Better known as the City of a Thousand Temples, Kanchipuram is one of India's seven sacred cities. It is especially noted for its treasure trove of Hindu temples, of which close to 126 remain in the city. Set aside at least 2 days for your holiday here to view every grand structure, some of which are architectural experimentations by different dynasties. And when here, don’t forget to pick up some of the most authentic silk saris, which is available in different patterns and colours.

• Kamakshi Amman Temple: This is the center of all religious activities in Kanchipuram, including the annual Car Festival held in the months of February/March. A significant feature of this temple is the Golden Chariot, which is taken out in a procession around the temple on Friday evenings around 7.00 p.m. The main tower over the sanctum of the temple is gold plated and it has a golden gopura (gate) with fine carvings. This temple also features an Art Gallery with pictures depicting the history of Sri Adishankaracharya and the Shankara Mutt.

• Kailasanatha Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the earliest temples built by the Pallava rulers. The temple with its unique architecture is viewed as an architectural wonder and is one of the oldest structures in Kanchipuram. The temple is beautifully carved and elaborately filled with sculptures of Shiva portraying different aspects of mythology. The inner walls are lined with fresco-style paintings. Especially interesting is the Shivaratri festival celebration, which draws large crowds of devotees.

• Ekambareswarar Temple: sBelieved to be one of the five abodes of Lord Shiva, this temple with its 57 meters high gopuram (tower) is one of the tallest temples in South India. A noteworthy feature is the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam or the ‘hallway with a thousand pillars’. 1,008 Sivalingams line the inner walls and the courtyard has a 3,500 year old mango tree, which is said to yield four different varieties of mangoes.

• Varadharaja Perumal Temple: Another enormous Vishnu temple with massive outer walls and a 1000-pillared hall, its most defining structure is a huge chain carved out of a single piece of stone. A special feature of this temple is the Kanchipuram spiced idli, which is served as prasadam. Among festivals, Brahmotsavam, Garuda Seva and Rath Yatra are most popular.

• Vaikuntaperumal Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built shortly after the Kailasanatha Temple. The passage inside is lined with lion pillars, which represent the beginning of the 1000-pillared halls in later temples.

• Kailasanathar Temple: Another architectural marvel from the Pallavas, this temple is famous for its splendid vimana. Its panels contain carvings of Lord Shiva as Natraja in different postures.

Land of some delicious cuisine including idli, dosa, sambar and rasam, the vegetarian fare is quite a delight. The Tamil staple diet is steamed rice with grains, lentils and vegetables. Different flavoured 'Sadhams' (rice dishes) are a specialty, while spices are added to most dishes for a distinctive taste. Kanchipuram is well known for its idlis prepared with a mixture of rawa, rice and urad dal. Try out the Sri Saravana on Gandhi Rd, which is a moderately priced restaurant serving delicious South Indian food that comes with quick service. One of the best restaurants is Hotel Baboo Soorya at Raja St. which serves south as well as north Indian vegetarian food. Hotel Saravana Bhavan, inside Jaibala International, also has good south Indian food, a must try being their varied selection of dosa’s. Geetham Restaurant, with its glass roof top serves an excellent selection of north Indian and tandoori cuisine.

Kanchipuram, known as Silk City is synonymous with silks and silks! Known to be the finest and most beautiful the Kanjeevaram saris are a must buy. These are woven from pure mulberry silk and combine a dazzling array of colorful threads or zari (fine golden thread) into attractive patterns depicting traditional motifs. Silk saris and fabrics can be found at the handloom co-operatives in town. Apart from silk, you can buy various artifacts and handicrafts. Candle stands, jewellery boxes and idols of various Indian gods can be found here. Gifts and souvenirs made of jute, bronze and copper are a good buy as well.