Kanchipuram is now a town of some 150,000 inhabitants, but at its height was the capital of the Pallava rulers in modern Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Culture

Modern Tamil culture is viewed as primarily South Indian, but the race originated from the North, and settled down before recorded history. From the 3rd to 9th century AD Kanchipuram was the most important administrative city in the region. With this came an extraordinary level of building, many of the construction being religious in nature. Religion and learning, and so ultimately, culture, were intricately intertwined. Kanchipuram is considered by Hindus to be one of India's seven sacred cities, and is even now a major place for pilgrimage. Being inland structures have withstood the test of time, meaning an unbelievably rich architectural heritage.
Hindu Religion Basics

If you visit this city, it is worth understanding something about the Hindu religion. This city is distinguished by the fact that it supports both main sects Vaishnavism and Saivism, almost equally. These are primarily associated with the gods Vishnu and Shiva, respectively. two of the trinity of gods (Brahma being the third who has very few temples dedicated to him).

Getting to Kanchipuram

It is easy to get to Kanchipuram from Chennai (or Madras) either by a frequent bus service, or hiring a car with a driver / guide, as the best ways. When visiting temples note that most are closed during the middle of the day, so don't plan a day that involves arrival at 11 am and departure at 3 pm. Please respect that there are some parts of the temples where only Hindus can visit, although most of the temple complexes are opened up to all visitors.

Varadaraja, Ekambareswarar and Kailasanathar Temples

The Varadaraja Temple is a bustling community and one of the most interesting to see first if your time is short. See the building where marriages take place and be guided by a Brahmin. Look at the holy tank. Admire the hundred pillared hall, where there are many fine carvings.

The Ekambareswarar Temple is the most important Shiva Temple in the town and covers an enormous site of around 20 acres. See many highly painted statues. The sacred mango tree, which recently died, was reputed to be 3,500 years old, although its replacement is visited for good luck. The temple tower is one of the largest in Southern India. Watch out for monkeys and cows in the temple complex.

The oldest temple in Kanchipuram is the Kailasanathar Temple, viewed primarily as an architectural wonder rather than a working temple.

Shopping for Silks

In addition to visiting the temples, you may wish to buy silks, for which this town is well known. You can visit silk factories and see hand weaving. Also savour the food and perhaps purchase some souvenir, such a statuette in bronze.

India has a long established historic civilisation – with living monuments such as temples that stretch back to the time that Europe was mainly occupied by barbarians. Europeans wonder at the few extent Roman and Greek ruins, in most cases dilapidated and poorly maintained over the centuries, until recent years. Unlike the other great Asian civilization, China, Indian structures were built to last often in stone, rather than wood, so there is an unimaginable wealth for the traveller, and culture and religion both point to a desire to preserve the past. This small town represents one of the best examples of Indian architecture. Its status as an important holy city means that most structures are constantly maintained and are living, yet historic, buildings.