Photo spot in Kanchipuram
Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
The oldest temple in Kanchipuram — an 8th-century Pallava sandstone Shiva temple with 58 shrine cells, fragile frescoes and exquisite early Dravidian carving.
Best time
Early morning, when low sun warms the sandstone and the courtyard is still quiet.
Best angle
Stand back in the courtyard and take a wide photo of the row of small shrines with the tower of the main shrine rising behind them, if photos are allowed that day.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Kailasanathar Temple
Early morning, when low sun warms the sandstone and the courtyard is still quiet. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Kailasanathar Temple
Stand back in the courtyard and take a wide photo of the row of small shrines with the tower of the main shrine rising behind them, if photos are allowed that day. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the shrine cells
Before the sandstone vimana
Outfit guide
What to wear at Kailasanathar Temple
For photos at Kailasanathar Temple, rust, cream and saffron work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Kailasanathar Temple.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Kanchipuram.
Eat nearby
Food near Kailasanathar Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for filter coffee nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Visit early in the morning, when low light brings out the carvings.
Take an auto-rickshaw from the town centre, as the temple is a few kilometres away.
Do not touch or lean on the carvings, as the sandstone is soft and easily damaged.
Ask at the entrance whether photography is allowed, and never photograph the sanctum.
Walk the whole courtyard to see all the small shrines along the wall.
Wear modest clothes and remove your shoes before you enter.
Carry water and a hat, as the open courtyard gets hot by late morning.
About Kailasanathar Temple
Kailasanathar is the oldest temple in Kanchipuram, built around 700 CE by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha, and completed by his son. Unlike the granite temples in the town centre, it is built mostly of soft sandstone, which gives it a warm colour and a weathered look.
The main shrine is surrounded by a courtyard wall lined with 58 small shrines, with carvings of Shiva, rearing lions and other figures, and faint traces of old paintings survive in places. The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is still used for worship. It sits away from the busy centre, so it is usually much quieter than the town's big pilgrim temples.
Questions
Kailasanathar Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kailasanathar Temple?
Early morning, when low sun warms the sandstone and the courtyard is still quiet. Stand back in the courtyard and take a wide photo of the row of small shrines with the tower of the main shrine rising behind them, if photos are allowed that day.
Is there an entry fee at Kailasanathar Temple?
Entry to Kailasanathar Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Kailasanathar Temple?
Kailasanathar Temple is open 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
What should I wear at Kailasanathar Temple?
Rust, cream and saffron photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Kailasanathar Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when low sun warms the sandstone and the courtyard is still quiet.
What food should I try near Kailasanathar Temple?
Try filter coffee, available at nearby restaurants.
What is Kailasanathar Temple famous for?
It is famous as the oldest temple in Kanchipuram and one of the finest early Pallava temples, known for its sandstone carvings, 58 small shrines around the courtyard and traces of old paintings.
How old is Kailasanathar Temple?
It was built around 700 CE by the Pallava king Rajasimha, which makes it about 1,300 years old.
Can I take photos at Kailasanathar Temple?
Visitors often photograph the outside and the courtyard, as it is a protected monument as well as a working temple. Photos of the sanctum are not allowed, and rules can change, so ask at the entrance first.
How much time do I need at Kailasanathar Temple?
About 1 hour is enough to walk around the courtyard, see the carvings and take photos. Allow longer if you enjoy architecture.