Travel Tips For Tirupati to Kanchipuram Tour Package
About Kanchipuram
The quaint city of Kanchipuram is located at the banks of Vedavathi River on the North East coast of Tamil Nadu. According to Vaishnavism theology, Kanchipuram is one of the Sapta Puris or the seven sacred tirthas where one can visit to attain Moksha or salvation. The incredible city houses 14 out of 108 Divya Desams or the holy shrines of Lord Vishnu. It is also the home to 108 Shiva temples, making it an important religious destination for Hindu devotees.
However, spirituality isn’t just the only treasure that Kanchipuram holds. Eye-catching architectural beauty of the temples and inspiring culture that dates back to the ancient era is one of the prime attractions that allure travellers from every corner of the world. Our Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package is a wonderful way to witness these iconic landmarks of this enchanting town.
What to See and Experience : Discussed here is a quick overview of what we cover in our Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour with Mahabalipuram.
- Kamakshi Amman Temple:
- Kanchipuram is renowned as the City of Thousand Temples and Kamakshi Amman Temple is undoubtedly one of its brilliant gems. The marvellous 14-century temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a form of Parvati, and is worshipped as a chakra or the holy wheel. The shrine features four imposing entrances, all leading the way to sanctum sanctorum where the deity presides in Padmasana with a sugarcane bow in one hand, a goad in another, flowers and a lasso in other hands. It is one of the most revered temples in India and features breathtaking architectural beauty.
- Temple Open and Closing Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. Open on all days
- Entry Fee: No
- Parking Fee: INR 30
- Varadaraja Perumal Temple: The famous Varadaraja Perumal Temple is the next on your Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams that holds immense spiritual significance. The Hindu shrine is famed for its outstanding architecture that dates back to the Chola dynasty. The primary highlights of the temple are its 32 shrines dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses, fascinating mural paintings, the 13-feet tall Rajagopuram, the 100-pillared maha mandap and the colossal 40-feet wooden idol of Varadaraja Swami kept in a silver box and immersed in water.
- Temple Open and Closing Timings: 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Open on all days
- Entry Fee: No; INR 5 for 100 pillared Mandap; INR 50 for photography and INR 100 for video recording
- Parking Fee: INR 50
- Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple: Our Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package covers the renowned Kailasanathar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 7th-century temple was built by the Pallavas and is one of the finest examples of the skilfulness of the artisans of that time. The marvellous sandstone-built temple is the biggest of its kind and stands proudly over a strong foundation of granite. Its key attractions are the majestic vimana built over the main shrine and the 16-sided Shivlinga. There are 58 smaller Hindu shrines inside the temple complex. Intricate carvings of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva in various dance forms adorn the temple walls.
- Temple Open and Closing Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Open on all days
- Entry Fee: No
- Parking Fee: INR 30
- Ekambareswarar Temple: Visit a prime attraction of Kanchipuram, the famous Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Ekambaranathar or Ekambareswarar along with His consort Gowri Devi Amman. The captivating architecture of the temple and the thousand-pillared hall are the major attractions that you cannot miss on your Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package.
- Temple Open and Closing Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Open on all days
- Entry Fee: No
- Parking Fee: INR 10
- Kumarakottam Temple: The beautiful Kumarakottam Temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, the Hindu god of war and the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It sits right in between Ekambareswarar Temple and Kamakshi Amman Temple, representing the Somaskanda form in which Muruga resides in between Shiva and Parvati. The eye-catching wall paintings and sandstone carvings will captivate your senses.
- Temple Open and Closing Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Open on all days
- Entry Fee: No
- Parking Fee: Parking is not allowed near the temple. You can park near Ekambareswarar Temple which is only 3 minutes walk from Kumarakottam Temple
Hotels in Kanchipuram: To provide you the best experience of Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package, we have listed some good hotels to stay at the City of Thousand Temples. The city caters to diverse taste and budget of discerning travellers with a wide variety of hotels to choose from.
- GRT Regency Kanchipuram (INR 3341/- onwards)
- SBK Park Inn (INR 2709/- onwards)
- Sree Sakthi Residency (INR 2611/- onwards)
- Pine Tree Hotel (INR 1982/- onwards)
- Heritage Inn (INR 1105/- onwards)
Where to Eat in Kanchipuram: The ancient temple city of Kanchipuram is a true delight for foodies, offering a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies to relish upon. Your Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package does not cover meals, but you do not miss savouring mouth-watering and 100% authentic South Indian dishes here. Some nice places to eat are:
- Sakthi Ganapathy – Vegetarian
- Saravana Bhavan – South Indian
- Sridhar Cafe – South Indian
- Muniyundi Restaurant – South Indian
- Royal Inn – South Indian, Chinese, Continental, Mughlai
Shopping in Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram is globally renowned for its gorgeous silk sarees – a true delight for shopaholics! Do not forget getting a bag full of Kanchipuram silk sarees back to your home.
How to Reach Kanchipuram: Chennai International Airport (61.5 km) is the nearest airport to Kanchipuram. From there, one can book a cab to reach the city. Taxi charges start from INR 1050 for one-way and INR 2100 onwards for round-trip. Kanchipuram railway station is connected to other nearby cities and is also linked via roadways.
About Mahabalipuram
The spectacular historic city of Tamil Nadu is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. The city boasts an intriguing history that is lost in eternity. It was once an important centre of art and literature between 3rd and 7th century C.E. and that is quite evident in its wrecked temples and ancient ruins that date back to the pre-medieval era. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts history buffs and travellers from around the world.
What to See & Experience: Here is a quick glimpse of what we cover in Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package with Mahabalipuram.
- Shore Temple: The famous Shore Temple stands as a remarkable icon of Mahabalipuram’s antique monuments. It is one of the greatest examples of Pallava architecture, inspired by Dravidian style dating back to the 7-8th The present Shore Temple has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Ksatriyasimnesvara. The temple is worshipped no more as the ruins stand exhibiting the temple city’s cultural heritage and outstanding artwork.
- Temple Open and Close Timings: Open on all days from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians; INR 250 for foreigners
- Photography fee: Nil; Videography: INR 25
- Must See: The temple stands overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Watch the sunset here – a sight to treasure forever in your minds.
- Pancha Rathas: The Pancha Rathas is yet another gem of Mahabalipuram that you will discover on your Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package. The magnificent monument complex encloses “five rock marvels” sculpted in the form of Rathas or chariots and named after the legendary Pandavas – Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva. The Ratha temples stand gloriously, exuding the brilliant architecture of the 7th and 8th
- Temple Open and Close Timings: Open on all days from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians; INR 250 for foreigners
- Must See: Magnificent sculpture that adorn the five Rath temples
- Seashell Museum: The Seashell Museum is the first of its kind in our country, displaying over 40,000 varieties of shells with detailed information about each of them. There are four galleries featuring ship, car, airplane, train, etc. exquisitely built from sea shells. The museum also has a collection of snails and oysters. If you love sea and sand, this is a must-visit on your Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package with Mahabalipuram.
- Museum Open and Close Timings: Open on all days from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
- Entry Fee: INR 100 for Museum; INR 50 for Aquarium
- Photography fee: INR 100
- Must See: The Fish World aquarium housing a wide variety of colourful fishes; shopping at Maya Bazaar for interesting items made of shells and oysters, and pearl jewellery
- Tiger Caves: Among the beautifully sculpted marvels of Mahabalipuram are the mysterious Tiger Caves, located at the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a rock-cut temple complex that gets its name from eleven tiger-headed carvings around the entrance. A striking feature of the caves is a sculpture of Goddess Durga atop the tigers. There are numerous legends associated with the caves and remain a “roaring secret” to all.
- Temple Open and Close Timings: Open on all days from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.
- Entry Fee: No
- Parking Fee: INR 10
- Must See: Explore the majestic caves standing proudly overlooking the sea
- Mahabalipuram Beach & Light House: Nestled on the shore of Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions that we cover in our Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package. Enjoy the gentle breeze kissing your hair, the gushing waves touching our feet and the breathtaking view of magnificent rock structures. Do not miss visiting the Light House.
- Light House Open and Close Timings: Open on all days from 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indian adults and INR 3 for children; INR 25 for foreigners
- Must See: Beguiling view of the sea, rock structures and glittering sand from the top of the Light House
Where to Eat in Mahabalipuram: Set a time aside from your Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package and indulge yourself in a delightful variety of cuisines available at Mahabalipuram. From authentic South Indian thali to western delicacies and mouth-watering street food, here’s where you can have a treat:
- Le Yogi – Continental
- Gecko Cafe – Indian
- Rose Garden – Mughlai; Biriyani
- Blue Elephant – Seafood
- Water’s Edge Cafe – Multi-cuisine
How to Reach Mahabalipuram: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (53.7 km). Book a shuttle cab or take a private taxi to reach Mahabalipuram. Chengelpet (30 km) is the nearest railway station. Mahabalipuram is also connected via excellent roadways.
Important Travel Tips:
- The weather at Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram can be scorching hot during the summer (April to June). The cities receive moderate to heavy rainfall during monsoon months of July to September. However, the weather is most pleasant during the winter (October to March).
- The best time to plan Tirupati to Kanchipuram tour package is from October to March.
- Make sure you remain well hydrated throughout the tour. Carry adequate water or canned juice.
- Try adventure water sports at Mahabalipuram Beach like surfing or jet-skiing.
- If you want to make the tour informative, you can hire local guide available at most sightseeing places. However, do negotiate with them well.
- Shop handicraft items and local items at Mahabalipuram, and silk sarees and scarves at Kanchipuram.
- ATM facility is good at both the cities; though prefer carrying cash in hand.