Chennai To Kanchipuram Map

Introduction

Located in the southern part of India, Chennai and Kanchipuram are two cities that are rich in culture, tradition, and history. Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, while Kanchipuram is known as the “City of Thousand Temples.” The distance between the two cities is approximately 70 km, which makes it a perfect day trip destination for travelers who are looking to explore the South Indian region.

Top Attractions

Chennai and Kanchipuram have a lot to offer when it comes to tourist attractions. In Chennai, some of the top attractions include the Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Kapaleeswarar Temple, and Government Museum. In Kanchipuram, the most visited places include Kailasanathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Varadharaja Perumal Temple.

Hidden Gems

While the popular tourist attractions are worth visiting, there are also some hidden gems that travelers should not miss. In Chennai, head to the Mylapore neighborhood to explore the local street food scene and the colorful Kapaleeswarar Temple. In Kanchipuram, visit the Ekambareswarar Temple, which is one of the largest temples in the city. Another hidden gem is the Kanchi Kudil, a heritage home that showcases the traditional way of life in Kanchipuram.

Food Scene

South Indian cuisine is known for its flavorful spices and variety of vegetarian dishes. In Chennai, head to Saravana Bhavan for a classic South Indian breakfast of dosa and idli. For seafood lovers, visit the famous Marina Beach to try some fresh fish fry. In Kanchipuram, try the traditional thali meal at the local restaurants such as Sri Krishna Vilas and A2B.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling on a budget? Don’t worry, there are plenty of budget-friendly options in Chennai and Kanchipuram. Take the local bus or train to get around the cities instead of hiring a private taxi. Stay in budget hotels or guesthouses, and try the street food for affordable and delicious meals.

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, head to the Pulicat Lake in Chennai for bird watching or take a boat ride. In Kanchipuram, go trekking in the nearby hills or visit the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. You can also take a short trip to the Mahabalipuram beach to enjoy some water sports.

Historical Landmarks

Both Chennai and Kanchipuram have a rich history and heritage. In Chennai, visit the Fort St. George, which was built by the British in the 17th century. The Government Museum is another place to explore the history and culture of the region. In Kanchipuram, the temples are the main historical landmarks, with some of them dating back to the 8th century.

Family-Friendly Activities

If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in Chennai and Kanchipuram. Visit the Birla Planetarium in Chennai to learn about space and astronomy. In Kanchipuram, take a tour of the silk weaving factories to see how traditional silk sarees are made. You can also take a picnic to the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary and enjoy the nature and wildlife.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For travelers who want to explore beyond the popular tourist spots, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences in Chennai and Kanchipuram. Visit the DakshinaChitra museum in Chennai to learn about the art and culture of South India. Take a trip to the Muttukadu backwaters to enjoy some kayaking and canoeing. In Kanchipuram, visit the Jain temple of Tirupparuthikkundram, which is relatively unknown to tourists.

Natural Wonders

Chennai and Kanchipuram are located in the tropical region of India, which means there are plenty of natural wonders to explore. Visit the Guindy National Park in Chennai to see some rare species of birds and animals. In Kanchipuram, take a trip to the Ubbalamadugu Falls to enjoy the beautiful scenery and go for a swim.

Vibrant Nightlife

While Chennai is not known for its nightlife, there are still some places to enjoy a night out. Visit the pubs and bars in the T Nagar and Nungambakkam areas to enjoy some live music and drinks. In Kanchipuram, the nightlife is relatively quiet, with most of the attractions closing by early evening.

Local Markets

Exploring the local markets is one of the best ways to experience the culture and tradition of a place. In Chennai, head to the George Town area to shop for traditional silk sarees, spices, and handicrafts. In Kanchipuram, visit the Kanchipuram market to buy some authentic silk sarees and gold jewelry.

Beaches and Mountains

Chennai and Kanchipuram are located near the coast and the hills, which means there are plenty of opportunities for beach and mountain activities. Visit the Mahabalipuram beach or the VGP Golden Beach in Chennai to enjoy some water sports and beach activities. In Kanchipuram, take a trip to the nearby hills to enjoy some trekking and hiking.

Cultural Immersion

South India has a rich culture and tradition that travelers can immerse themselves in. Visit the DakshinaChitra museum in Chennai to learn about the traditional arts and crafts of the region. In Kanchipuram, take a tour of the silk weaving factories to see how traditional silk sarees are made. You can also attend a classical dance or music performance to experience the local culture.

Art and Music Scene

Chennai is known as the cultural capital of South India, with a vibrant art and music scene. Visit the Kalakshetra Foundation to see some classical dance performances and art exhibitions. In Kanchipuram, attend the Kamakshi Amman Temple festival to witness the traditional music and dance performances.

Walking Tours

The best way to explore the cities of Chennai and Kanchipuram is on foot. Take a walking tour of the Mylapore neighborhood in Chennai to explore the local street food scene and the colorful Kapaleeswarar Temple. In Kanchipuram, take a walking tour of the temple city to explore the ancient temples and learn about the history and culture of the region.

Architectural Marvels

The temples in Chennai and Kanchipuram are known for their intricate architecture and design. Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai to see the Dravidian style of architecture. In Kanchipuram, visit the Kailasanathar Temple, which is one of the oldest temples in the city and showcases the Pallava architecture.

Historical Sites

Chennai and Kanchipuram have a rich history and heritage, with many historical sites to explore. In Chennai, visit the Fort St. George, which was built by the British in the 17th century. The Government Museum is another place to explore the history and culture of the region. In Kanchipuram, the temples are the main historical landmarks, with some of them dating back to the 8th century.

Biking Routes

For travelers who love biking, there are some scenic routes to explore in Chennai and Kanchipuram. Take a bike ride along the East Coast Road in Chennai to enjoy the beautiful coastline and the scenic views. In Kanchipuram, take a bike ride to the nearby hills to enjoy the nature and the fresh air.

Wellness Retreats

Chennai and Kanchipuram are known for their wellness and Ayurveda treatments. Visit the Ayurvedic centers in Chennai to rejuvenate your body and mind. In Kanchipuram, take a trip to the nearby village of Sittanavasal to experience the traditional Siddha medicine.

In conclusion, Chennai and Kanchipuram are two cities that offer a unique travel experience to travelers who are looking to explore the South Indian region. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or adventure, there’s something for everyone in these two cities.