Mahabalipuram

The temple city of Mahabalipuram (also Mamallapuram) is located 60 kms off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast. Mamallapuram is referred as an ‘open-air museum’. Mahabalipuram, being one of the UNESCO World heritage sites was developed during the Pallava king Narashimha Varman I, who was also called by his people as “the great wrestler”. A traveller can spot the rock cut caves, monolithic shrines, structural temples and huge bas-reliefs which depicts the master piece of the Pallava art. The great pallava kings Narasimha I and Rajasimha have well preserved these stylistic qualities that one enjoys in Mahabalipuram even in the present day.

Best Time to Visit

The climate of Mahabalipuram remains hot and sultry throughout the year with a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum of 19°C. The best time to visit this place is during October to March.

How to Reach

By Air - The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai, the place wherein one can get flights for almost all major destinations in India and abroad.

By Rail - The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 kms away from Mahabalipuram. Trains to Chennai and several other major cities in South India are available from here.-

By Road - Mamallapuram is well connected by road to Chennai, Kanchipuram (65 km), and Pondicherry (100 km).

Shore Temple:

The world famous Shore temple was built in 7th century by Narashima Varman II. The Shore Temple is the icon of the ancient monuments of Mahabalipuram. The sculptural excellence symbolizes the epitome of elegance in Pallava architecture. There are two Shiva temples and one Vishnu temple here that are the part of Shore Temple complex. Shore Temple is no more a temple worshipped. The structure of the temple is inspiring, it was erected basically as a work of art. Shore Temple is an excellent example of ancient Dravidian style of architecture and is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1984.

Five Rathas:

These are a group of five rock cut temples that signify five chariots of Pandavas. Pancha Rathas or Five Rathas is a monument complex and is currently one of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is known for its, 'rathas' or monolithic rock temples cut out in the form of chariots. Pallava ruler Narsimha Varman 1 (AD 630- 68) built the majestic architecture in the 7th and 8th centuries. The Five Rathas are named after the legendary Pandavas, Yudhistara, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula & Sahadeva and their wife Draupadi. Though these temples are named after the Pandava brothers, they are not related to Mahabharata. The Rathas were built as models of South Indian temples. This elements gives a lovely impression of the remarkable architecture of the Pallavas. Bhim Ratha is the most massive of all Rathas which is 25 ft high, 42 ft long and 24 ft wide.

Arjuna’s Penance:

Standing tall at a height of 43 feet, the Arjuna's Penance is an enormous bas relief, one of the largest in the world. ‘Arjuna's Penance’ is an extract from the Mahabharata, of how Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Shiva's weapon. Figures of gods, demigods and other mythological deities are also carved on a massive rock.

Entry Fee:

Rs.30 for Indians, Rs. 500 for Foreigners.

No fee for children up to 14 years.

No fee for still photography, Rs. 25 for videography. (This entry fee includes Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjunas’ Penance & Varaha Cave Temple).

Timings for all above places – 6.00am to 6.00 Pm

Holidays – No Holidays

Varaha Cave Temple

The rock-cut Hindu temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site named "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram". The Varaha Cave Temple is a small shrine, created during the reign of Narasimhavarman I Mahamalla (630 – 668 AD). The most important sculptural is Varaha, the avatar of Lord Vishnu, similar to wild boar. Varaha holds up his wife Bhumi, mother earth in his trunks. He has saved her from Naga, the snake king. This is the only cave temple in Mahabalipuram where worship is conducted daily in the mornings and evenings.

Entry Timings : 6.00 am to 6.00 pm

INDIA SEASHELL MUSEUM

The museum is first of its kind in India and the largest one in India. On display are around 40,000 kinds of shells along with details about them and it is just 1.5 Kms from five Rathas. There is also a small aquarium in the complex, called Fish World, which houses colorful fishes.

Enter fee for museum - INR 100

Entry fee for aquarium - INR 50

Camera fee : INR 100

Timings - 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Tiger Cave

Tiger cave is located 5 kms from Mahabalipuram. The cave got its name from the carvings of the tiger heads carved around the entrance. One of the most attractive features of the caves is a carving of Goddess Durga on top of these tigers.

ENTRY FEE: NO

TIME: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM

Crocodile farm

The Crocodile Bank is located 14 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. It was established in 1976. It holds a varied species of Indian and African alligators and crocodiles. They are kept in open pools that are made to resemble their natural habitat. This Crocodile Conservation Center is the most popular site to visit at Crocodile Bank. A snake farm is also located at this site. Anti-venom is produced here in laboratories. The process of extracting the snake venom is a popular tourist attraction.

Timings: Tuesday – Sunday/ 09:00am - 05:30pm

Last Ticket: 5:00pm

Weekly Holiday: Monday

Entry Tickets: Adult: Rs.60/-, Children (below 10 years): Rs.30/-

Night Safari: Tuesday - Sunday / 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Tickets: Adult: Rs.200/- Children (below 10 years): Rs.100/-

Kalakshetra

The dream project of Madam Rukmani Arundale, the premises where the culture, heritage and tradition of the country are taught to the students in the traditional “Gurukul” style of learning is Kalakshetra, established in 1936. The walking tour inside the campus can be the best part of your visit in Chennai.

Foreigners – Rs. 500 / Free for children up to 12 years

Indians – Rs. 100

Timings – 10.00 am to 11.30 am

Camera - Not Allowed

Holiday – Saturday and Sunday + School holidays

Dakshinachitra

As the name implies, Dakshinachitra Museum portrays the culture and lifestyle of the southern states of India, especially the villages which are at the verge of extinction. Dakshinachitra Museum is an excellent initiative to preserve the culture, heritage and tradition of the people who have lived for generations in the villages and left their foot prints there. The museum is situated in Muttukadu, along the East Coast Road, in the outskirts of Chennai. The museum mainly focuses on the lifestyle and culture of the four southern states of India namely, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Foreigners – Rs. 250 for adults / Children below 5 years free, Children above 5 -12 years – Rs. 70, Indians – Rs. 100 for adults/Children - Below 5 years free,

Children above 5 – 12 years – Rs. 30

Timings -10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Only Mobile camera – Allowed

Holiday - Tuesday only

Mahabalipuram Hotels:

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay

Star category: 5*

Distance:1 Km from Sea Shore temple

Chariot Beach Resort

Star category: 4*

Distance: 3 Kms from Sea Shore temple

Grande Bay Resort and Spa

Star category:4*

Distance:2 Kms from Sea Shore temple

Hotel Mamallaa Heritage

Star Category: 2*

Distance: 4 Kms from Sea Shore temple

Ideal Beach Resort

Star Category: 3*

Distance: 6 Km from Sea Shore temple

Sea Breeze Hotel

Star Category: 2*

Distance: 1 Km from Sea Shore temple

Golden Bay Resorts

Star Category: 3*

Distance: 27 Km from Sea Shore temple

InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort

Star Category: 4*

Distance: 17 Km from Sea Shore temple

Welcom Hotel Kences Palm Beach, Mahabalipuram

Star Category: 3*

Distance: 5 Km from Sea Shore temple

Confluence Banquets and Resort

Star Category: 4*

Distance: 7 Kms from Sea Shore temple

RESTAURANTS in Mahabalipuram:

1. Le Yogi

Cuisines - North Indian, Seafood

Opening hours - All days 7AM to 11PM

Distance: 1Km from Krishna’s Butter ball and Shore Temple

2. Namaste Restaurant and German Bakery

Cuisines: German, Nepalese

Opening hours - All days 8 AM to 9 PM

Distance: 1 km from Krishna’s Butter Ball and shore temple

3. Sunrise Restaurant

Cuisines: Seafood, Continental

Opening hours: All days 11AM to 3:30PM, 7:30PM to 11PM

Distance:500 Meters from Arjuna Penance and Krishna’s butter ball

4. Moonrakers

Cuisines- Seafood, North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian

Opening hours - All days 11AM to 11PM

Distance: 750 Metres from Arjuna Penance and Sea Shore Temple

5.Nautilus Cafe Restaurant

Cuisines- Continental, North Indian, Seafood, Fast Food

Opening hours - All days 10:30AM to 11PM

Distance: 1 Km from Shore Temple and Arjuna Penance

6. Searock Restaurant

Cuisines - Chinese, North Indian, Italian, South Indian

Opening hours - All days 8AM to 11PM

Distance: 1 Km from Shore temple and Krishna Butter ball

7. L'attitude 49 – Grande Bay

Cuisine: Sea Food

Opening Hours: All days of the week / 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Distance: 2 Km from Shore temple / 1.5 Km from Krishna’s temple

8. Wharf - Radisson Blu Temple Bay

Cuisine: Indian, Desserts

Opening Time: All days Noon - 3 PM & Evening 7 - 11 PM

Distance: 1 Km from Krishna’s Butter Ball and Shore temple

9. Water's Edge Café – Radisson Blu Temple Bay

Cuisine: Multi Cuisine

Opening Hours: 24 Hours

Distance: 2 Km from Shore temple / 1.5 Km from Krishna’s temple

10. Petals - Confluence

Opening hours - 24 Hours

Cuisine: North Indian, Continental, Chinese, Thai, Chettinad

Distance: 5 Km from Shore Temple and Krishna’s Butter ball

11. Tao of Peng – Intercontinental resort

Opening Hours: Monday – Closed / Tuesday to Friday – 7:00pm to 11:30pm / Saturday to Sunday – 12:30pm to 2:45 pm , 7:00pm to 11:30pm

Cuisines: Japanese, continental, Chinese

Distance: 17 Km from shore temple and Krishna’s Butter ball / 1 km from Crocodile Park / 12 Km from Tiger cave

12. Bay View – Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove

Opening hours: All days / 12:30PM to 2:45PM, 7:30PM to 10:45PM

Cuisine: Seafood, South Indian, Andhra, Kerala

Distance: 24 Km from shore temple / 20 Km from Tiger cave

13. Ideal Garden Restaurant – Ideal Beach Resort

Opening Timings: All days 6:30AM to 10:30AM, 12:30PM to 3:30PM, 6:30PM to 10:30PM

Cuisine: Chinese, South Indian, Sri Lankan

Distance: 6 Km from shore Temple

14. WelcomCafe Riva - Welcome Kences

Opening timings: All days 6AM to 11:30PM

Cuisine: Continental, Mediterranean, South Indian, Cafe, Italian, European, Finger Food, Asian

Distance: 5 Km from Shore temple

Activities at Mahabalipuram:

South Tourism always strives to offer unique experience to travelers in every city they visit. Hence we have appointed an exclusive Product Development Manager whose prime responsibility is to travel throughout South India, learn about the local activities that are authentic in nature, unique in character, experience the same personally and share the experience with our team & we in turn bring it to you to offer to your guests who travels in South India.

I take pleasure in sharing with you some interesting local activities in Mahabalipuram for your clients including a village program wherein they get a real village life experience by being with the inmates of the village for a full day, experience their lifestyle, food, customs and rituals of a village, local festivals etc. There are activities like Catamaran ride for the guest to experience, they can visit a Fishermen village, spend time in understanding their day to day lifestyle, how they fish and trade, experience their lifestyle etc. I trust this would enable you to promote South India in a better way in the coming days.

You may please go through the below details. If you find any activity suitable for your clientele, please write back to us for more details.

• ATV Ride:

Guests can hop onto an ATV Bike [Quad Bike] and spend time riding it through a pathway sandwiched between the between Casuarina trees and also by the shoreline. In case they want to enjoy an adventurous ride with their family but are scared to ride it, one of the expert riders will take them in a big family Ranger [Bigger ATV bike with 4 seats] for an exciting ride.

Guests are taken along a pathway sandwiched between the between Casuarina trees and also by the shoreline. They have a range of latest ATV Bikes. There are single ATV Bikes, 2 seater and 4 family ATV’s.

There are different programs-

1. 10kms ATV ride on the Beach and Woods
2. 7km ATV ride on the Beach and Woods
3. 5km ATV ride of the Beach only
4. 3km ATV ride on the special track laid out
5. 1 km ATV ride on the special track laid out

Timings: Week days – 10 am to 7:30 pm, Weekends- 9 am to 7:30 pm

Inclusions: ATV bike, Safety helmets, Guide.

Note: Participants must have prior experience with the ATV bikes or else seek the guidance of a guide and learn to operate ATV first before going for a ride.

• Kadumbadi Village Program [Full day]

Kadumbadi is a small village located 6 kms from Mahabalipuram. This would turn out to be the best Village Tour in South India because of the ambience of the village and the list of programs available to entertain guests.

The program starts off with a warm grand welcoming accompanied by drum beats performed by local artists. Next up they can witness the Kolam making session. The guests are welcomed to try their hands on the Kolams as well. After this session they will be guided to a local house where they would enjoy their tea time with some lip smacking local snacks prepared for them.

After few minutes relaxing here, their Bullock Cart riding session starts. Guests shall hop on to a bullock cart and enjoy a 1 km ride along the village sides, temples, etc. Stop by a local temple here where they will be explained on the history and significance of this particular village temple. They would also be given a short briefing on temple rituals and mean while the temple lady offers blessing with her Neem Leaves by touching every one’s head with neem leaves, a sacred leaf as per Hindu belief. Guests shall continue the Bullock Cart ride to Vinayaka Temple for Pooja.

They will then visit the Old Post office, witness milking cows, learn how Cow Dung Cakes [Used as a fuel] are made and a lot more of authentic village sights which one would have never seen or experienced elsewhere.

Next they will all have a “Vishnu Mark” session, wherein an artist comes and draws the Vishnu mark on everyone’s forehead. During the session the artist will also explain the guests the significance of this particular symbol and why it is drawn on forehead. Later witness the Pappad making and Pappad frying at a local house. The guest will be asked to try their hands on it as well.

By noon, they shall have a delicious South Indian Lunch prepared exclusively for them. It would be served on a Banana Leaf, under a Banyan Tree with tables laid out under the shade. This is yet another one of a kind dining experience which Guests would enjoy the most, especially the inbound travellers. The Lunch menu would be mostly Dal, Carrot Poriyal, Beens Poriyal, Prawns Fry, Fish curry, Pappad, Curd, Rasam, Ghee and pickle.

After the lunch guests would have a local interaction session wherein few aged village persons [Mostly the governing people of the village] will visit them and exchange few words. This is a chance for the guests to get to know more about the village life here in this part of the world.

Note:We shall arrange a full day guide to assist guests in understanding what they witness, during the tour.

Timing: 9 am to 3 pm [Full day program]

Venue: Kadumbadi Village

Distance: 8 Kms from Mahabalipuram town

Minimum 10 pax is required to conduct this program.

• Catamaran Ride at the Bay of Bengal:

Duration: 30 to 40 minutes

Timings: Week days – 10 am to 7:30 pm, Weekends- 9 am to 7:30 pm

Minimum 5 pax required for 1 Catamaran, maximum 8 pax can sail on 1 Catamaran

Inclusions: Catamaran Ride, Safety Jacket, Guide

NOTE: Boating depends upon weather conditions, Guest must bring change overs and towels.

• Scuba Diving:

We can arrange Scuba Diving at Mahabalipuram. But due to certain technical reasons, they have stopped this service right now. However by August 2018, this activity will be restarted. We shall keep you updated in this regard.

• Fisherman Village :

There is a popular Fisherman village, just 3 kms away from Mahabalipuram town. A walk here is definitely entertaining and especially appealing to the inbound clients. A visit and a walk here is definitely recommended. We would come across small huts, village temples, people engaged in fishing, we can interact with them, learn their life style and learn various techniques and tools they use for fishing, etc. It is on the way to Kadumbadi Village. Maybe after the Kadumbadi Village visit we can take the guests here and then leave them at their respective hotel or resort.

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is the capital of Pallava dynasty during 6th to 8th centuries. It is located 80km from southwest of Chennai. Today it’s a hectic, modern town in India. It is famous for numerous, vibrant temples. Some of the temples are built during the period of Pallava and Tuluva Dynasty. Kanchipuram is known for the most famous silk sarees all over the world & thousands of family does the silk weaving business here. A Tour in Kanchipuram cannot be fulfilled without visiting the below spots.

Here are the sightseeing places at KANCHIPURAM – City of Thousand Temples

Kailasanathar Temple :

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple work was started by Pallava King Rajasimha and it was completed by the King Mahendravarman-III in the 8th century. It is made up of a typical Pallava style of a pyramidal Tower & pillared halls. The structure of the temple contains 58 Small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to local belief, the temple was a safe sanctuary for the rulers of the kingdom during wars. A secret tunnel, built by the kings, was used as an escape route and is still visible. This temple is the most prominent tourist attractions in the city. Chennai is the nearest airport for Kanchipuram. From Chennai, the temple is 75 Kms away and 3 Kms from Kanchipuram railway station

Timings: 6:00 am–12:00 pm / 4:00pm-7:00pm

Ekambareswar Temple

This is one of the most ancient temples in India and has been in existence even prior to 600 AD. The existing structure was pulled down and rebuilt by Pallava kings. Later the Cholas also made a contribution to the temple. This temple covers an area of 40 acres. The entrance tower of the temple was 172 feet built by Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya & the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is in the form of Lingam and he worshipped. There is a shrine for Lord Shiva and Kamakshi is located under the temple tree. It is believed to be 3500 years old. The major festival in this temple is called Panguni Utshavam and it is celebrated in the month of (March-April) and it lasts for 13 days

Timings: 6.00am – 12.30pm/4.30pm -8.30pm

Kamakshi Amman Temple :Kamakshi Amman temple is the most important temple in Kanchipuram. The temple is an ancient one, built by Sri Adi Shankara and Pallava Kings in the 6th century. This temple is dedicated to Kamakshi Devi and is one of the 51 Shakti peetas across the country. In this temple, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter. The temple is well connected with transport. Railway station is located 3Kms from the temple and it is located 75Kms away from Chennai airport

Timings: 5.00am-12pm/4pm-8pm

Varadharaja perumal Temple : This temple is a very ancient place for Vaishnavites and its a holy place not only for Vaishnavites but also for the whole Hindu community who visit this temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it was constructed by various kings. Main temple tower was built by dynasty of Vijayanagar kingdom during 14th – 16th century. The hundred pillared Mandapam was built by them. This has become the center of attraction for the foreign tourist’s for their architecture. The major festival in this temple is Brahmotchavam which lasts for 10 days and it is celebrated during the month of May-June

Timings: 6.00am-8.30pm

Vaikunta Perumal Temple:It is one among the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Vaikuntanathan. Temple is purely constructed with the style of Dravidian architecture. It was built by Nandi Varman II during the period 6th-9th Century. The architecture of the temple is very beautiful, and the temple is presently under the maintenance of the Archeological survey of India. The Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), and Vaikunta Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) are the two major festivals celebrated in the temple.

Timings: 7.30am-12.00pm / 4.30pm-7.30pm

Kanchi Kudil:Kanchi Kudil (Kudil means house) represents the life of the people in the city & now it is opened for the tourists. This kudil tells the life style of the people. This house is century old and the architecture resembles the older style. You will get a clear picture of the entire town. The present heritage inn was originally an ancestral house. Kanchi Kudil is the best example for heritage & culture of the town.

Entry fee- Rs. 10/-

Timing – 9a.m. to 5p.m.

Vendanthangal Bird Sanctuary

The Vedanthangal bird sanctuary is the smallest bird sanctuary in India situated in the Padalam in the Kanchipuram. It takes 60kms away from the town. The sanctuary is well-maintained by the local people for over 250 years. This place is approved for legal protection in 1798 and in 1936 it was declared as a bird sanctuary. Later in 1972, it was declared as wildlife sanctuary. Every year during the season around 30000 birds visit this area. Around 115 species of birds have to be recorded at the Vedanthangal bird sanctuary. The birds visit this place from their original habitat & it travels more than thousand miles to reach Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. The best month to visit the sanctuary is from October to March, to witness the nesting birds.

Entry Fees: Rs (25/-Adult, Rs.5/-Child) Camera Fee: Rs.25 Timings: 6AM-6PM

Silk Waving Center- Kanchipuram silk sarees are exclusively known for rich gold border and dense brocades in contrast colours. The city is the major center for producing silk sarees with 5000 weaving families. More than 150 years of traditional waving is followed in Kanchipuram is purely hand woven from the processed silk thread made of silver and gold. There is more than 45000 expertise wavers at Kanchipuram. Almost all the local families are engaged in the different production process such as silk weaving, warping, spinning, twisting and dying.

Hotels Details:

GRT – Regency

Category-3 Star

Distance from Kailasanathar Temple- 4Kms 15mins Drive

Ekambareshwarar Temple- 3Kms 15Mins Drive

Kamakshi Amman Temple- 2.5Kms 10Mins Drive

Varadha Raja Perumal Temple- 3Kms 10Mins Drive

Vaikunta Perumal Temple- 2.5Kms 10Mins Drive

Kanchi Kudil- 3Kms 15Mins Drive

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary- 60Kms 2Hrs Drive

Pine Tree

Category- 3 Star

From Kailasanathar Temple- 3.5Kms 18Mins Drive

Kamakshi Amman Temple- 2Kms 12Mins Drive

Varadha Raja Perumal Temple- 4Kms 20Mins Drive

Vaikunta perumal Temple- 3Kms 15Mins Drive

Kanchi Kudil- 3Kms 15Mins Drive

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary- 60Kms 2Hrs Drive

MM Legacy

From Kailasanathar Temple – 8 Kms 16 Mins drive

Kamakshi Amman Temple – 5 kms 10 Mins drive

Varadharaja Perumal Temple – 10 kms 25 mins drive

Vaikunta Perumal temple – 5 Kms 11 Mins drive

Kanchi Kudil – 6 kms 14 Mins drive

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary – 50 kms 1 hour drive

Restaurants in Kanchipuram:

Kanchi Kudil Restaurant(South Indian Cuisine) 3Kms 15mins drive from the Main Town

55A, SVN Pillai St, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram. >Phone: 044 27227680

Eat me Restaurant(Multi Cuisine Restaurant) 2Kms 10mins Drive from the Main Town

No.60-C, Nellukkara Street, Kanchipuram

Phone: 044 27233533

Dakshin Restaurant(Buffet Restaurant) 3Kms 15Mins from the Main Town

GRT Regency, 487, Gandhi Rd, Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram

Hotel Saravana Bhavan(Pure Veg) 2Kms 10Mins Drive from the Main Town

66, Annai Indhira Gandhi Street, Kanchipuram

504, Gandhi Road, Kanchipuram - 631 501.

Jothis Restaurant>(Multi Cuisine) 2Kms 10mins Drive from the Main Town

No, 128(16), West Raja Street, Sri Kumaran Stores Backside (Near S.S.K.V school), Kanchipuram

Upashana Restaurant>(Pure Veg) 2Kms 10mins Drive from the Main Town

Ulagandar Mada Street, Nellukara, Kanchipuram

Desert Dragon>(Multi Cuisine) 1Km from the Main Town

Ulagandar Mada Street, Nellukara st, Kanchipuram

Italian Delight>(Pizza Burger) 1Km from the Main Town

85, 1st Floor, Kamarajar Street, Near Thaluk Office, Kanchipuram

Dominos Pizzas2Kms 10mins Drive from the Main Town

Door No. 57, T.S. No. 548/1, 2, 3, Ward No. 04, Block No.07, Annai Indira Gandhi Salai, Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram

Local festivals celebrated in Kanchipuram:

Throughout the year, different events and festivals in Kanchipuram. Masi Mahotsavam, Mahashivratri Festival, Brahmotsavam, Garuda Sevai, Silk Tourism Festival, Float festival and Temple Car Festival are some of the festivals in Kanchipuram that are celebrated with grand enthusiasm.

• In the month of February-March, the annual 21-day festival of Masi Mahotsavam is held at the Kamakshi Amman temple and is celebrated in two parts. The First part of the festival is celebrated for 12 days when the deity is taken on different vehicles and the second part of the festival is celebrated for 9 days
• The Mahashivratri Festival is celebrated in February-March at the Kailasanathar Temple in the honour of Lord Shiva.
• Another prominent festival in Kanchipuram is Brahmotsavam, which is a ten-day long festival celebrated in the month of May. The festival is held at the Varadaraja Temple of Kanchipuram to honor Lord Varadaraja. Garudotsavam is part of the Brahmotsavam Festival when deities from the neighbouring temples are welcomed at the Varadaraja Temple.
• During the month of October silk tourism festival is celebrated in a grand manner. People across the state travel to Kanchipuram to witness the same and to buy the famous Kanchipuram silk sarees.

I hope you find all information useful in planning your clients program. We shall keep sending the next city information in the due course.