Chennai to Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is located about 75 kilometres from Chennai. Because of its proximity and importance as a tourist destination, one can find some buses available to travel from Chennai to Kanchipuram. It is the most affordable mode of transport but often not preferred because of the low frequency of buses heading to Kanchipuram.

There are some tourism companies though that offer sightseeing packages instead of just a drop to the city. This allows the tourists to explore all possible attraction in and around the destinations. Having said that, if one wants only a drop to Kanchipuram, they would have to keep a close watch on the bus timings and get their tickets booked well in advance. Online platforms are also available to book bus tickets instantly.

Reaching Kanchipuram from Chennai by taxi or self-driven vehicles is most recommended as the frequency of buses is not as much between the destinations. Also, the ride takes just about 3 to 4 hours with a small stop in between. Therefore, it can be a good option for a road trip to Kanchipuram from Chennai for tourists.

There are two routes to choose from. The first is the shorter one that goes via AH 45. It measures about 75 kilometres. The other is comparatively longer and stretches about 80 kilometres or so. It goes via NH 32. Both the routes have a decent number of restaurants/ eateries where travellers can halt for refreshments.

One can also combine sightseeing along with their road trip to Kanchipuram. In fact, several tourism companies also offer sightseeing packages along with cab/ taxi bookings. The vehicles available are hatchbacks, sedans, sports utility vehicles etc. For a bigger group of travellers, there are minibuses tourist vans, Volvo buses available on rent in A/C and Non A/C varieties. These outstation rides can be booked on online portals like Savaari, Get Transfer, Clear Car Rental etc. and one choose between economic and premium rides depending on the level of comfort they want. Some of these rides can also be booked on an hourly basis instead of a standard one-way or return trip.

The Routes That Can Be Taken

Route 1: The AH 45 route

75 Kilometres, 3 hours

MC Nichols Road, Chennai – Poonamallee High Road/ AH 45/ NH 48 – Koyambedu Flyover on NH 48/ AH 45. Kanchipuram is about 68 to 69 kilometres away from Koyambedu Flyover.

Route 2: The NH 32 route

80 Kilometres, 3 hours 25 minutes

Deputy Mayor Kabalamorthy Road, Chennai – Anna Salai/ NH 32 – General Patters Road – White Road – Anna Salai – Sardar Patel Road/ SH 48/ NH 32 – G S T Road – SH 110/ Mudichur Main Road – Manimangalam Main Road on SH 110 – SH 57/ Shree Perambathur High Road – NH 48/ AH 45. Kanchipuram is about 32 kilometres from Shree Perambathur High Road.

Road Condition

The network of highways that connect Kanchipuram to Chennai is a well-maintained network. Both the routes that lead to Kanchipuram are access controlled, 4-lane highways. There are toll booths at intervals on both the routes. The roads are smooth but often have a high level of traffic. So, travelling during the peak hours could increase the journey time considerably.

Eating Options on the Way

There are some local restaurant or eateries on both the routes that lead to Kanchipuram from Chennai. Since the distance between the destinations is short, travellers seldom halt for a meal but if one has to they can head to Copper Kitchen, Archana’s or Sathyam Grand Resorts.