Kanchipuram is one of the oldest and holiest cities in India, often referred to as the “City of Thousand Temples.” Its history dates back to at least the 2nd century BCE, and it was the capital of the Pallava dynasty between the 4th and 9th centuries CE. The Pallavas fortified and developed Kanchipuram into a major religious and cultural center, known especially for its magnificent Dravidian-style temples dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu.

The city continued to flourish under the Chola and Vijayanagara empires. Besides its religious significance, Kanchipuram is famous worldwide for its exquisite silk sarees, crafted by skilled weavers using traditional methods. Kanchipuram is also a major pilgrimage site revered in both Shaivism and Vaishnavism traditions.