Kanchipuram Temples & Silk weaving
Kanchipuram Tour from Chennai
One of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and the silk capital of South India
The City Where Pallava Kings Invented the Stone Temple and Weavers Perfected the Finest Silk
Kanchipuram is one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism and one of the most historically layered towns in South India. The Pallava kings who ruled here between the 4th and 9th centuries made a contribution to world architecture that is impossible to overstate — they were the builders who made the transition from rock-cut cave temples to freestanding stone structures, effectively inventing the Dravidian temple tradition that would go on to define religious architecture across South and Southeast Asia for the next thousand years. The temples they left at Kanchipuram are among the oldest stone buildings in South India, still in active worship fourteen centuries after they were built. The city is equally famous for its silk sarees — woven from pure mulberry silk by over 5,000 weaving families whose craft has been practised here for as long as the temples have been standing. Our private Kanchipuram tour from Chennai takes you to two of the greatest Pallava temples and into the home of a master weaver in a single extraordinary day. 5 Senses Tours is recognised by the Department of Tourism, a winner of the Outlook Responsible Tourism Award and the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.




What to expect
The Kanchipuram tour from Chennai begins with hotel pickup at 7:30 am in a private air conditioned vehicle. Kanchipuram is approximately 75 kilometres from Chennai, a drive of about 90 minutes.
The Ekambareswarar Temple is the first stop, one of the most important Shiva temples in South India and one of the five Pancha Bhuta Stalas — the five temples dedicated to Shiva in his form as each of the five elements. Ekambareswarar represents Earth, the prithvi element, and the mango tree inside the temple complex — said to be over 3,500 years old — is the sacred tree associated with this elemental form of Shiva. Four branches of this ancient tree are said to represent the four Vedas. The temple complex is vast, its gopuram tower rising 59 metres above the town, and the thousand-pillared hall inside is one of the most impressive interior spaces in Tamil Nadu. Your guide explains the Pancha Bhuta Stala system, the mythological story of Ekambareswarar and the significance of the mango tree that has stood here since before recorded history.
The Kailasanathar Temple is the second stop and the architectural centrepiece of the Kanchipuram tour from Chennai. Built by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II in the early 8th century, it is the oldest surviving structural temple in Tamil Nadu and the largest sandstone temple in the world — a distinction that makes it one of the most significant buildings in the entire history of Indian architecture. The temple was built during the transitional period when Pallava architects were moving from rock-cut construction to freestanding stone structures, and its design shows both influences simultaneously. The sculptures covering the exterior walls depict Shiva in forms and poses of extraordinary grace and refinement, some of the earliest and finest examples of the Pallava sculptural tradition that would influence temple building across South India and across Southeast Asia for the next five centuries. Your guide explains the architectural history, points out the specific sculptural panels that art historians consider the masterpieces of the collection, and explains why this relatively small and overlooked temple is one of the most important buildings in Asia.
The silk weaving visit is the final stop on the Kanchipuram tour from Chennai. Kanchipuram silk is woven from pure mulberry silk thread with real gold zari borders, and the weight and lustre of an authentic Kanchipuram saree is immediately distinguishable from any imitation. Your guide introduces you to a master weaver and explains the process — the setting of the warp, the threading of the gold zari through the border shuttle, the precise placement of each pick of the weft to build up the pattern. A single Kanchipuram saree takes two to three days to weave on a handloom and requires the coordination of two weavers working in synchrony.
A traditional South Indian vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant is included before the afternoon drive back to Chennai.
Hotel drop by 3:30 pm.
This private Kanchipuram tour from Chennai is fully inclusive. We take care of hotel pickup and drop in a private air conditioned vehicle, your English speaking cultural guide throughout the day, all entry fees and a traditional South Indian vegetarian lunch.
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop Chennai in a private air-conditioned vehicle English-speaking cultural guide throughout Entry fees to both temples Traditional South Indian vegetarian lunch All taxes Duration: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Guided Tour
Kanchipuram tour is a fully guided tour led by a guide who will explain the intricacies of the temple rituals, sculptures as well as the handloom style of silk weaving.
Private Tour
A private Kanchipuram tour ensures that we are able to focus all our attention on you and adjust the pace of the Kanchipuram tour according to your interests. Pick and drop from your hotel in an airconditioned vehicle is included in the Kanchipuram tour.
Strenghening local community
The local community of Kanchipuram is dependent on the temple economy for their livelihood. Many of them run small shops or have set up stalls to sell prayer related goods. SIlk weaving is another means of livehihood. Most of them are using handlooms. Our company is helping this community by training & employing local guides and by procuring their wares to strengthen their livelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kanchipuram from Chennai and how long does the drive take?
Kanchipuram is approximately 75 kilometres from Chennai, a drive of around 90 minutes in a private air conditioned vehicle via the NH48 highway. We depart at 7:30 am to reach the temples when they open and to avoid the midday heat.
Which temples are visited on the Kanchipuram tour?
The tour visits two temples — the Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the five Pancha Bhuta Stalas representing the Earth element of Shiva with its 3,500 year old sacred mango tree, and the Kailasanathar Temple, the oldest surviving structural temple in Tamil Nadu and the largest sandstone temple in the world, built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II in the early 8th century.
What should I wear to the Kanchipuram temples?
Modest dress is required at both temples — shoulders and knees should be covered. Cotton clothing is recommended given the Tamil Nadu climate. Shoes must be removed at the entrance to both temples. A head covering is not required but is appreciated at the Ekambareswarar Temple during prayer times.
What will I see at the silk weaving visit?
You will visit the home of a master weaver where you see the full process of making a Kanchipuram silk saree on a handloom — the setting of the warp threads, the threading of the gold zari through the border shuttle, and the weaving of the silk body. Your guide explains what makes Kanchipuram silk distinct from other South Indian sarees and how to identify an authentic handloom saree from a power loom imitation.
Can I buy silk sarees during the tour?
After the weaving demonstration you are welcome to browse and purchase directly from the weaver at prices that reflect the actual production cost rather than retail markup. Your guide can advise on quality, weight and authenticity. There is no obligation to purchase and no commission arrangement with any shop.
Is Kanchipuram worth visiting if I am not Hindu?
Absolutely. The Kailasanathar Temple is one of the most significant architectural buildings in Asia regardless of faith — a building that directly inspired temple traditions across South and Southeast Asia. The Ekambareswarar Temple is a living cultural experience of extraordinary intensity. The silk weaving visit has no religious dimension at all. The tour is designed to be meaningful for visitors of any background.
Tripadvisor Reviews


Pricing Chart
- Pick and drop
- Travel by Innova (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- Indian lunch (vegetarian)
- Pick and drop
- Travel by Sedan (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- Indian lunch (vegetarian)
- Pick and drop
- Travel by Sedan (AC)
- Guide
- Entrance charges
- Indian lunch (vegetarian)
Trip Itinerary
Visit 2 remarkable Temples built by Pallavas and a Silk weaver in the Kanchipuram tour
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