Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai
Chennai, India

Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai

Outty Ranking 59 4.6 · 5 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $123
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai worth booking?

Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai is a 8-hour experience in Chennai, India, from $123 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (5)
Duration
8 hours
From
$123 per person

In this day tour from Chennai, you will meet the legendary Kanchipuram Silk Saree weavers. On offer is a unique experience of the fine art of making Silk Sarees. We also visit Ekambareswar & Kailashnath temples to appreciate the sculptures of the magnificent Pallava style architecture.

What you get

    About this experience

    In this day tour from Chennai, you will meet the legendary Kanchipuram Silk Saree weavers. On offer is a unique experience of the fine art of making Silk Sarees. We also visit Ekambareswar & Kailashnath temples to appreciate the sculptures of the magnificent Pallava style architecture.

    What's included

    Included

    • Pick up and drop Chennai hotels or Airport
    • Lunch
    • Private car
    • Entrance charges

    What you'll see and do

    1. Ekambareswarar Temple

      We will visit magnificent temple built in 600 AD. It has incredibly intricate sculptures etched in stone. The temple has been rebuilt over the times by rebuilt Pallava Kings and later by the Cholas. The 2 remarkable features we will spend time upon are the temple's Raja gopuram which is one of the tallest in South India and the Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the "hallway with a thousand pillars", which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings During the tour we will talk about the legends and lore surrounding the temple including one about how Lord Shiva tested the dedication of his Queen Godess Parvathi.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. We will visit this temple which was built in 7th century AD by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II. the highlights of this temple are the magnificent Vimana and the gopuram over the Sanctum Sanctorum. Along with other sculptures we will appreciate the architectural beauty that flourished in the reign of Pallava Kings.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Kanchipuram

      The Saree has been a favorite for Indian women for thousands of years even since Indus Valley civilisation. Silk is the most popular material for Sarees and Kanchipuram is probably the best place in India for silk saree weaving. We will visit a weaver to understand the process of weaving these enchanting Sarees. It will be a great experience appreciating the intricacy of work, colors, pattern, material used which can be gold thread as well!

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Chennai 5 Senses Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai, photo 2Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai, photo 3Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai, photo 4Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai, photo 5Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai, photo 6Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    ro_c · February 2026

    Peaceful temples but

    Pros: My guide Hareesh was deeply spiritual about the meaning of the temple experience and explained the basics of Hinduism and Jainism. Lunch was delicious. The ride to and from Chennai was smooth and easy. Cons: the silk demo was a lackluster 30-second demonstration of a loom, followed by a mandatory exit through the gift shop. They claim to make all of their own products but there's a clear sign for the times that external suppliers can drop off their wares. I booked this tour with the understanding that it would be a deeper look into a handloom workshop, but it was just a quick stop at a generic silk warehouse. I could have done that on my own.

    via Viator

    Departure597595 · February 2024

    Great tour! So interesting.

    This was a special treat for me. I am a hobbyist weaver and I booked a day trip from Chennai to Kanchipuram - famous for handwoven silk saris. I was able to observe two weavers making saris using jacquard looms and learned about their weaving process. Additionally, my excellent tour guide took me to two amazing Hindu temples and explained their history and social significance. The driver was excellent..very safe. The lunch ( a traditional South Indian thali) was delicious and my guide explained all of the dishes. I highly recommend this trip. It was private ( I was the only person on the tour), safe and extremely interesting.

    via Tripadvisor

    rdscott · April 2023

    A vey enjoyable and worthwhile tour.

    For me, this tour included a number of nice 'gems'. We visited a number of very old and very impressive temples (all very very different from each other), a visit to a 'step-back-in-time' house plus a saree manufacturer. And a traditional lunch. All very interesting. Nivi was my Guide for the day, who conducted the tour in a very un-rushed manner (which was great), providing information not only on the sites being visited but was very open in answering my questions on India in-general. She even assisted me in bargaining on a purchase to an un-scheduled store plus my single purchase in the silk store. A vey enjoyable and worthwhile tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    cmdeckerumich · February 2023

    Fantastic Tour!

    Our group of about 10 travelers had a wonderful experience on our private tour of Kanchipuram! Our guide, Kannan, was very informed, organized, and entertaining. Both of the temples we saw were absolutely breath taking and Kannan did a fantastic job of explaining everything within them. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant, where we were walked through a traditional dining experience. Finally, we were welcomed very warmly into the saree shop, where we saw the weaving process, tried on sarees, and purchased some incredible handmade items. Overall, we had a great experience and would absolutely recommend the 5 sense tours and Kannan for your trip to Chennai!

    via Tripadvisor

    Frank K · February 2020

    Wonderful Day Tour to Extraordinary Sights

    My wife and I had a private full-day tour of two spectacular locations near Chennai. Our first stop was at two ancient (400 year old) temples in the town of Kanchipuram. The temple were truly impressive in size and detail, with tall structures covered with elaborate carvings. Next we visited Mahabalipuram, a place that definitely deserves its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The shore temple, balancing rock, and ancient lighthouse were all Interesting, but the Panch Rathas stands out as most extraordinary. 400 years ago, ancient Pallava kings had hundreds of craftsmen take an enormous football field size monolithic granite outcropping and carve it into five large structures, one being a life size elephant. Pictures can not do it justice. You have to see this with your own eyes. Everything we did on this trip was greatly enhanced by our tour guide, Kannan and our hardworking driver, whose name I don’t recall. We have been on numerous tours but never have we met a tour guide so dedicated to his clients. Kanan spent much of the long drive to fill us in on Indian culture. He led us through each site, sharing his knowledge to explain what we were seeing. He brought us to a great local restaurant and could find us a decent toilet whenever needed. He added places to the published itinerary because he wanted us to experience as much as possible. For example he brought us to a traditional house house full of antiques. He also added an extra stop at the old church of San Thome, built in the 16th century by the Portuguese, over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. This is one of only three churches in the world built over the remains on an apostle. We felt very fortunate to have Kannan as our guide.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $123 to $155
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
    Review evidence (18% weight)32
    Booking momentum (14% weight)24
    Value for money (12% weight)56
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)45
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chennai.

    How much does Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai cost?

    +

    Prices start at $123 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chennai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chennai is not rushed.

    Is Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chennai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chennai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chennai and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chennai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Chennai?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Chennai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Gods of Mylapore walking tour: Journey Through Living Traditions, Chennai tour in car with guide-winner of traveller's choice award, Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram by tourism ministry approved company. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Chennai?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Chennai?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai?

    +

    Included: Pick up and drop Chennai hotels or Airport; Lunch; Private car; and Entrance charges. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 5 listed pickup locations in and around Chennai. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai?

    +

    Across 5 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Day trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai.

    Pick your date