Where to Stay : 
There are about three free ‘ choultrees’ and one or two south Indian 
style hotels. Rooms can be had at the beautiful P. W. D. travellers’ 
bungalow by advance intimation to the Collector of Chingleput, 
Madras State. 
Mahabalipuram, standing on the edge of the sea is indeed ideal 
for a holiday. It has an air of serenity and peace situated as it is 
in the midst of its historic art and casuarina groves. Surf-bathing 
here is excellent and makes it a popular resort for holiday makers. 
KANCHIPURAM—THE GOLDEN CITY 
Only 47 miles from Madras is Kanchipuram—also known as 
Conjeevaram—one of India’s seven sacred places of pilgrimage and 
the capital of the ancient Pallavas. The huge lovely temples here 
should be seen for their carved pillars, towers and fine porches. 
In and around Kanchi, there are temples galore. Those wishing to 
study the evolution of south Indian temple architecture could not 
choose a better place. 
Among the oldest of the temples is the Kailasnath temple (over 
1200 years old) with its lovely Pallava architecture and sculpture. 
The surrounding shrines still have fragments of early Pallava 
paintings. 
Vaikunthaperumal temple has fine examples of south Indian temple 
architecture containing scores of poses depicting the God Vishnu. 
MAHABALIPURAM-ARjUNA’S PENANCE 
Of the smaller temples those which should not be missed are the 
Mukteswara, Matangeswara, Airavateswara and Tripurantakeswara 
temples. 
The Ekambareswara temple with its huge ‘gopuram’ is one of 
the best known. It is unique with a tradition dating from the pre- 
Pallava period and has been shaped by the hands of generations of 
sculptors from the time of the Pallavas to the Cholas and the Vijayanagar 
empire. Most beautiful indeed is the Varadaraja temple with its hundred- 
pillared mandapam. It dates from the 12th century A. D. and has a 
fabulous collection of the jewellers’ art, rich in artistic and historic 
value. 
Massive grandeur and a wealth of design is the heritage of 
Kanchi. To-day it is an important centre of pilgrimage as it was centuries 
ago. A great seat of religious learning, it remains a stronghold of south 
Indian culture and traditions. 
Kanchi is also a centre of the handloom industry. Some of 
India’s prettiest silk saris are the products of the skill of Kanchi 
craftsmen. 
Kanchi’s comfortable travellers’ bungalow has rooms which can 
be reserved by advance intimation. 
For all help and information write to or contact the Government 
of India Tourist Information Bureau, Madras. 
itlllil 
- -Mli 
<•:i , 
CONJEEVARAM-RATHAYATRA 
MADRAS—SANTHOME CATHEDRAL 
