Places to Visit Near Kumbakonam

Kashi Viswanath Temple is an important temple and is linked with the origins of the Mahamaham Festival. The temple another beautiful representation of Chola architecture is known to house the deities of all the river goddesses in Hindu mythology.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 22 km

Located in the tiny village of Suryanar Koil near the town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Suryanar Koil Temple (also known as Sri Suryanar Temple) is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God. Presided by Suriyanar, the Sun and its consorts- Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi, the temple also houses the planetary deities.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 14 km

Located in the village of Kanjanur, 18 kms from the city of Kumbakonam, Kanjanur Sukran Temple (also known as Agneeswarar Temple) is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Sukra (celestial deity- Venus). However, the presiding deity of the shrine is Lord Shiva in the form of Agniswarar. The temple has been established with the common belief that Lord Shiva is all- pervading and that Venus (Sukra deity) is located within the stomach of Lord Shiva.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 17 km

Known For : Velankanni Church Velankanni Beach Velankanni Church Museum

Quaint and calm, Velankanni is a little hamlet tucked away in the state of Tamil Nadu, on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It is a famous Roman Catholic pilgrim centre and is visited by thousands of devotees for its shrine of ‘Our Lady of Good Health’ aka Mother Mary. Inspired by the Lourdes in France, Velankanni is also known as the “Lourdes of the East”. It has become one of the vital Marian sanctuaries of the world.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 74 km

Best Time: October to March

6 Velankanni Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy escape that offers the best of both worlds. The streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, also known as White Town, are dotted with charming mustard-yellow colonial structures with bougainvillaea laden walls.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 128 km

Best Time: October to March

49 Pondicherry Attractions

Known For : Gingee Fort Sathanur Dam Annamalaiyar Temple

A town that offers a significant history adorned in its countless temples and ashrams, Thiruvannamalai is where Hindu Mythology takes the form of stunning architecture. Perched on top of the Malai hill, Thiruvannamalai is a holy town, most famous for its Arunachala temple among numerous other temples and ashrams dedicated to saints of olden times.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 171 km

Best Time: October to March

9 Thiruvannamalai Attractions

Salem may be the fifth largest city in Tamil Nadu in terms of its area but is largest when it comes to breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil holy shrines. There are several famous Hindu temples – Kottai Mariamman Temple, Sugavaneshwarar Temple, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), to name a few. The city also houses several noteworthy mosques and churches. Salem is located 340 km away from the capital, Chennai.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 202 km

Best Time: September to October

10 Salem Attractions

Known For : Kamakshi Amman Temple Varadharaja Perumal Temple Devarajaswami Temple

Widely known for its beautiful 'Kanchipuram sarees' and also referred to as the 'golden city of a thousand temples', Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist attraction. Kanchipuram or Kanchi attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world who are interested in Hinduism or just want to enjoy the marvel of South Indian architecture and grandeur. It is particularly known for being a culture and philosophical hub. With such an association being made with the city, it is only natural that this destination has become such an influential centre in these avant-garde times.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 230 km

Best Time: October to May

16 Kanchipuram Attractions

Known For : Brihadeeswara Temple Saraswathi Mahal Library Shiva Ganga Garden

Also known as Tanjore or the city of temples, Thanjavur has a lot of cultural value and is known for its famous Tanjore paintings, antiques and handicrafts, textiles and saris , its Carnatic music and musical instruments and of course the temples. Thanjavur enjoys a rich historical heritage and holds a very important position in the moulding of ancient as well modern south Indian civilization. Being of religious importance, this place is a must for all pilgrims. There are many religious places in and around the district.

Distance from Kumbakonam: 41 km

Best Time: October to March

15 Thanjevur Attractions