The Chennai to Kanchipuram distance is 75 km, making the temple town a possible day trip from Chennai. You can travel by road, bus or train, then spend your time among historic temples in and around the town centre.
- Distance: 75 km from Chennai, according to the Kancheepuram District government.
- Getting there: Road and bus links connect Kanchipuram with Chennai; train connections are also available.
- Temple planning: Opening schedules vary across official sources, so check the relevant temple or government site before you go.
How far is Kanchipuram from Chennai?
Kanchipuram is 75 km from Chennai, though the distance can vary depending on the destination and route. Tamil Nadu Tourism gives 64 km from Chennai to Ekambareswarar Temple, while the district government’s figure is for Kanchipuram. Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam describes the town as 70 km away and estimates a road journey of 1.5–2 hours in moderate traffic.
For day-trip planning, treat the journey time as dependent on traffic and your chosen starting point. If you’re travelling by road, allow for time at both ends of the trip as well as the temple visits you plan to make.
How do you get from Chennai to Kanchipuram?
You can reach Kanchipuram by road, bus or train. The town has bus services to Chennai and other cities, and train connections are available from Chennai Central and Arakkonam.
By road
A car or taxi lets you travel directly to the town and choose your own departure time. Kanchipuram is connected by road; journey time depends on traffic and your starting point in Chennai.
By bus
Route 76B runs from CMBT and route 79 from Tambaram MEPZ to Kanchipuram. Buses from both terminals run approximately every 15–30 minutes. Confirm current routes and services with the relevant operator before travelling.
By train
You can reach Kanchipuram by train from Chennai Central and Arakkonam. EMU services also operate on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram–Chengalpattu section. Check current train information with the rail operator when planning your journey.
Planning the trip from Pallavaram
Pallavaram can be a starting point for arranging your onward journey. Pallavaram station is about a 14-minute walk from Hotel Mars, or about 9 minutes by car. You can use the station connection to plan your travel across Chennai and Pallavaram before setting out for Kanchipuram.
The district government identifies Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam as the nearest airport to Kanchipuram and describes the drive from there as two hours. That is a separate leg from Pallavaram, so plan your transfers around your arrival point.
For local connections and station options, getting around Pallavaram and Chennai can help you plan the area portion of your trip.
What to see during a day visit
Kanchipuram’s temple visits can centre on Kamakshi Amman, Sri Varadaraja Perumal, Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar temples. The historic buildings and their architectural details provide distinct stops for a day in town.
Kamakshi Amman Temple
The district government describes Kamakshi Amman Temple as a 12th-century temple in the town centre, close to the bus stand and reachable on foot from there. Its thousand-pillared hall was built by Vijayanagar kings.
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
This temple complex covers 23 acres and includes 19 vimanas and about 400 pillared halls. The 12 Alwars visited the temple and sang hymns in praise of the deity.
Kailasanathar and Ekambareswarar temples
Kailasanathar Temple dates to the 7th century and was built by Pallava king Rajasimha, also known as Narasimhavarman II. Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams dedicated to Lord Shiva; its nine-storey gopuram, built by Krishna Devaraya in 1509 CE, stands more than 192 feet tall.
Checking temple hours and local transport
Temple schedules differ between official sources, so check the official site before you go. Kamakshi Amman Temple’s listed morning opening starts between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., and its afternoon opening starts between 3:45 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
One source gives a 9:00 p.m. closing, while another gives 8:30 p.m. Ekambareswarar Temple’s hours are 6:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.; Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple’s are 6:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
For the town-centre visit to Kamakshi Amman Temple, it is close to the bus stand and you can walk there from the stand. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple is 2.7 km from Kancheepuram railway station, where private taxis are available. Confirm local transport arrangements before setting off.
The May–June Brahmotsavam is the main festival at Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple. If you’re planning around temple visits, check the relevant official source for current schedules and any travel arrangements.
FAQs
Can you visit Kanchipuram as a day trip from Chennai?
Yes. The town’s 75 km distance from Chennai and its road, bus and rail connections make a day visit possible; your schedule will depend on your starting point and the transport you choose.
Which temple is closest to the Kanchipuram bus stand?
Kamakshi Amman Temple is in the town centre, close to the bus stand, and you can walk there from the stand.
Is Kanchipuram connected to Chennai by train?
Yes. Train access is available from Chennai Central, and EMU services operate on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram–Chengalpattu section. Check current services with the rail operator.