The Beautiful City Of Kanchipuram! In Tamilnadu

In Tamil Literature, Kanchipuram was earlier known as Kachipedu or Kachi. Later, it was Sanskritized to Kanchipuram or Kanchi. The word is divided into two in Tamil: Ka and Anchi where Ka refers to Brahma and anchi refers to Worship. So, Kanchi together refers to a place where Lord Bramha worshipped the Varadharaja Perumal Temple.

Kanci, in Sanskrit, refers to the girdle and this city was explained to be a girdle for the Earth. During the rule of the British, the city was called Conjeevaram, however, later it was changed to Kanchipuram.

Kanchipuram is thought to be a part of the Mahabharata’s Dravida Kingdom. Moreover, Kalidasa, the Sanskrit poet described this city as one of the best cities. It was also referred to as “Banaras of the South.” Kanchipuram also has its mention in the Tamil Sangam Literature which dates back to the 300 BCE. The southern Andhra Pradesh’s Pallavas shifted their south capital to this city in the sixth century and it was then that the city grew in its importance. The city was stimulated by the Pallavas with wide moats, artistic temples, well-made roads, and ramparts. Under them, Kanchipuram also thrived as a learning center for the Buddhist and Hindus.

In 890, Aditya I, the Medieval Chola King captured the Pallava Kingdom and Kanchipuram by defeating Aparajitavarman, the Pallava ruler. The city then became the northern viceroyalty’s headquarters under the Cholas. Under King Raja Chola, the province was named as “Jayamkonda Cholamandalam.” He is famous for constructing the Karchapeswarar Temple and also renovating Kamakshi Amman Temple. Maravarman Sundara Pandyan, the Pandya King invaded the Cholas in 1218. Shortly after that, the place was conquered by Telugu Cholas and Jatavarman Sundara Pandaya I in 1230 took the control of the city from him. Until 1311, the city was with Pandayas. It was just then that the Sambuvarayars avowed Independence. After some spells of the occupants, Kumara Kampana, the Vijayanagar general conquered Kanchipuram by defeating the Sultanate of Madurai in 1361. Kanchipuram was ruled by the Vijayanagar Empire from 1361 through to 1645. Following the Vijayanagar empire’s fall, Kanchipuram faced political turmoil for nearly two decades. In 1672, the Golconda Sultanate earned the control of this city and lost it to Bijapur after 3 years. In 1676, Shivaji was invited by the Golconda Sultanate to drive the Bijapur forces out. They won the war and Golconda Sultanate again ruled the city until its defeat by Aurangzeb’s Mughal Empire in October 1687. Under them, Kanchipuram also became a part of Carnatic viceroyalty. Kanchipuram was then invaded by the Marathas in 1724 and 1740 under the Carnatic Period. The city was also the battlefront in the Carnatic War against Fresh East India Company for the British East India Company. The British East India Company brought this territory in direct control during the war of Anglo-Mysore. In 1794, the Collectorate of Chingleput was also made. In 1997, this district was divided into two. Kanchipuram was then the capital of the recently developed Kanchipuram district.

Kanchipuram attracts many tourists from around the world due to the amazing temples and other tourist spots it has. Below is the list of all the places you should not miss visiting:

• Kamakshi Amman Temple
• Varadharaja Perumal Temple
• Kailasanathar Temple
• Devarajaswami Temple
• Kanchi Kudhil
• Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam
• Vaikunda Perumal Temple
• Ekambaranatha Temple
• Kachapeshwarar Temple
• Thennangur Panduranga Temple
• Jain Temple
• Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
• Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple
• Prasanna Ventatesa Perumal Temple
• Ek Katha Ramar Temple
• Chitragupta Temple
• Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
• Sankara Mutt

Visiting Silk Weaving Centers: Silk weaving is this city’s passion and pride. It has been passed for more than 150 years via many generations and thus has produced regal and elegant designs and patterns. There are several silk weaving centers across the whole city, where you can witness the process of producing different patterns and designs of the famous Kanchipuram silk sarees.

Shopping: Kanchipuram is a hub for Kanchipuram silk sarees. It is renowned for handwoven cotton and silk. You can find many small and big stores selling these popular sarees. If you are in Kanchipuram, you should definitely buy one.

Windsurfing: Kanchipuram isn’t a tourist place for visiting temples or sightseeing only, it also lets you indulge yourself in some great sports. Do visit Covelong beach for trying windsurfing and have a revitalizing time.

Bird Watching: If you are one of the bird lovers, you can enjoy bird watching in Kanchipuram. Over 40000 birds flock towards the famous Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary every year. You can witness many different species of birds here including pintail, garganey, common sandpiper, and blue-winged teal. If you are in the city between November and March, you can be the lucky one to watch the birds making their nests. So, do not miss this rare chance!

Temples Visit: Kanchipuram is a home to many famous temples that are a feast for your eyes too. With their regal colors and excellent architecture, visiting them is a must. As you visit them, you will start finding peace within yourself. You will go out fresh, full of insights, memories, and learning from every temple present in the city. You will also have many memories to take back home with you.

Kanchipuram is well-connected to all the nearby cities and states via well-constructed roads. The nearest railhead to Kanchipuram is the Kanchipuram Railway Station. And the nearest airport located 75 away from Kanchipuram is the Chennai International Airport.

So, Pack Your Bags and Head Out To The Kanchipuram City That Has Solutions For Your Weekend Woes!