After spending 30-45 minutes at each temple, stop by the nearby silk shop -- Kanchipuram is famous for its hand-woven silk sarees – to see a silk-weaving demonstration. Watch local artisans take pure mulberry silk of various dazzling colors and create beautiful sarees embellished with fine gold thread.
In between sightseeing, you’ll enjoy an authentic Indian lunch in Kanchipuram at a restaurant carefully chosen by your guide. After your enlightening full-day tour, you’ll be taken back to your Chennai hotel.
With your guide, visit several temples and learn about the importance of the Hindu goddess Shiva. Explore Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, the city’s largest temple and one of the five major Shiva temples that each represents a natural element. Built around 600, this temple symbolizes Earth.
Then, visit Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built in the early 8th century. Explore this sandstone compound and admire the fascinating carvings, including half-animal deities that were popular during the period of early Dravidian architecture.
Next, head to Varadaraja Perumal Temple, one of the Divya Desams -- the 108 Vishnu temples believed to have been visited by the 12 poet saints, or alwars. Built in 1053, this astounding temple complex contains 32 shrines and 389 pillared halls.
After spending 30-45 minutes at each temple, stop by the nearby silk shop -- Kanchipuram is famous for its hand-woven silk sarees – to see a silk-weaving demonstration. Watch local artisans take pure mulberry silk of various dazzling colors and create beautiful sarees embellished with fine gold thread.
In between sightseeing, you’ll enjoy an authentic Indian lunch in Kanchipuram at a restaurant carefully chosen by your guide. After your enlightening full-day tour, you’ll be taken back to your Chennai hotel.
