Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, the golden city of a thousand temples, was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. It is considered one of the seven sacred cities of India; some of the best temples were built here during the reign of the Pallavas between the 6th and 7th centuries. Subsequently, Kanchipuram also served as an important city of the far-flung empires of the Chola and the Vijayanagara dynasties.
Later, these dynasties too contributed greatly in the temple building activity of this town.,br> The city has also been, through the years, a great seat of learning and culture. Adi Sankaracharya established his episcopal seat (Kamakodipeedam) here. Sri Sankaracharya, Appar, Siruthonder and the great Buddhist Bikshu, Bodhidharma, once lived and worked here. Today, it is known not only for temples but also for its hand-woven, silk fabrics.

Fact & figures

Temperature:	Summer: 36.6 - 22.1C Winter: 28.7 -19 C
Best Season :	October to March
Clothing :	Light cottons
STD Code :	044
Tourist Office:	Kovalam Road, Mamallapuram 603104 Tel : 044 27442232.