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Kandhakottam Temple is located in the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a Hindu shrine for Lord Murugan, God of war and victory. An ancient temple with brilliant Dravidian architecture and historical significance, it has become a popular destination for devotees and tourists looking for spiritual salvation and blessings. The temple has an amazing history, a placid and meditative ambience, and beautiful architecture. This makes it an attraction spot among devotees and travellers interested to know about Tamil culture, tradition, and religious history.
Quick Details Of The Kandhakottam Temple
Location: George Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
Best Time To Visit: October and March
Time Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (20 km)
Kandhakottam Temple Location
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kandhakottam Temple is set apart as one of the oldest areas of the city, the George Town of Chennai. This vibrantly lit area is full of historical places, traditional markets, and busy culture and urban experience combined well. The temple is cool and serene amidst the noise of the city, surrounded in every direction by busy markets and heritage buildings. It is smack in the centre of the city and offers good access to tourists and locals alike. The towering gopurams and intricate carvings of the Kandhakottam Temple act as a cityscape.
How To Reach
Photo: Arian Zwegers / Wikimedia Commons
Kandhakottam Temple can be easily accessed if you know the landmark and address of the place properly. You can reach the temple by any mode of transport.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 20 km away. To reach the temple, you may hire a taxi or take public transport such as buses and suburban railways.
By Train: Chennai Central Railway Station is 2 km from the temple and one of the busiest in India; reaching the temple from here is easy as one can just take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.
By Road: Chennai is well-connected to the city with a well-bound network of highways; one can easily reach the temple from different city parts. Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available from different parts of Chennai, leading to Parrys Corner, where the temple is located.
Places To Visit Near Kandhakottam Temple
You can visit the places near the temple and learn more about Tamil Nadu’s culture and traditions.
1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Photo: LoggaWiggler / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is about 8 km from the Kandhakottam Temple; this grand ancient temple is like a classical Hindu temple in Chennai and is devoted to Lord Shiva. A popular pilgrimage site, the temple boasts elaborate Dravidian architecture and an air of serenity. You will see the towering gopuram, intricate sculptures, and the temple tank. The colourful festivals, such as the Arubathimoovar festival, celebrate the gathering of thousands of devotees and tourists.
Location: About 8 km from Kandhakottam Temple, Mylapore.
Things To Do: Explore the temple, visit the sacred temple tank, and attend the evening aarti
2. Fort St. George
Photo: L.vivian.richard / Wikimedia Commons
Fort St. George is only 2 km away from the Kandhakottam Temple. It is a historical monument and museum that was built by the British East India Company in 1644. The fort represents Chennai’s colonial past and is home to St. Mary’s Church and a museum showing relics of the British Raj. You will gain a glimpse into the city’s history and how colonisation influenced present-day Chennai.
Location: 2 km from Kandhakottam Temple, Chennai
Things To Do: Visit St. Mary’s Church and explore the Fort Museum
3. Marina Beach
Photo: KARTY JazZ / Wikimedia Commons
Marina Beach is located about 5 km from the temple, Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world. A visit to Chennai is incomplete without a walk along this storied beach, where the sea breeze, a sunset view, and local snacks entice you. Statues and monuments commemorating Tamil culture and history can also be found on the beach. This is perfect after a spiritual visit to the temple.
Location: 5 km from Kandhakottam Temple, Chennai
Things To Do: Go to the beach and visit the statues and memorials
4. St. Thomas Mount
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
St. Thomas Mount, located 12 km away from the temple, is a hilltop shrine that offers panoramic views across the entire expanse of Chennai. You can find one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, St. Thomas-martyred here. Accessible through well-laid roads, the peaceful shrine at the top of the hill, deriving pleasant views of the city, becomes an inviting pitstop for those seeking solitude and contemplation.
Location: 12 km from Kandhakottam Temple, Chennai
Things To Do: Climb the top of the hill and visit the St. Thomas Garrison Church
5. Parry’s Corner And Sowcarpet
Photo: Arvind Rangarajan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
After visiting Kandhakottam Temple, check out nearby Parry’s Corner and Sowcarpet, famous for their active markets. The other nearby areas are the busy shopping streets offering everything from traditional Indian garments to spices and sweets. It would be the best opportunity to see local life and get souvenir gifts that represent the cultural and commercial traits of Chennai. This is one of the busiest markets during the festivals and celebrations.
Location: Parrys Corner in George Town, Chennai
Things To Do: Explore markets, eat jalebi (chaat and samosas), and visit heritage buildings
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Simon / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Photography: Photography is strictly forbidden on temple premises, especially in the sanctorum.
Cost Of The Trip: A journey to Kandhakottam Temple can be made quite economical, though expenses could vary depending on your choice of accommodation and the medium of travel. The average cost of the trip may vary from ₹3,000 to ₹10,000, which depends on budget hotels and luxurious hotels, respectively.
Kandhakottam Temple is not only an important religious site but, with its history and culture included, a crown jewel for the city of Chennai. Its rich traditions, beautiful architecture, and serene surroundings provide an intense spiritual experience. Whether one seeks solace like devotion to Murugan or mere travel for self-exploration, this place has it all to offer. Plan your visit with TripXL and lose yourself in that age-old spiritual stream that this ancient oasis offers.
Cover Photo: Simply CVR / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
