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Kanchipuram, the “City of Thousand Temples,” is not only a cultural hub but also a vibrant shopping destination known for its traditional silk sarees and artisanal crafts. Shopping in Kanchipuram is an enriching experience, blending centuries-old traditions with modern influences. From street markets to prominent shopping centres, this city offers a wide variety of items that appeal to locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re exploring for gifts or adding to your collection of handmade treasures, Kanchipuram is the place to be. In this guide, we cover the best spots for shopping, along with practical information to plan your visit.
Top 10 Places Shopping In Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is one of the major tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu. The place has a great market, here is a list of the top 10 places for shopping in Kanchipuram.
1. Main Silk Market
Photo: Urvi Kotasthane / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kanchipuram’s silk markets are famous for their intricate, handwoven silk sarees. Known for their elegance and durability, Kanchipuram silk sarees are often passed down through generations. In these markets, you will find artisans showcasing vibrant, handcrafted sarees with beautiful zari work and timeless designs. Ideal for weddings, festivals, or special occasions, shopping for silk in these markets offers both cultural immersion and a unique shopping experience. These sarees come with their regional authenticity, making them stand out globally.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Major Attractions: Traditional silk sarees, intricate Zari work
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
2. Street Shopping In Kanchipuram
Photo: Aditya Mahar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For those who love to explore street markets, Kanchipuram offers lively avenues where vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewellery to fabrics and small trinkets. Street shopping in Kanchipuram allows you to interact with locals and find unique, handmade items. The bustling atmosphere, combined with the variety of products available at affordable prices, makes street shopping in Kanchipuram an essential part of your visit. Expect to find home décor, accessories, and textiles that reflect the region’s rich artistic heritage.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Major Attractions: Handcrafted jewellery, textiles, souvenirs
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
3. Shopping Centre In Kanchipuram
Photo:Cindy Wiryakusuma/AusAID / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For a more modern shopping experience, Kanchipuram’s shopping centres offer a variety of retail stores. These centres typically house everything from traditional items to contemporary fashion, electronics, and more. While the focus in Kanchipuram is on local crafts and silk sarees, shopping centres also cater to the needs of travellers looking for convenience and variety in one location. These centres are perfect for those who prefer structured shopping environments, with fixed prices and organised aisles.
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays for less crowded shopping
Major Attractions: Traditional and modern items under one roof
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
4. Wholesale Markets For Silk Fabrics
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kanchipuram is also home to several wholesale markets that sell silk fabrics in bulk. These markets are ideal for those looking to purchase large quantities of fabric for commercial use or special events. Wholesale prices are often more competitive, and buyers can find exclusive designs that are not readily available in retail shops. It’s important to visit these markets with a clear idea of what you need, as the sheer variety of fabrics and patterns can be overwhelming.
Best Time To Visit: Morning hours
Major Attractions: Bulk purchases of silk fabrics
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
5. Handicraft Bazaars
Photo: Liz Pullan Pattathy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For those interested in more than just sarees, Kanchipuram’s handicraft bazaars are filled with beautiful local crafts. These markets are the perfect place to find wood carvings, bronze idols, and other traditional crafts that have been passed down through generations. The bazaars are bustling with artisans showcasing their handcrafted products, each piece telling a unique story of the town’s artistic heritage. Perfect for gifts or souvenirs, these bazaars are a must-visit for craft lovers.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Major Attractions: Wooden crafts, bronze idols, pottery
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
6. Local Boutiques For Custom Orders
Photo: Nathana Rebouças / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Many boutiques in Kanchipuram specialise in custom-made sarees, offering the opportunity to select your own fabric, design, and colour scheme. This personal touch allows you to create a one-of-a-kind piece, tailored exactly to your preferences. Local artisans take pride in their work, ensuring that each saree is made to perfection. Whether for a special occasion or simply as a keepsake, custom-made sarees from these boutiques provide a unique and personalised shopping experience.
Best Time To Visit: Year Round
Major Attractions: Custommade silk sarees
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
7. Traditional Weaving Workshops
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only
For an immersive shopping experience, many traditional weaving workshops in Kanchipuram allow visitors to observe the intricate process of silk saree production. These workshops offer an educational aspect to your shopping trip, as you learn how the iconic Kanchipuram sarees are crafted from raw silk threads to finished masterpieces. Visitors often get the chance to purchase directly from the workshop, ensuring the authenticity of their purchase and supporting local artisans.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Major Attractions: Live weaving demonstrations, direct purchase
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
8. Temple Street Markets
Photo: Sarah Stierch / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kanchipuram is known for its temples, and surrounding many of these holy sites are vibrant markets where vendors sell religious artefacts, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. Temple Street markets are ideal for those looking to buy spiritual items like prayer beads, statues, and other devotional goods. In addition, these markets also offer a variety of textiles, jewellery, and snacks. The lively atmosphere around the temples makes these markets a bustling part of the shopping scene in Kanchipuram.
Best Time To Visit: During temple festivals or weekends
Major Attractions: Religious artifacts, spiritual souvenirs
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
9. Antique Markets
Photo: Jahanzeb Ahsan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kanchipuram is also home to several antique markets where collectors can find rare and valuable items. These markets often feature vintage pieces, ranging from old jewellery to artefacts from centuries past. Visiting these markets is like stepping back in time, and while the prices can be higher than other markets, the authenticity and historical value of these antiques make them worth the investment.
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings for fresh finds
Major Attractions: Vintage jewellery, historical artefacts
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
10. Festive Markets
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only
During festival seasons, Kanchipuram’s markets light up with even more vibrancy, offering special items related to the celebration. These festive markets are perfect for picking up traditional clothing, decorations, and sweets that add to the joyous atmosphere of the town’s many religious and cultural events. Shopping in Kanchipuram during festivals not only gives you access to unique items but also allows you to witness the town’s rich traditions up close.
Best Time To Visit: During major festivals (Pongal, Diwali)
Major Attractions: Festive clothing, decorations, sweets
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, 72 km
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station, 2 km
Shopping in Kanchipuram is an enriching experience, offering everything from traditional silk sarees to handcrafted souvenirs. Whether you’re exploring street shopping in Kanchipuram or visiting the more structured shopping centres in Kanchipuram, the variety and richness of products are unparalleled. No matter what you’re seeking, the local markets and shops in this historical town provide a unique shopping journey. Plan your visit wisely to enjoy the best of what Kanchipuram has to offer with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Yogendra Singh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
