Silk Route to Kanchipuram a Cultural and Spiritual Day Trip

4.9 (12 reviews) 10 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

12 reviews

4.9

Silk Route to Kanchipuram a Cultural and Spiritual Day Trip — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Silk Route to Kanchipuram a Cultural and Spiritual Day Trip, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Kanchipuram's oldest temple is its most impressive, not for its size but for its weight of historical presence and the intricacy of its stonework. As much monument as living temple, Kailasanatha is quieter than other temples in town, and has been heavily restored. Dedicated to Shiva, it was built in the 8th century by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), who also created Mamallapuram's Shore Temple.

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At a glance

Duration: 10 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Wonder tours

Ages: Adults (18–95 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Entry/Admission - Kailasanathar Temple
Included: Lunch
Included: Private guide
Included: Entry/Admission - Kanchipuram
Included: Entry/Admission - Ekambareshvara Temple

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Beverages

Itinerary

Wonder Tours

Passing by

Tour orientation
Stop 2

one hour Admission included

Kanchipuram's oldest temple is its most impressive, not for its size but for its weight of historical presence and the intricacy of its stonework. As much monument as living temple, Kailasanatha is quieter than other temples in town, and has been heavily restored. Dedicated to Shiva, it was built in the 8th century by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), who also created Mamallapuram's Shore Temple.
Ekambareswarar Temple

one hour Admission included

Of South India's five Shiva temples associated with the five elements, this 12-hectare precinct is the shrine of earth. You enter beneath the 59m-high, unpainted south gopuram, whose lively carvings were chiselled in 1509 under Vijayanagar rule. Inside, a columned hall leads left into the central compound, which Nandi faces from the right. The inner sanctum (Hindus only) contains a lingam made of earth and a mirror chamber whose central Shiva image is reflected in endless repetition.
Stop 4

one hour Admission included

Kanchipuram, 80km southwest of Chennai, was capital of the Pallava dynasty during the 6th to 8th centuries, when the Pallavas created the great stone monuments of Mamallapuram. Today a typically hectic modern Indian town, it's famous for its numerous important and vibrant temples (and their colourful festivals), some dating from Pallava, Chola or Vijayanagar times. It's also known for its high-quality silk saris, woven on hand looms by thousands of families in the town and nearby villages. Silk and sari shops are strung along Gandhi Rd, southeast of the centre, though their wares are generally no cheaper than at Chennai silk shops.