Kanchipuram – The City of Thousand Temples

Located on the banks of the sacred Vegavathi River, Kanchipuram, often called the City of Thousand Temples, is one of India’s most ancient and revered destinations. Once the capital of the Pallava dynasty, this temple town stands as a living museum of Dravidian art, architecture, and spiritual heritage. A seamless blend of sacred traditions, exquisite craftsmanship, and scholarly excellence, Kanchipuram is a place where history breathes through every carved stone and golden silk thread.

Kanchipuram’s history spans over two millennia, making it one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) in India. It flourished under the rule of the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara kings, who contributed immensely to its architectural and cultural legacy. Known in ancient Tamil literature as “Kanchi,” the city was a thriving center of learning, religion, and trade. Buddhist and Jain influences once coexisted here alongside Hinduism, reflecting a spirit of inclusivity that shaped its intellectual and artistic growth.

Kanchipuram’s culture is deeply rooted in devotion, artistry, and tradition. The city reverberates with the sound of temple bells, Vedic chants, and the rhythmic beats of classical music. Its residents uphold age-old customs, from intricate kolams (rangoli) at doorsteps to grand temple processions. The town’s rich textile tradition, especially the world-renowned Kanchipuram Silk Sarees, remains a symbol of Tamil craftsmanship, each handwoven piece representing heritage, purity, and elegance.