Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, sometimes called Kanjeevaram or Kanchi, is a small town in Tamil Nadu. One of the most important spiritual centres of Hinduism, and a major pilgrim destination; Kanchipuram has several medieval temples with spectacular architecture. It used to be the capital of the Pallava kingdom from the 4th to the 10th century, and was a centre of learning for all the major religions of South India. Hindu temples are still present and in use today, and there are archaeological remains of Jain temples. Unfortunately, although Kanchipuram was reputed to be the centre of Buddhism in South India, and was visited by Chinese Buddhist monks and there are no remains of the Buddhist presence today.

Modern Kanchipuram is a major weaving centre and visitors will be able to buy handwoven silk at wholesale rates.

Travel to Kanchipuram

By Rail

Kanchipuram has a train station, but is not well served by trains. Slow passenger trains connect it to the Chennai suburb of Chengalpattu, but not to the city itself. Another slow passenger connects Kanchipuram to pilgrimage centre Tirupati. Express trains running from Mumbai to Madurai stop at Kanchipuram twice a week. Be warned that scheduled travel duration from Mumbai to Kanchipuram is 26 hours, and the train could easily take longer. Taking a train to Chennai, and traveling by road from there will probably be faster and more convenient.

Travel on a Bus in Kanchipuram

The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu.

From Chennai

Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an airconditioned bus service which departs from the T-Nagar bus terminal every hour.

From Bangalore

Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

From Mammalapuram

Buses from Mammalapuram leave roughly once per hour, it seems. There's one as late as 3:30PM, probably later. If you cannot get a direct bus, it's feasible to go half-way and then change to a 212B or a more expensive and quicker private bus in order to complete your journey.

By car

Kanchipuram is 69 Km from Chennai and about 280 Km from Bangalore. If you take the Chennai-Bangalore expressway, you can reach it in about an hour and a half from the outskirts of Chennai, or four and a half hours from Bangalore. Traveling from vehicle by Tirupati will take three to four hours.

State Highway 58 connects Kanchipuram to Chengalpattu, which can be visited either from Chennai or from Mamallapuram and Pondicherry. If you're coming from Madurai or Trichy and the temple towns of South Tamil Nadu, you can take the road up to Tindivanam, and take State Highway 116 through Vandavasi from there.

How to get around in Kanchipuram

Walking

Unfortunately it's hard to find a good map of the town. However, Google Maps is good for orientation and the location of major temples, which is all you really need. Once you know the general direction, you can usually spot temples easily due to their tall stone entry towers (gopuram). Be warned: Kanchipuram's sidewalks are not ideal for walking! Many shops keep their merchandise on their sidewalks for free space, and cars and motorcycles park on the sidewalks as well. You'll often be pushed on to the road itself, where you'll have to negotiate with traffic. As far as weather is concerned, Kanchi isn't as humid as Chennai, so walking isn't as exhausting. But if you're not used to Indian summers, walking can be exhausting. To stay safe, start early in the morning (maybe 7AM or so), come back for a rest by late morning, and head out again in the evening. Mornings and evenings are the best times for photography, anyway.

Auto Rickshaw

Three wheeler auto-rickshaws are also available. You need to fix the price before you start - you will find these all around the town.

If you plan to visit the temples, you can bargain a package deal - cost depends on how many and which temples you might want to visit. A thumb rule of price is around ₹20 point to point.

Taxi

There are a large number of 'ambassador' taxis that hang out just north of the bus station, east of the roundabout. If you are travelling in a group, you might like to negotiate a driver for a day instead of dealing with auto rickshaws.

What to see in Kanchipuram

Ekambeshwarar Temple | Northwest of town Look for the huge stone tower dominating the skyline! - The highest, largest and most impressive temple in town, spanning 40 acres and dating back to the Pallava period. Represents the earth form of the five form-element abodes of Lord Shiva. Featuring huge quantities of carved stonework, it is one of the most important Shiva temples. The inner sanctum protects a mango tree said to be 3500 years old, embodying the four Vedas and bearing fruits of four different tastes each season. Much of the 40 acres of the temple seems to be closed to visitors, but the central building is impressive enough. Also known as Ekambaranatha Temple.
International Library situated in Enathur, 3.5 KM from kanchipuram town, this library contains a treasure of ancient manuscripts written on Palm Leaves. Infront of the library is a 60 ft high statue of Adi Shankaracharya. The library is a part of the Kanchipuram Shankara University.
Kachapeshwarar Temple
Kailasanathar Temple must see high point in architecture. The architecture of this temple is more alike that of Mahabalipuram temple.
Kanchi Kamakshi Temple abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) - consort of Lord Shiva.
Kanchi Kudil The ancient culture and scultural legacy of Hinduism is proclaimed in a small house, open to visitors.
Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Sri Sankara Matam.

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple | Neervalur
Vaikunta Perumal Temple has beautiful pillared corridors around the sanctum. One of the most ancient temples with 3 tier Sannathi cum Gopuram.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple The gopuram of this temple, is particularly impressive when viewed across the lush green fields from the road leading from Kanchi.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kanchipuram

The Kanchi Mutt holds kutcheris, or South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings. Head there to see if something is on and you can attend.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is a famous silk weaving centre, and you can find wonderful bargains if you shop around for sarees, scarves and stoles, or fabric to take home. If you are led by a taxi/auto driver to a shop and the price you pay will include his commission - so do explore shops independently before you decide to buy. Most silk shops are on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Sakthi Ganapathy has 3 branches in the city and has best value for money.
Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant, Near Bus Stand.

Saravana Bhavan | North side of Gandhi road, west a little from the main roundabout by the bus station Next to a hotel - Roughly ₹40-60 per dish This chain is known for good south Indian food with branches all over. You have the choice of self service, a lunch room with fans, or an a/c room that is nicely cool. Food is consistently good and particularly good for westerners because of high standards for cleanliness. Extensive menu in English. Try the 'fourteen idli' (sambar idli), which is idli swimming in sambar Sauces.

Sri Rama Cafe | Next to the similarly named Sri Rama hotel South side of Gandhi Rd. (Hospital Rd.), near the main roundabout (Kancheepuram-Chengalpat intersection) by the bus station - A bargain at ₹40. Very long established pure Vegetarian restaurant in South Indian style. Sit down, watch a banana leaf get spread in front of you and loaded up with Rice, Curries and breads. Drinking water is also served. Extra Curries and Rice were offered to me at no charge, so a meal here is basically "all you can eat".

Cafe Soorya - At Hotel Baboo Soorya | 487 Gandhi Road Walk east from the Hospital Rd. intersection near the bus station, turn north, it's on your right Opening Hours: Evening Basically this place is tiny. It could be better called 'a restaurant that serves fruit cocktails' but is full by 9PM even on a Sunday. Tiny spot. If you go and then go early...but take my advice and opt elsewhere if feasible.

Government grog shop | Opposite and slightly south of the entrance to the bus station on Kancheepuram-Chengalpat Cross the road from the bus station exit, turn left and walk down a hundred meters - You can buy your booze here and then drink it in your hotel. Note that many hotels forbid drinking, so either check first or hide the evidence!

Hotel Tamilnadu | Old train station street Opposite the old train station, or there abouts (there's a big 'BAR' sign) Opening Hours: (was it 7?) 'till 11PM 135 per but they round off a little after 3 or so Nice little spot with no hassle, old school bartender dude who's apparently been there 20 years. Relatively spacious. Must smoke outside but there's space and it's only a doorway away. As close to heaven as a visiting is going to get.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kanchipuram, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kanchipuram. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kanchipuram and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kanchipuram. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kanchipuram. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKanchipuram: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kanchipuram.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kanchipuram: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kanchipuram, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kanchipuram.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kanchipuram, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kanchipuram, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kanchipuram and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kanchipuram, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kanchipuram, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kanchipuram without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kanchipuram is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kanchipuram.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kanchipuram is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kanchipuram, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kanchipuram Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kanchipuram

eHalal Group Kanchipuram is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kanchipuram. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kanchipuram.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kanchipuram ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kanchipuram. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

GRT Regency | 87 Gandhi Road - A nice hotel with free wireless internet.

Hotel Simla Lodge | Corner of Hospital Rd. and Kancheepuram-ChengalpatAt the roundabout near the bus station. ☎ +91 44-27223342 600 for a double with fan, 900 with AC Checkout: 12 Spacious, marble-encrusted double rooms with VERY basic amenities and fan go for ₹600. They claimed to have no singles free. Definitely not a first-choice, but the location is very central and it beats walking about in the heat of the day searching! AC rooms were reportedly 900.

Jaya Bala | near the GRT Regency and above the Saravana Bhavan restaurant Modest but clean. Inexpensive, attentive staff.

News & References Kanchipuram

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