Top 12 Famous Temples in Kanchipuram to Visit

Kanchipuram, often called the "City of Thousand Temples," is a sacred destination in the heart of Tamil Nadu, India. Renowned for its spiritual significance and rich cultural heritage, Kanchipuram attracts pilgrims and tourists alike from around the globe.

Among the various temples in the city, here are the top 12 temples that you must include in your itinerary when visiting this ancient city.

Discover the spiritual essence of Kanchipuram through these 12 revered temples, each offering a unique blend of architectural splendour and divine sanctity.

1. Kumarakottam Temple | West Raja Road

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kumarakottam Temple is a sanctuary of divine grace and tranquillity. Marvel at its vibrant architecture and intricate sculptures as you seek blessings for well-being.

• Best Time to Visit: October to November.
• Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kailasanathar Temple, Devarajaswami Temple, Kanchi Kudil Heritage Museum.

2. Ekambareswarar Temple | Periya

Immerse yourself in the ancient sanctity of Ekambareswarar Temple, which represents the earth element among the Pancha Bootha Sthalams. Discover divine tranquillity amidst lush greenery and intricate carvings.

• Best Time to Visit: March to April.
• Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kailasanathar Temple, Silk Sari Weaving Center, Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple.

3. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple | Periya

Marvel at the cosmic mysteries of Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Trivikrama form. Delight in the towering structure and partake in sacred rituals amidst an aura of divine spirituality.

• Best Time to Visit: March to April.
• Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kudil Heritage Museum, Kamakshi Amman Temple.

4. Vaikunta Perumal Temple | Periya

Explore the divine aura of Vaikunda Perumal Temple, where devotees seek solace and blessings amidst the grandeur of Dravidian architecture and sacred rituals. Marvel at the intricate sculptures adorning the temple walls.

• Best Time to Visit: December to January.
• Temple Timings: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Devarajaswami Temple.

5. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple | Karuppadithattadai

Step into the majestic Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, a masterpiece of Pallava architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva. Immerse yourself in the divine energy of this ancient marvel and admire the intricate carvings.

• Best Time to Visit: February to March.
• Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kailasanathar Temple Tank, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kudil Heritage Museum.

6. Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple | Kamakshi Amman Sannathi St

Experience the divine presence of Goddess Kamakshi at Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, where spirituality and serenity converge. Pay homage to the divine mother amidst the soothing chants and sacred rituals.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple Tank, Ekambareswarar Temple, Silk Sari Weaving Center.

7. Varadaraja Perumal Temple | Nethaji Nagar

Bask in the divine glory of Varadaraja Perumal Temple and witness the splendour of Dravidian architecture. Seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment in the sacred precincts of this ancient temple.

• Best Time to Visit: December to March.
• Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kailasanathar Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Devarajaswami Temple.

8. Trilokyanatha Temple | Pillaiyarpalayam

Enter the spiritual realm of Trilokyanatha Temple, a sacred abode dedicated to Lord Shiva. Admire the divine architecture and immerse yourself in the serene ambience as you seek blessings for peace and prosperity.

• Best Time to Visit: During Mahavir Jayanti.
• Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kanchipuram Silk Sari Weaving Center, Kailasanathar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple.

9. Satyanatheswarar Temple | Thirukalimedu

Discover the mystical aura of Satyanatheswarar Temple and immerse yourself in spirituality amidst the tranquil surroundings. Experience divine bliss as you witness this ancient shrine's sacred rituals and architectural marvels.

• Best Time to Visit: October to January.
• Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kailasanathar Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple.

10. Chitragupta Swamy Temple | Nellukara St

Journey into the spiritual realm of Chitragupta Swamy Temple, dedicated to the divine scribe of Yama, and seek blessings for a harmonious life. Marvel at the intricate sculptures and immerse yourself in the divine energy of this sacred abode.

• Best Time to Visit: April.
• Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchi Kudil Heritage Museum, Kamakshi Amman Temple.

11. Sri Ashtabujakara Perumal Temple | Gandhi Rd

Experience the divine presence at Sri Ashtabujakara Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his majestic form. Delve into the spiritual ambience and witness the sacred rituals that echo the ancient traditions of devotion.

• Best Time to Visit: December to January.
• Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Local Handicrafts Market, Kanchi Kudil Heritage Museum.

12. Vallakottai Murugan Temple | Vallakottai

Embark on a divine journey to Vallakottai Murugan Temple, where the divine presence of Lord Murugan fills the air with spiritual energy. Witness the majestic architecture and seek blessings for success and prosperity.

• Best Time to Visit: June to July.
• Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Everyday.
• Nearby Places: Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Silk Sari Weaving Center, Varadaraja Perumal Temple.

Venture on a spiritual odyssey through the ancient city of Kanchipuram and immerse yourself in the divine energy of its sacred temples. Each temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of reverence, artistry, and spirituality.

Whether you seek solace and blessings or simply wish to marvel at architectural marvels, Kanchipuram's temples offer a profound experience transcending time and space.