Kanchipuram is a typical temple town, with lots of pilgrim dharamsalas and hardly any tourist hotels. But the TTDC Hotel Tamil Nadu, 78 Kamatchiamman Sannathi Street (tel 2953, 2954) is a pleasant place, with rooms from Rs200, and a nice restaurant. Cheap alternatives are Raja’s Lodge and Rama’s Lodge, adjoining each other in Nellukkara St, close to the bus-stand. Both charge Rs40 for clean rooms with hard beds and boisterous Indian neighbours. The Rama is the better deal, with a pleasant sun-roof and a vegetarian restaurant.SHOPPINGWith a weaving tradition dating back to the Pallava era (when silk was the royal cloth, Kanchipuram is justly famous for its particularly fine silk saris, embellished with stunning zari patterns. There’s no problem finding shops—over 5000 families are currently engaged in the weaving industry—but there is a problem finding ones which speak English or don’t rip off tourists. Avoid expensive private emporia, and stick to the cheap government co-operatives. Places like Murudan in Railway Rd; Srinivas & Co, 135 Thirukatchi Nambi St; Thiruvallur Co-operative Society, 207 Gandhi Rd; or Kamatchi Co-optex, 182 Gandhi Rd, have a good name. For shopping advice, and to see top-quality Kanchi silk being produced on the looms, call in on the Handlooms Weavers Service Centre at 20 Railway Rd, just up the road from the post office. Open 9.15 am-5.45 pm on weekdays only.EATING OUT
There is not a great choice: Masala dosa (the traditional south Indian snack of spiced vegetables within a thick pancake envelope), thalis and precious little else. For something slightly more thrilling, take a rickshaw over to New Madras Hotel or Pandiyan Restaurant. The latter is in Station Rd, and attempts Chinese food. If you’re happy with local food, try either Hotel Tamil Nadu or Sri Rama Cafe (opposite Raja’s Lodge). The little restaurant next to Raja’s has good-value Rs5 dosa dinners and an air-conditioned lounge where you can practise ‘cooling’ coffee the Tamil way.
There is not a great choice: Masala dosa (the traditional south Indian snack of spiced vegetables within a thick pancake envelope), thalis and precious little else. For something slightly more thrilling, take a rickshaw over to New Madras Hotel or Pandiyan Restaurant. The latter is in Station Rd, and attempts Chinese food. If you’re happy with local food, try either Hotel Tamil Nadu or Sri Rama Cafe (opposite Raja’s Lodge). The little restaurant next to Raja’s has good-value Rs5 dosa dinners and an air-conditioned lounge where you can practise ‘cooling’ coffee the Tamil way.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The tourist office is at the Hotel Tamil Nadu. The Archaeological Survey of India office opposite Kailasanathar Temple is helpful, but often closed. The post office, Kossa St, is just below the bus-stand. State Bank of India (tel 2521) is on Gandhi Road.
