Kanchipuram, Kanchi, or Kancheepuram is a city and a municipality in Kanchipuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a temple town and the headquarters of Kanchipuram district. In ancient times it was called Kachi and Kachiampathi. Kanchipuram is located on the Palar River, and known for its temples and silk sarees. There are several big temples(including some of the greatest Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu, like Varadharaja Perumal Temple for Lord Vishnu and Ekambaranatha Temple which is one of the five forms of abodes of Lord Siva.

Attractions:

Kanchipuram:Kanchipuram is a spectacular Temple city known as city of thousand temples which reflects the Glorious Traditions of South India with its noted temples. The 192 feet high temple tower of Ekamabaranadhar temple and the 100-pillar mandabam (building) in Varadaraja Perumal temple in this town are famous, and are considered marvels of the architectural techniques of Vijayanagara Dynasty. The British Viceroy Robert Clive, who is responsible for the British rule in India, had exclaimed the architectural techniques of Varadharaja perumal temple and presented a fabulous jewelry to this temple. Today, apart from its temples, this small town is also known for its thriving handloom industry. The city is quite famous for its silk sarees, considered to be one of the best varieties of silk sarees.

Vedanthangal:It is one of the major Water Bird Sanctuaries in India, 48 km from Kanchipuram. Storks, Egrets, Cormorants, Darter, Flamingos, Pelicans, moor hens, herons, kingfishers, sandpipers, white ibis, spoonbills, swans and grey wagtails are some of the birds which arrive here during season. The best time to visit is between October and March, when a large number of migratory birds visit. The birds can be viewed from the bank or from the watch tower..

Muttukadu:This is a large lake formed out of the backwaters from Bay of Bengal. It has boating and wind surfing facilities. It is located at a distance of 80 km from Kanchipuram . The backwaters of Muttukkadu have been developed by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation to serve as a picnic spot and a center for water sports. Training and demonstration programmes are also organised for beginners.

The Crocodile Bank:Just 14 km from Mamallapuram is this crocodile breeding center. At this center, about 5000 crocodiles of 6 different species, alligators & other reptiles are bred in captivity, kept in open, marshy enclosures. There is also a snake farm where anti venom is produced and there is a regular venom extraction show.